[Miki]

I know, I know, everyone is different, but there is this guy at work who had wls a couple of years ago. He drives by about 30 times a day on his forklift, and I noticed that he is gaining weight again. He is munching on something every time I see him. This scares me. I'm not really judging him, (who am I to judge?) I'm just worried that could be me. Obviously I'm not real confident in myself. As you all know, after years and years of failure, you just assume that you will fail again. I need to get that out of my head. Just thinking out loud again......... Don't mind me.
On another note, my son's football game is tonight, he starts on the varsity team. I'm excited for that!! Hope we kick some Saber butt! GO SAINTS!!!

[FemmeMode]

I don't think you should apologize for putting your "feelings" out here....especially here on the boards where somebody is 'bound' to feel the same or simular!!

I think we all struggle with these thoughts....the "what if" this doesn't work??
I was prepared by my surgeon that after 2yrs.....the vast majority of patients gain 15-30# back. I don't know if that's just the way it is...or if it's b/c we get lax....we feel sooo good the way we are, we don't notice the "old habits" creeping back up on us.

My suggestion....for you, and myself...is to keep connected within our WLS community...b/c then we won't forget where we've come from.

Here - now, I'm gonna speak from experience.....
When I was 27 I weighed 290....decided I was gonna do Phen-Fen...and then did Weight Watchers....lost a total of 120#. And said to everyone - including myself - "Thin feels better than food tastes..." & "I will never let myself get back there....."
At the time, I truely believed it....I thought, "for the first time in my life - I get it - and I won't ever be fat again."

I think that is where I went wrong....I was skinny for me, and I hung with skinnies...and didn't remember my "ROOTS". And....I fell....and fell hard!!
It took me 10 years....but I gained it all back and of course the extra 43#!!

Now....I'm more educated...and I'm learning from my mistakes. You may "statistically" be one that gains back 15-30#, so may I....(by the way...by goal accomodates for the extra 30#...I'm good at 180....but my goal is 150 in case I'm a statistic.)....but, anyhow....

Here on this board...I've recently met Deb & Becky....both PostOp over 3 yrs...and they have continued to loose. Both have lost around or over 200#!!! And not been a statistic....They are inspiring...I'm sooo thankful for their presence here...because I have nearly 200# to loose....and don't want to loose site of the goal.
The other reason I'm inspired by them is b/c THEY ARE HERE.... and I know how much their presence means to me....I CAN BE THAT FOR SOMEONE ELSE when I am 3 yrs PostOp. (so can you....)

Don't worry about the "guy in the forecliff"....he is 'where he is' - HE may be your inspiration NOT to gain it back!

Just come on the ride with us....you'll LOVE it! AND.....Don't ever forget your "Roots."

BTW....I think that is why Oprah is soooo wonderful, and successful - she doesn't forget where she came from....and can traverse thru it all....I also thing that is why she's been successful w/ keeping her weight off this time.

[njmom]

Great advice Deb!!! You are the best!

[DocSanae]

Deborah
Miki, you are YOU, not the guy at work.
Stay connected with other WLSers, whether through this board, or the support groups sponsored by whichever surgeon/bariatric centers you choose, and you'll do fine. As Deborah says, don't forget where you were, and work on yourself (this will be a lifetime work) and you'll do fine.

[Kat]

Miki,
I feel the same way that you do at times. It takes time to change old habits and thought patterns (if not a lifetime)!
Sticking with the support of WLS people & God plus my own resolve is how I try and handle situations.
There is strength in numbers when trying to find our way.
Deb & Doc are good people for good advice.

[LittleLisaMarie]

THe most important thing to work on as you are loosing the weight in the begining is dealing with the issues that brought you to this in the first place.....Feeling good about ourselves as we loose the weight and gaining confidence to tackle the issues in our lives that made us turn to food is so important. If you cant do it alone, go to support groups, see a professional who deals with weight issues go to someone....You are not alone on this journey.....we all struggle with this at some point in our post op life.

[Miki]

Thanks everyone for your advice. Deb, you are good at this. I really appreciate your reply. It was super helpful. I've been asking a ton of depressing questions and I'm sorry for that, but I have learned alot from you. You are just what the doctor ordered!

[ChuppyGirl]

Wow I'm impressed Deborah, you are the Pro!

I have definately benifited from your post.

Miki don't panic just stick to your low carb, hi-protien, hi-fiber diet and lots of water and you'll be just fine trust me

Cheers,
Hanadi

[DocSanae]

Miki, no need to apologize for your Qs.
Everyone here's had them, whether they have posted or not.
In fact, keep all your Qs coming, because if you keep them to yourself, you'll never know whether it's something that's quite common, or something that needs some specific attention and has to be dealt with professionally.
Also, your asking all your Qs in itself helps others, who have similar issues and similar thoughts, but are not sure where to turn.
It also helps those who have started their journye ahead of you, in reassessing themselves and where they are, which will help them continue their respective journeys.

This is what this board is for. Peer support, and that means, you are free to ask Qs, free to give answers, and no apologies or excuses are needed.
(((((((HUGS)))))))