This is a topic that comes up many times. We all have different ways we tried to lose the weight prior to surgery. I had 15 pounds to lose, some have less, some have more. The formula is easy: Less calories + more exercise= weight loss. No magic, just plain old common sense. Following WW would do it or Atkins (which is more like we eat after surgery) would also work. After eight weeks when I got on the scale I still had 6 pounds to go. I drank Slim fast only, lost the 6 pounds in a week and then begged to be seen immediately for fear of gaining it back.
That was a very silly fear when I think about it. I was bound and determined to make this all work for me so why would I gain it back. I didn't, but I have heard stories from people who do.
I have to be honest here. If you can not find enough discipline to lose 10 or 15 pounds and keep it off for a few months...don't have this surgery. I know that sounds harsh but sometimes life isn't a sugar coated candy treat, some times it's bitter and hurts to swallow. This is surgery folks...not a trip to the amusement park. If you can't control your eating habits prior to surgery, why would you think you'll do it afterward?
I think the biggest part of this whole process is taking charge of your life. Few of us have ever been in control of our lives, or at least some aspect of them and it is all part of our disease of obesity. If you are not willing to tell your husband you need his support, you need to purge your house of foods you can not eat now or perhaps ever. If you have kids at home, you need to tell them a new leaf is being turned and all snacks will be Healthy..if they want junk, they will have to eat it at their friends house. Yes it's hard and it's even harder for Moms who are used to sacrificing...it's hard to be selfish, but that's what it takes.
I'm not quite sure why women feel they need to allow junk in their house because their "Husband " likes it...he is SUPPOSED to love you Hellooooooo. There are some foods that others like that I consider junk and wouldn't think of eating, so I allow that stuff, if they must. But I will not allow temptation in my house. It is the one place I have control.
Sometimes I just want to yell "Stop with the excuses...you gained weight back because you are not willing to change a damn thing and you think this surgery is brain surgery..."
For anyone who reads this pre surgery, I'm here to tell you, you are about to take the biggest step of your life and if you are strong and willing to change not only your life style, but your home situation as well...You will reap the rewards you see at every meeting. But if anything I've written here hits home...as they say, if the shoe fits........Don't waste your time with this surgery, it's just a tool and you have to be dedicated to make it work. If you can't lose the pre surgical weight and you believe you are really trying hard, talk to Bob and show him your journal. Together you may find a solution, but if you know in your heart you can't take control of what you put in your mouth, this surgery will NOT help you. Those are the facts, sad but true...
This is a topic that hits home now, because I have to be so mindful of everything I put in my mouth...My emotional eating is lurking and it has been a struggle. I realize struggles will always be there...Life is full of emotions...so I might as well start now, learning how to control them or at least not feed them. I practice what I preach so there is nothing unhealthy in this house, but I'm sure I could graze myself up a few pounds if I made an effort... or if I lose control of my determination NEVER to be heavy again....Keep a kind thought for me...Please and good luck to all the pre-surgical people in your continued struggle. It is so worth it...
