• American Bariatrics is a free online Bariatric Support Group. Register for your free account and get access to all of our great features!

Indulgent weekend

Even though I met my protein and water goals all weekend, I definitely went overboard on the food. Stepped on the scale for my bi weekly weigh in and verified what I already knew-too much food fun LOL Now, I could take this and feel like crap about it, or accept that I had a rare crazy food weekend. I totally own my food choices and celebrate the fact that I have the ability to indulge and go back to eating within my new norm. I do not always maintain a positive attitude, I struggle mentally and emotionally, but it rarely revolves around food. Food used to be what I turned to, not the reason of my depression.
This surgery is a tool for our body, but it does nothing to change the brain.
We wake up every morning with the ability to start over. I remember why I started this journey: FOR ME! This is the most selfish thing I’ve ever done, and I completely embrace it. Of course the people in my life benefit from my being healthier, but at the end of the day, this surgery was for me. Celebrate the victories, evaluate the setbacks, but do not allow them to define the journey.
5016
 
I love this post. It is a great example of a positive mind set toward food. I still don't always manage that and find myself being very hard on myself over any bad choices. This served as a great reminder that no one is perfect and that's okay.
 
As a recovering Binge Eating Disorder (BED) patient, awareness and acknowledgment is the number one thing. You definitely have such a strong awareness of your situation and where you took a U-turn. You have such a great outlook. You’ve got this!
 
Thank you for sharing your message! It’s not about berating ourselves for deviations, just self-love and making different choices at the next opportunity. Love the accountability with the biweekly weigh in.
 
I am 6 months out from the sleeve surgery and two months out from knee replacement surgery. My bariatric surgeon wanted me to wait later to get knee replacement but my ortho doctor said I needed to get the surgery done. I do think it threw me off of the bariatric food plan and so did the holidays. However, I did lose about 8 pounds without knowing it. Now I am having a hard time with compulsive eating and binge eating. I don't want to lose the momentum I had. I need to get back on track. My first follow up with my bariatric surgeon was very disappointing. Even though I was following all the "rules" I felt he was badgering me to find some fault with what I was doing. I was supposed to go back to see him in January but do not plan to do that. I do have a separate nutritionist who I recently saw and who was very encouraging. I don't know if that is enough to get me going in the right direction. So I thought I would check out the online support. Please tell me I have not done too much damage and can find my way back. I have lost close to 60 pounds and need to lose another 25 to meet my goal.
 
Shirley it sounds like you are on the right track to get back to where you want to be. Do not feel discouraged. It’s about the mentality of getting back to where you were when you were feeling successful. While weight loss will slow as you get closer to your goal, that’s pretty normal. Slow and steady!
 
Shirley Jean- you have lost 60 pounds in six months!! Holey Moley! I want to be you in six months. You are on track - The knee replacement was a big bump in the road, and with the stresses that imposed on you, your brain has slipped back into that deep behavior rut of compulsive eating (I have that rut too, and I think it will always be there to trip me up sometimes). You have gotten out of that rut before though, and you will this time too. You are still taking care of yourself - you got the sleeve done, you got the knee done, you are reaching out to your surgeon and other resources for support. Good job.
You are beating yourself up right now, so what ever words your surgeon said that felt like badgering were filtered through that perspective. And maybe he was being a jerk that day or didn't say things to you very thoughtfully, but keep your follow up appointment. Stay engaged with the process that has already worked for you.
 
Hey, Shirley. It is extremely important to continue with your follow up care. It is your health team's responsibility to question whether you are following the rules and repeat/reinforce them. My doctor STILL asks me every time I see her about sugar, fat intake, if I am waiting 30 minutes between drinking and meals etc. I am 19 months post op. And sometimes it annoys me too but that's her job.

And since you have admitted you are having issues with binge/compulsive eating, it's even more important to get the support and input of your bariatric team. You can of course find your way back and continue to lose. Just get back to following your plan and you'll be fine. Good luck.
 
Hi Shirley! It seems like you are recognizing and identifying where you need additional support. Have you decided or are you working with a therapist? They may be able to help you identify and practice coping skills to address the binge/compulsive eating. You’ve gone through a lot with two major surgeries. Also like it was mentioned, keep your appointments. In my opinion, many surgeons lack true bedside manners, their job is to cut and make sure the maintain the integrity of their work and keep you healthy. If it helps. When I talk to my neurosurgeon I treat his questioning like a paper questionnaire. It’s not like they lack humanity, but it is almost like they have a checklist to maintain. Not all, some are as personable as all get out, but there are some who “struggles”. Also 60 lbs…congratulations! View it this way. Average loss of excess weight is 70%. (Some say 50-70%). You have lost 60 out of your identified 85 lbs of excess weight, so about 71%! You’re doing amazing! Don’t give up!
 
Even though I met my protein and water goals all weekend, I definitely went overboard on the food. Stepped on the scale for my bi weekly weigh in and verified what I already knew-too much food fun LOL Now, I could take this and feel like crap about it, or accept that I had a rare crazy food weekend. I totally own my food choices and celebrate the fact that I have the ability to indulge and go back to eating within my new norm. I do not always maintain a positive attitude, I struggle mentally and emotionally, but it rarely revolves around food. Food used to be what I turned to, not the reason of my depression.
This surgery is a tool for our body, but it does nothing to change the brain.
We wake up every morning with the ability to start over. I remember why I started this journey: FOR ME! This is the most selfish thing I’ve ever done, and I completely embrace it. Of course the people in my life benefit from my being healthier, but at the end of the day, this surgery was for me. Celebrate the victories, evaluate the setbacks, but do not allow them to define the journey. View attachment 5016


You described my week away in Florida. I am trying to get back on track and it isn't easy but I know I will get there. I always have admired your positive mindset 3mom!
 
I am 6 months out from the sleeve surgery and two months out from knee replacement surgery. My bariatric surgeon wanted me to wait later to get knee replacement but my ortho doctor said I needed to get the surgery done. I do think it threw me off of the bariatric food plan and so did the holidays. However, I did lose about 8 pounds without knowing it. Now I am having a hard time with compulsive eating and binge eating. I don't want to lose the momentum I had. I need to get back on track. My first follow up with my bariatric surgeon was very disappointing. Even though I was following all the "rules" I felt he was badgering me to find some fault with what I was doing. I was supposed to go back to see him in January but do not plan to do that. I do have a separate nutritionist who I recently saw and who was very encouraging. I don't know if that is enough to get me going in the right direction. So I thought I would check out the online support. Please tell me I have not done too much damage and can find my way back. I have lost close to 60 pounds and need to lose another 25 to meet my goal.

Welcome to the group Shirley Jean!

Compulsive eating and binge eating is something I struggle with too and I get how it can sabotage your momentum. But the important thing is to put it in the past as you can't change it. It is never too late to find your way back.

I am concerned though that you decided not to go back to your surgeon. You will need to do all your lab work which is far more intensive than what is normally done by your primary doctor. But I am glad you are also seeing a nutritionist, is he/she with your surgeons group or from another practice?

And as others have said, congratulate yourself on losing 60 lbs! You are 2/3 the way there, so bravo!!!
 
With suggestions from the group, I decided to go back to the bariatric surgeon. However, even though this will be a 6-month checkup, no blood work is scheduled to be done. I am concerned because I frequently have diahrrea and am afraid I am low on nutrients. I also have an appointment with my gastroenterologist this week to discuss this problem. I have had this problem in the past but it seems to be really chronic now. Has anyone else had this problem in conjunction with the sleeve surgery? I know that sometimes I have eaten the wrong thing, but that is not always the problem. I have wondered if it has anything to do with the surgery. Would appreciate input.
 
With suggestions from the group, I decided to go back to the bariatric surgeon. However, even though this will be a 6-month checkup, no blood work is scheduled to be done. I am concerned because I frequently have diahrrea and am afraid I am low on nutrients. I also have an appointment with my gastroenterologist this week to discuss this problem. I have had this problem in the past but it seems to be really chronic now. Has anyone else had this problem in conjunction with the sleeve surgery? I know that sometimes I have eaten the wrong thing, but that is not always the problem. I have wondered if it has anything to do with the surgery. Would appreciate input.
I’m glad you’re going to get things checked out! Keep us posted.
 
Back
Top