[MIMI1025]

Well today is day 4 of the 5 day pouch test and I couldn't be happier. Yesterday on day 3 I did really good and stayed on plan with my food, I was struggling but did okay until it became night. I guess it was around 9:30pm I had a protein bar which most people know is not on plan for day 3 soft proteins. I felt bad after I had eaten it , but I must not have felt bad enough because around 12:30am I was going to bed and past through the kitchen and saw the left over biscuits I had cooked for my husbands dinner in the ziploc bag. Needless to say I crashed and ate a biscuit but I also put a dab of honey on it. I felt really bad then like I had cheated or failed everyone as well as myself. I am going to try my darnest to stay on plan with day 4. I still feel really bad for what I did yesterday eating foods that I shouldn't have. I almost feel like I should go through this again next week because I failed this test and now I feel like a FAILURE. I wish for once that I could complete something and not be a disappointment to someone or myself. . I have a real problem when it comes to self esteem and this just shot it out the door one more time. I have even though about not eat anything today just to make up for failing yesterday. I hope I can do this today I am really struggling here HELP

[kiddiecakes]

ok, First PUT DOWN THE BISCUITS! I am six weeks, almost seven weeks into it and it is tough some days then others. You are going to have a rollercoaster ride. First, call your dietician! She will go over again what you should be eating. Get yourself a journal and write down EVERYTHING you eat. This way you are responsible for what has to go in the book. When you feel hungry, then drink, drink, drink. Also if you know at this stage that you can't handle being around temptation,buy your hubby some canned biscuits and tell him, this is not easy, hide these when your done! Prefix your meals so you have something to look forward to on your own.

You went through all the trouble of having this surgery so now ask yourself WHY? Because you wanted some sort of change. If you cheat, you will not be able to use the tool given to you to help you win. Nobody can do this for you, it is your journey alone. But you will have tons of great advisors here. Enlist in the help of your doctor. You have all the support you need here, but none of it will do you any good until you look at yourself in the mirror and repeat what your goals are and believe in yourself. I have had rough days,weeks but you can get through this. You need to find out if your getting enough protein or liquids in because that will decrease your need to cheat. Hang in there, you can do this. Baby steps all the way!

[dixieladybug]

Don't feel bad. I never made it past day three when I tried this. It might work for some people but for me it brings back all those years of failed dieting. That is something I never want to go back to again. I found the best way is just get back on plan. That has worked for me. More protein, less carbs, more water and upped my exercise. I have lost 6 pounds in the past few weeks. You have done really well. Don't be down on yourself look what you have accomplished. You have so much to be proud of. Now today is a new day. You have your pouch. You already know what to do. Look at some before pictures and after pictures , that should make you smile.

[DocSanae]

Aw (((HUGS))) I don't recommend going on a set program like this, actually. The reason is exactly what you are going through. That, if for one reason or another, you fall off the wagon, you're going to feel bad about yourself.
No need to feel that way. Just take things one day at a time, get through today's program. What if you got waylaid a wee bit, tomorrow's another day.
I'm more with Dixie, it will be better and easier for you, easier to be easier on yourself, by just reviewing the *correct* habits for your pouch that your surgeon gave you, and reinstituting those rules.
Good luck.

[ragdolldude]

Returning to "old eating habits" is an issue you have to deal with. Try mini goals each week. Give up an old habit that has returned each week. Learn to journal all foods and beverages you consume, how much food, along with a notation of your feelings at that time. Sometimes you'll eat when you argue with someone, get stressed etc.--journaling will help you realize your eating habits and potential reasons why you are eating like this. I would highly suggest your attend support groups on a regular basis also. I'm 5 years post op. I started at 365 and got to my lowest wt of 186 at 24 months. I felt weak and gained some wt back and felt better. At one time I was up to 224 pounds, and that was too much. I then got back down to around 210 pounds. I began to exercise last month--I got a new bike and ride it 4-5 miles daily. This morning I was 198. I've also made some minor supplement changes too. I do hope you are having regular lab work done. Around 5 years post op, the majority of us need to make some supplement changes, as our bodies may require more of some specific vitamins. Good luck. DAVE

[pretty woman]

Dont make any more biscuits. There are no tempting foods in my kitchen.
They can eat a basic meal... i.e. protein, veg, a salad... stuff that you are or will be eating now. This is a "fit for life" kind of deal. If family wants something else, they can eat it OUT. I have one basic rule..no pizza in the house. Eat it out... and don't bring any home. I remember the ole pizza box hanging around.."hmm 3 slices left?" "whoops, now there are 2." "Oh it is time breakfast..? now there is 1"...
Start taking care of you now. (It isn't that you aren't fond of Husband any more, and you can tell him that...) but now you are number 1.

[MIMI1025]

Thanks Dixie for that pep talk I really needed it. I have tried to stay on plan today, Day 4 but really haven't had time to eat much today. I know that is not good either. So far today I have managed to eat 4.5 oz of tuna and drank about 20oz of liquid. I am going to make it through day 5 if the Good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise. I really appreciate all the good advise and encouragement you give me. You keep up the good work too and congrats on losing 6 lbs.

[dixieladybug]

Thank you mimi. I never made it to my goal weight. I am trying so hard to make it by my 3 year mark. If I don't i am happy where I am and i am healthy. That is something I could not say before surgery. It sure is hard to lose any weight once you get past that first year isn't it? We will make it. We can do this.

[MIMI1025]

Your welcome Dixie, I wish you well with your weight loss and you are right we can do this. I appreciate all the encouraging words you have given me. Thanks for always giving me some good advice. I am determined to lose my last 23 lbs by Christmas 2011. That is my gift to myself.