A "review" post - Reality Check by Nik
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/rny/4523032/Ok-so-I-think- its-time-for-a-mental-reality-check-here/action,replies/topi c_id,4523032/page,1/
Post Date: 4/17/12 8:03 am
The magic window. The losing phase. Whatever you want to call it.
It holds tremendous opportunities. You lose weight faster in your first 18 mos. of surgery than in the whole rest of your journey. And that’s inspiring. But as a four year post op I have a piece of advice.
As much as you are worrying about the scale and calories and protein and exercise and water intake and vitamins…worry about what’s going on inside your head.
Yes, yes, I know what you are going to say. You are doing that! And I’m sure you are in some way. But I would argue that it should probably be a little bit MORE important to you than even the number on the scale. Why?
Look at posts here on this board. I have seen several over the past few days of folks who are a year, two years, four years out. They have found themselves on the upswing. They have returned to bad habits. They are wondering how to get back on track. All of this is normal and I am so glad this board exists for us to support one another through that struggle.
But I would also empower us to try to do a little bit of pre-emptive work.
Yes, yes, I know you are DOING that already! But is it on par with your efforts with regards to eating and exercise? I wholeheartedly believe there are three arms to this process: there is the physical arm (moving your body more, vitamins), the nutrition angle (eating better…and also vitamins, water, etc.) and the emotional aspect of it. Obesity is not only a physical state but a mental one too. It leaves scars. I would venture to guess someday there might be such a diagnosis as “Obesity related post-traumatic stress disorder."
Those scars don’t go away when you lose the weight. Your old habits and coping mechanisms don’t automatically resolve themselves just because you are unable to practice them (that is, your inclination to soothe, celebrate and commiserate with food doesn’t necessarily go away just because you can’t eat as much).
I understand the euphoria we all feel when we find our efforts FINALLY working. I understand the sheer joy of losing the weight, doing things you never thought possible, fitting into clothes you never thought you’d wear.
I also understand that the mind has an amazing ability to transform anything. It can transform one addiction to another. It can transform one type of bad habit into another type of bad habit. It can transform what is a good reality (a smaller body) into a bad mental image (what you actually see in the mirror).
So mind your brains friends. Just as much as you are minding your eating plans and minding your exercise regimens. Go to support group. Find a counselor. Talk to your pastor. Start a journal. WHATEVER.
Trust me when I say years from now you will thank yourself.
COURAGE TO START, STRENGTH TO ENDURE, RESOLVE TO FINISH
HW 353 SW 317 Original GW 180 Current Wt 170
First 5k 59:18; 5k PR 32:06; 1st 10k 1:20:27; PR 1:08:36
1st Half Marathon 2:48
Pensacola Double Bridge Run 15k- 1:47:34
Three Sprint Triathlons
on 7/9/12 8:50 am
I these 7 words sort of sum up a big part of why a lot of the vets post 90% of what they post.... they've been down the path, bumped their head on a low branch here, stubbed their toe on a tree root there, been distracted by something shiny now-and-again, and seen the "film at eleven" of their journey. Then they watch others walking down the path, and they want to help others, so instead of always saying gently, "now dear, watch out for..." we sometimes come across as a bit abrupt when we say, "Low bridge ahead, DUCK"
(did I mix the metaphors enough?)
~Lady Lithia~ 200 lbs lost!
March 9, 2011 - Coccygectomy!
I chased my dreams, and my dreams, they caught me!
