What a fun day. Sue and I went to this friends (of hers) farm and picked wild blueberries. It brought back so many fond memories and made me appreciate my Grandma even more then I do already (if that's possible). I remember as a small child begging to go "Pickin'"...poor Grandma had ulcerated ankles that she never made a big deal over but they looked sore as hell. So she would bandage up those ankles, put on her orthopedic shoes (which had heels) and off my Uncle would drive us, to the special place that had hundreds of wild bushes. rather short ones...Grandma would bend over and pick all day with me and never complain. Then we'd go home and clean them of stems etc. and the next day she would make jam and some pies. What a lady, what a sacrifice she made to bring me some happiness.
So what does this have to do with WLS...Nothing LOL Actually it does...there is some much nutrition in fresh fruits and veggies and this is the perfect season to stock up. Get your tail out there and pick, if not in your own garden, perhaps a U-Pick, it's good exercise and the rewards are a freezer full of great stuff you will eat all winter...or if you can, you'll have shelves full.
Sue and I wore BIG hats to protect us from the sun, we did end up with purple hands (another childhood memory) only two bug bites on me woohoo.
The good thing about getting in fresh veggies and canning or preserving them is it keeps you very busy. You really don't think about food, you're too busy. It's a great way to stay on track, have fun and keep busy. Grab a friend and start pickin' then get a friend that likes to can..that is also a fun activity with a friend.
Comes those cold snowy days, it is wonderful to sit in front of a fire enjoying some yogurt and fresh berries or peaches...Or how about a low fat, low sugar cobbler...oh yes my friends all things are possible :-) Happy Pickin'
My Hidden Treasure
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Newbie Questions
There seems to be a lot of new people in our group. WE are all filled with questions in the beginning and it seems that most of us have the same ones and the same concerns. Experience has taught me that this journey is very different for each of us, so I can only speak for myself and those who have confided in me (I never use names because I respect peoples privacy)
How do I lose my initial weight? We've all been on every diet known to man. Which one worked for you ? Lets face it, we never had a problem losing, it was keeping it off. So pick something that had worked and do it. That is one rule that is an absolute MUST ...NO Exceptions...so don't whine about it..just do it and put it behind you.
Will I have to exercise? NO but if you do, your weight will come off faster and chances are you will lose more. Walking is recommended and I always suggest to people even if you don't exercise...try and fit some walking it.
Is there a lot of pain. That is up to the individual...Some speak of terrible pain, while others like myself, virtually have none. I try and work with the people I mentor because I feel if you are mentally prepared and totally at peace your surgery goes well. I try to put little subliminal suggestions in during conversations. It is always my desire that people will have the same surgical experience I had...
I do recommend that you have an advocate with you right after surgery (family member or friend) because sometimes the care we get is not always the highest quality (I speak from experience)
Will this change my life? Well DUH!! Of course it will..you will have more energy, you will feel better about yourself...With each new size will come more self esteem. Beware, it can affect relationships and friendships, but keep in mind it their problem not yours.
What about parties and family gatherings? What about them ? There is nothing you can't eat...through this process we learn to make better choices. We eat our protein first and usually there really is no room for much else. I have never been to a party and not been able to make a healthy choice. I have never had a dinner party at my home and not totally enjoyed my company. Life only changes if you let it...
Practice making changes before surgery...Learn to eat slower, take smaller bites...do not drink with your meals..take little walks and change your eating habits when it comes to snacks. Start weeding all the "Bad" food out of your cupboard. Oh you have children? and your point is?
Kids don't need junk..Who is the parent? Obesity among children is at an all time high, don't make your kid a statistic..make better choices for them also.
I think staying close to the group is most important, either on line or in meetings. We are very supportive of each other. Like all families, we don't always agree but we do agree to disagree and move on. There is a great deal of love and support in our group and I think if you stay connected and continue to ask questions you will be thrilled with the end result.
How do I lose my initial weight? We've all been on every diet known to man. Which one worked for you ? Lets face it, we never had a problem losing, it was keeping it off. So pick something that had worked and do it. That is one rule that is an absolute MUST ...NO Exceptions...so don't whine about it..just do it and put it behind you.
Will I have to exercise? NO but if you do, your weight will come off faster and chances are you will lose more. Walking is recommended and I always suggest to people even if you don't exercise...try and fit some walking it.
Is there a lot of pain. That is up to the individual...Some speak of terrible pain, while others like myself, virtually have none. I try and work with the people I mentor because I feel if you are mentally prepared and totally at peace your surgery goes well. I try to put little subliminal suggestions in during conversations. It is always my desire that people will have the same surgical experience I had...
I do recommend that you have an advocate with you right after surgery (family member or friend) because sometimes the care we get is not always the highest quality (I speak from experience)
Will this change my life? Well DUH!! Of course it will..you will have more energy, you will feel better about yourself...With each new size will come more self esteem. Beware, it can affect relationships and friendships, but keep in mind it their problem not yours.
What about parties and family gatherings? What about them ? There is nothing you can't eat...through this process we learn to make better choices. We eat our protein first and usually there really is no room for much else. I have never been to a party and not been able to make a healthy choice. I have never had a dinner party at my home and not totally enjoyed my company. Life only changes if you let it...
Practice making changes before surgery...Learn to eat slower, take smaller bites...do not drink with your meals..take little walks and change your eating habits when it comes to snacks. Start weeding all the "Bad" food out of your cupboard. Oh you have children? and your point is?
Kids don't need junk..Who is the parent? Obesity among children is at an all time high, don't make your kid a statistic..make better choices for them also.
I think staying close to the group is most important, either on line or in meetings. We are very supportive of each other. Like all families, we don't always agree but we do agree to disagree and move on. There is a great deal of love and support in our group and I think if you stay connected and continue to ask questions you will be thrilled with the end result.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
A Great New Day
Getting back on track is not always easy. Life is full of stress that can bring you down in a heartbeat. The trick is to recognize the stresses in your life and prepare on how to deal with them BEFORE they happen.
I know I am a people person as far as caring much too deeply. I've always worn my heart on my sleeve..It's just the way I am and it is a part of my personality I'm not sure I really want to change or I probably would have done so already. Unfortunately when you care, you leave yourself wide open for stressful situations. Now you may have a job that causes you stress, or you may be the type that can't handle crowds or driving on highways..We all have triggers.
If you look back on your life as an obese person, you will see that you did a lot of mindless eating. If you think about what happened prior to that binge it was probably and argument, a phone call, personal frustration with a project...Something triggered it.
When we have it altogether, when we are in control it is very easy to maintain what we put in our mouths...but when emotional eating starts (that's a bad habit we all have and difficult to control) we are in trouble. That's when support is most needed. We have the group we can turn to. Anyone getting on there asking for help...gets it. Sometimes more then they bargained for LOL Tell a loved one that lives with you that you fear the old habit of mindless eating, ask them to remind you if they see you out of control. They should also be prepared for you to bite their head off LOL but it usually will be enough to snap you back to reality. You can always apologize later.
No matter what happens we always have to be mindful, that a slip is not a fall and a fall is not failure. One day at a time is all we've got...make it through today with the same enthusiasm that you came into the program with and you'll be fine.
See everyday on your Journey as a Great New Day.......
I know I am a people person as far as caring much too deeply. I've always worn my heart on my sleeve..It's just the way I am and it is a part of my personality I'm not sure I really want to change or I probably would have done so already. Unfortunately when you care, you leave yourself wide open for stressful situations. Now you may have a job that causes you stress, or you may be the type that can't handle crowds or driving on highways..We all have triggers.
If you look back on your life as an obese person, you will see that you did a lot of mindless eating. If you think about what happened prior to that binge it was probably and argument, a phone call, personal frustration with a project...Something triggered it.
When we have it altogether, when we are in control it is very easy to maintain what we put in our mouths...but when emotional eating starts (that's a bad habit we all have and difficult to control) we are in trouble. That's when support is most needed. We have the group we can turn to. Anyone getting on there asking for help...gets it. Sometimes more then they bargained for LOL Tell a loved one that lives with you that you fear the old habit of mindless eating, ask them to remind you if they see you out of control. They should also be prepared for you to bite their head off LOL but it usually will be enough to snap you back to reality. You can always apologize later.
No matter what happens we always have to be mindful, that a slip is not a fall and a fall is not failure. One day at a time is all we've got...make it through today with the same enthusiasm that you came into the program with and you'll be fine.
See everyday on your Journey as a Great New Day.......
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Putting an Issue to rest
I realized after writing yesterday that in all probability a self centered, narcissistic person wouldn't be reading another persons Blog anyway LOL They pretty much feel they are the center of the Universe.
Let me get rid of this thorn; We go out to dinner after our meetings...I absolutely love the fellowship and interesting discussions. However,when in Cooperstown we used to go to this place that was (a) very loud (b) very slow and (c) not all that relaxing for me. I hated getting home at 11 pm. I've got a long drive from Cooperstown, alone on back roads. I mentioned to the group, not all of whom live in Cooperstown, that I'd prefer to eat closer to home..I was basically ignored. One person seemed to have the total say and all followed...that was fine with me, I'd pick something up and go home and share it with my husband. At no time did I ever expect the group to change their habit for me. I resent any one person thinking that I am strong enough or willing enough to change a groups mind as to where they want to eat..As long as they want to eat closer to where I live, I'm happy. If the tide has changed, it isn't because of me, it's because a group of people have found a quiet, comforting place that they enjoy gathering in..which brings me to my second Thorn; I find it insulting when someone will stoop to name calling and malicious gossip in an effort to swing the vote their way. I do not like to see desperation in the eyes of someone I respect and admire for their intelligence. I begin to question myself on what I missed along the way. I don't like being wrong about a person...especially one I've viewed as a friend. I also do not like when I am trying to discuss something and the person looks down their nose at me like I am beneath them and "do not understand" simply because I have not witnessed a particular act.
Understand this: I am a hippie of the 60's, a flower child that still believes all people have a right to believe in what ever brings them peace. I was raised Catholic and for a very long period in my life, thought I wanted to be a Nun (can you even imagine that?) I explored many other religions...not because I was looking for a new one, but because I studied Theology..I belonged to a "Search for God" group...we weren't searching, we were collecting data (which has nothing to do with why I am writing today) The bottom line was I learned to respect other peoples beliefs. There are many lost souls out there, people who NEED to belong to something. Nothing is more disturbing to me then to hear a person call themselves a Christian and then go out of their way to malign another persons faith or belief. I live Christianity I don't preach it. When a group of people have accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior, when they work hard to be productive members of the community...they deserve my respect. I'm not paying the tab for them and they are treating me and others with respect...That's how it should be.
When I say to someone "I am strong and secure in my Faith" I mean exactly that. I couldn't care less if they are...faith is a road you walk alone. I don't care what a person believes in.. He can preach to me all he wants (many have tried). My heart breaks for my Muslim friends..because of a radical group within their religion, they are being frowned upon and persecuted. That has to stop...If i sit back and allow someone to carry tales and speak badly about a group of people I am no better then they are. We need to be mindful of our actions and what we say. Forgiveness begins with us...No matter what tactics a group may use, NO ONE can make you do something you refuse to do...if that be the case then you question yourself, your faith and your religion...not someone else. I have never and will never judge a person by what another person has said or done...I'm old enough and secure enough to make my own judgement calls and I resent anyone who thinks they will sway me with some horrific tale. God gave you free will ,use it to your own satisfaction, not to sway the will of others.
I have a favorite book I very often re read...It tells the tale of a man who thought differently. He dressed different, he spoke about things they didn't always understand but slowly people began to follow him. The more people followed him, the more frightened other people became...After all there is power in numbers and this man was just a common man, from a common back ground so what right did he have to have such power over people.
I understand that story a little more now then I did as a child. There are still people who fear what they don't understand..It is so much easier to dramatise and criticise then to embrace another who believes differently then you do.
Governed by fear, listening to stories caused people to react differently towards this man who was so unlike anyone else of his time, a person with only good in his heart, was maligned because of his beliefs and eventually crucified.
I should hope we have learned something by past mistakes. The story stops here..The seed of hatred will not be planted in this writers heart.
( WLS talks and lessons resume tomorrow LOL)
Let me get rid of this thorn; We go out to dinner after our meetings...I absolutely love the fellowship and interesting discussions. However,when in Cooperstown we used to go to this place that was (a) very loud (b) very slow and (c) not all that relaxing for me. I hated getting home at 11 pm. I've got a long drive from Cooperstown, alone on back roads. I mentioned to the group, not all of whom live in Cooperstown, that I'd prefer to eat closer to home..I was basically ignored. One person seemed to have the total say and all followed...that was fine with me, I'd pick something up and go home and share it with my husband. At no time did I ever expect the group to change their habit for me. I resent any one person thinking that I am strong enough or willing enough to change a groups mind as to where they want to eat..As long as they want to eat closer to where I live, I'm happy. If the tide has changed, it isn't because of me, it's because a group of people have found a quiet, comforting place that they enjoy gathering in..which brings me to my second Thorn; I find it insulting when someone will stoop to name calling and malicious gossip in an effort to swing the vote their way. I do not like to see desperation in the eyes of someone I respect and admire for their intelligence. I begin to question myself on what I missed along the way. I don't like being wrong about a person...especially one I've viewed as a friend. I also do not like when I am trying to discuss something and the person looks down their nose at me like I am beneath them and "do not understand" simply because I have not witnessed a particular act.
Understand this: I am a hippie of the 60's, a flower child that still believes all people have a right to believe in what ever brings them peace. I was raised Catholic and for a very long period in my life, thought I wanted to be a Nun (can you even imagine that?) I explored many other religions...not because I was looking for a new one, but because I studied Theology..I belonged to a "Search for God" group...we weren't searching, we were collecting data (which has nothing to do with why I am writing today) The bottom line was I learned to respect other peoples beliefs. There are many lost souls out there, people who NEED to belong to something. Nothing is more disturbing to me then to hear a person call themselves a Christian and then go out of their way to malign another persons faith or belief. I live Christianity I don't preach it. When a group of people have accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior, when they work hard to be productive members of the community...they deserve my respect. I'm not paying the tab for them and they are treating me and others with respect...That's how it should be.
When I say to someone "I am strong and secure in my Faith" I mean exactly that. I couldn't care less if they are...faith is a road you walk alone. I don't care what a person believes in.. He can preach to me all he wants (many have tried). My heart breaks for my Muslim friends..because of a radical group within their religion, they are being frowned upon and persecuted. That has to stop...If i sit back and allow someone to carry tales and speak badly about a group of people I am no better then they are. We need to be mindful of our actions and what we say. Forgiveness begins with us...No matter what tactics a group may use, NO ONE can make you do something you refuse to do...if that be the case then you question yourself, your faith and your religion...not someone else. I have never and will never judge a person by what another person has said or done...I'm old enough and secure enough to make my own judgement calls and I resent anyone who thinks they will sway me with some horrific tale. God gave you free will ,use it to your own satisfaction, not to sway the will of others.
I have a favorite book I very often re read...It tells the tale of a man who thought differently. He dressed different, he spoke about things they didn't always understand but slowly people began to follow him. The more people followed him, the more frightened other people became...After all there is power in numbers and this man was just a common man, from a common back ground so what right did he have to have such power over people.
I understand that story a little more now then I did as a child. There are still people who fear what they don't understand..It is so much easier to dramatise and criticise then to embrace another who believes differently then you do.
Governed by fear, listening to stories caused people to react differently towards this man who was so unlike anyone else of his time, a person with only good in his heart, was maligned because of his beliefs and eventually crucified.
I should hope we have learned something by past mistakes. The story stops here..The seed of hatred will not be planted in this writers heart.
( WLS talks and lessons resume tomorrow LOL)
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Whats it all about?
I am a follower of many BLOGs none are exactly the same in content. Some people use them to show off the latest craft as well as keep people informed of whats happening in their lives.
Others use it as a literary tool to display their short stories or poetry. Others use it to express themselves in artistic ways, while still others use it as a teaching tool.
I have several Blogs...This one was set up as a help aid. It's purpose is mainly to allow people just starting on their WL Journey to look back on my experience and hopefully find some answers. I have mentored many people along the way and I am so very proud of those who have touched my life and allowed me to touch theirs. I know of NONE thus far who have failed in there quest for a new way of life. It is not an easy road...I've never lied or sugar coated the difficulty of this journey. No I never experienced any pain, but pain is not what this journey is about...you may or may not have it..it will pass..deal with it. This journey is about changing habits, recognizing the signals that will sabotage your mission, looking for ways to better your life.
I am still learning and will always learn from others.
Every once in a while something happens...something that is so far removed from this Journey yet so strong that it affects the stability of the Journey. Such a thing happened to me recently...it has caused great reflection on my part, hours of meditation in an effort to rid my mind and body of the discord and stress I feel. Yet I find myself thinking about it, feeling sad...not just for myself, for allowing another person to affect me in such a negative way...but for that person for whom I have a great deal of respect.
Normally I do not allow myself to be touched by negative people or negative feelings, always keeping them at arms length...but this goes beyond a feeling...this is just wrong on so many levels and I have been trying to cope, making excuses and finding answers.
Meanwhile I have turned to mindless eating, the stress has caused me to seek comfort in food...something I haven't done in 3 years. This issue has NOTHING what so ever to do with me personally...The only thing personal is a feeling of being so very wrong about an individual to a point that it has caused me emotional pain. Understand one thing...NO ONE can hurt you without your permission, so I am not blaming anyone for this spiral. I've had a few minor accidents over the past month and perhaps I am emotionally weak right now..cranky with myself and those around me... This is for all of you to realize...no matter how long this Journey, no matter how strong you may think you are...the demons will return when you least suspect it and you will have to be prepared to regain control as fast as possible. This I intend to do.
Writing is cathartic for me..it always has been...it is why I am a survivor and not a victim of a violent past....My issue is not with a person but rather an attitude..one I need to explore in order to try and comprehend it... I will...tomorrow...right here in my very own BLOG where I can express my feelings without fear. True there is no affect in the written word, so it can sometimes be misunderstood ...however it seems even when there is affect, things can be misunderstood or taken personally. When that happens I am left questioning character...my own as well as the person who misunderstands me. So if you are a paranoid individual who believes that people are ALWAYS taking about you when they make a statement, you may want to fore go my BLOG tomorrow. There will be no further warning, nor will I discuss this issue once I have put it to rest.
Others use it as a literary tool to display their short stories or poetry. Others use it to express themselves in artistic ways, while still others use it as a teaching tool.
I have several Blogs...This one was set up as a help aid. It's purpose is mainly to allow people just starting on their WL Journey to look back on my experience and hopefully find some answers. I have mentored many people along the way and I am so very proud of those who have touched my life and allowed me to touch theirs. I know of NONE thus far who have failed in there quest for a new way of life. It is not an easy road...I've never lied or sugar coated the difficulty of this journey. No I never experienced any pain, but pain is not what this journey is about...you may or may not have it..it will pass..deal with it. This journey is about changing habits, recognizing the signals that will sabotage your mission, looking for ways to better your life.
I am still learning and will always learn from others.
Every once in a while something happens...something that is so far removed from this Journey yet so strong that it affects the stability of the Journey. Such a thing happened to me recently...it has caused great reflection on my part, hours of meditation in an effort to rid my mind and body of the discord and stress I feel. Yet I find myself thinking about it, feeling sad...not just for myself, for allowing another person to affect me in such a negative way...but for that person for whom I have a great deal of respect.
Normally I do not allow myself to be touched by negative people or negative feelings, always keeping them at arms length...but this goes beyond a feeling...this is just wrong on so many levels and I have been trying to cope, making excuses and finding answers.
Meanwhile I have turned to mindless eating, the stress has caused me to seek comfort in food...something I haven't done in 3 years. This issue has NOTHING what so ever to do with me personally...The only thing personal is a feeling of being so very wrong about an individual to a point that it has caused me emotional pain. Understand one thing...NO ONE can hurt you without your permission, so I am not blaming anyone for this spiral. I've had a few minor accidents over the past month and perhaps I am emotionally weak right now..cranky with myself and those around me... This is for all of you to realize...no matter how long this Journey, no matter how strong you may think you are...the demons will return when you least suspect it and you will have to be prepared to regain control as fast as possible. This I intend to do.
Writing is cathartic for me..it always has been...it is why I am a survivor and not a victim of a violent past....My issue is not with a person but rather an attitude..one I need to explore in order to try and comprehend it... I will...tomorrow...right here in my very own BLOG where I can express my feelings without fear. True there is no affect in the written word, so it can sometimes be misunderstood ...however it seems even when there is affect, things can be misunderstood or taken personally. When that happens I am left questioning character...my own as well as the person who misunderstands me. So if you are a paranoid individual who believes that people are ALWAYS taking about you when they make a statement, you may want to fore go my BLOG tomorrow. There will be no further warning, nor will I discuss this issue once I have put it to rest.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
What's the hurry??
Now I will sound like the "MOTHER" the old lady of the group. No I haven't forgotten what it was like prior to surgery, nor have I forgotten the excitement of each new turn on the path. from the initial meeting to getting that date wooohooo it was all exciting...it still is...so don't believe all the rubbish about the "honeymoon stage". they tried to feed that crock to me always saying "oh you're in the honeymoon stage", each time I gave my point of view..It was the "oldies" way of saying it would eventually wear off. Well now I'm where they were and I'm here to tell you, it wears off when you allow it to. If you look at each new day as a new page of your adventure it will NEVER get old and the honeymoon will never end...This coming from someone who has been married for 48 years and is still on a honeymoon.
Keep it alive, keep it new and exciting and don't LOOK for problems. Today I can almost tell who will have problems and who won't just by the attitude they face the surgery with. If you go into this looking for defeat, you'll find it, no doubt about it. If you let other peoples pains and problems become yours, they will.
Yes we all hit minor bumps in the road..even I have had little things happen...nothing worth whining or complaining about and if I did..what message would I send to you?
yes there have been people with REAL issues and they speak openly about them and rightfully they should...this is REAL, it's no joke but for the most part REAL issues are far and few in between. I know of two members that had exactly the same issues ( and no it probably is not YOU) One continues to talk about the issue and the other one has gotten on with her life and is having a ball with her weight loss. The only difference between the two is their attitude toward the surgery they required. One saw it as a major mountain while the other saw it as a mere bump...Situations can be as grave as we perceive them to be...the trick is to perceive them as minor set backs and move on...Some can't, some won't and some will. If you have yet to have your surgery you have to sit and judge what you hear and how it pertains to you as an individual.
Our experiences may be similar but how we deal with them is what makes the difference.
I have never thought (although I have been accused) that because someone had pain while I did not...I'm strong and they are cry babies. (Obviously no one has ever seen me in a dentist chair)
What I do feel is important is that people know..some of us have fabulous experiences and YOU could be one of them. Not all of us suffer pain that requires pain medication.
Take your time and learn all you can...you are on this Journey for a life time...it's not a diet that you will stay on for a time , lose weight and then go on...This is a life style change that hopefully will last forever and forever you will maintain your weight loss and not be a yo yo.
There is a lot to absorb. Don't become overwhelmed to a point where you can't absorb anything..Baby steps. Face this as the new life it truly is...don't be in a hurry to grow up :-)
Keep it alive, keep it new and exciting and don't LOOK for problems. Today I can almost tell who will have problems and who won't just by the attitude they face the surgery with. If you go into this looking for defeat, you'll find it, no doubt about it. If you let other peoples pains and problems become yours, they will.
Yes we all hit minor bumps in the road..even I have had little things happen...nothing worth whining or complaining about and if I did..what message would I send to you?
yes there have been people with REAL issues and they speak openly about them and rightfully they should...this is REAL, it's no joke but for the most part REAL issues are far and few in between. I know of two members that had exactly the same issues ( and no it probably is not YOU) One continues to talk about the issue and the other one has gotten on with her life and is having a ball with her weight loss. The only difference between the two is their attitude toward the surgery they required. One saw it as a major mountain while the other saw it as a mere bump...Situations can be as grave as we perceive them to be...the trick is to perceive them as minor set backs and move on...Some can't, some won't and some will. If you have yet to have your surgery you have to sit and judge what you hear and how it pertains to you as an individual.
Our experiences may be similar but how we deal with them is what makes the difference.
I have never thought (although I have been accused) that because someone had pain while I did not...I'm strong and they are cry babies. (Obviously no one has ever seen me in a dentist chair)
What I do feel is important is that people know..some of us have fabulous experiences and YOU could be one of them. Not all of us suffer pain that requires pain medication.
Take your time and learn all you can...you are on this Journey for a life time...it's not a diet that you will stay on for a time , lose weight and then go on...This is a life style change that hopefully will last forever and forever you will maintain your weight loss and not be a yo yo.
There is a lot to absorb. Don't become overwhelmed to a point where you can't absorb anything..Baby steps. Face this as the new life it truly is...don't be in a hurry to grow up :-)
Monday, July 11, 2011
Transfer Addiction
This was a topic that came up and seemed like a good one to talk about here.
I don't think anyone really looks at "their condition" as an addiction. We can see an alcoholic because they always seem to have a drink in their hand and we know they don't need it to survive. Same with drugs, so many of us manage to survive without living life on a high so we know an addict when we see one. A shopping addict is not so noticeable unless you go to her home and see bags and bags of stuff not even opened yet. Anything anyone does in excess is an addiction. People who eat obsessively are obviously addicted to food or at least the comfort they feel the food is bringing into their life...that endorphin feeling that only food seems to give us.
What happens when that addiction is put into remission? When we find out it's been a lie?That we are not feeding our bodies, we are feeding our emotions? What happens when we finally learn the feeling of "being satisfied"? Very often we transfer to another form of addiction. We may become compulsive shoppers (because now we CAN) that beautiful feeling of shopping in Normal size stores, feeling good about the way we look in clothes. We may become compulsive with some form of exercise...getting that endorphin high that we once got from food and toning up at the same time WOW!! Compulsive about vitamins because we want to take care of the NEW person we have become.
This surgery has it's pitfalls and addiction transfer can be one of them. Being mindful of the changes we feel or that others may point out is the best way to deal with this problem. Any repeated action that becomes an obsession could very well be an addiction and may need some outside intervention. Be aware of new changes. Discuss them openly. Sometimes when we see ourselves becoming compulsive we can deal with it, with help and guidance. Fretting about changes you see that cause fear or anxiety need to be talked about...If not with your Mentor, or the group, perhaps a therapist (if you believe in therapy) maybe yoga, or deep meditation.
Knowing who you are and understanding the changes this WLS can cause physically, mentally and emotionally , is being in control. Learning that control (perhaps for the first time in your life) sometimes needs outside help..So don't fear another addiction, embrace it and deal with it.
That's my view point-Take it our leave it.
I don't think anyone really looks at "their condition" as an addiction. We can see an alcoholic because they always seem to have a drink in their hand and we know they don't need it to survive. Same with drugs, so many of us manage to survive without living life on a high so we know an addict when we see one. A shopping addict is not so noticeable unless you go to her home and see bags and bags of stuff not even opened yet. Anything anyone does in excess is an addiction. People who eat obsessively are obviously addicted to food or at least the comfort they feel the food is bringing into their life...that endorphin feeling that only food seems to give us.
What happens when that addiction is put into remission? When we find out it's been a lie?That we are not feeding our bodies, we are feeding our emotions? What happens when we finally learn the feeling of "being satisfied"? Very often we transfer to another form of addiction. We may become compulsive shoppers (because now we CAN) that beautiful feeling of shopping in Normal size stores, feeling good about the way we look in clothes. We may become compulsive with some form of exercise...getting that endorphin high that we once got from food and toning up at the same time WOW!! Compulsive about vitamins because we want to take care of the NEW person we have become.
This surgery has it's pitfalls and addiction transfer can be one of them. Being mindful of the changes we feel or that others may point out is the best way to deal with this problem. Any repeated action that becomes an obsession could very well be an addiction and may need some outside intervention. Be aware of new changes. Discuss them openly. Sometimes when we see ourselves becoming compulsive we can deal with it, with help and guidance. Fretting about changes you see that cause fear or anxiety need to be talked about...If not with your Mentor, or the group, perhaps a therapist (if you believe in therapy) maybe yoga, or deep meditation.
Knowing who you are and understanding the changes this WLS can cause physically, mentally and emotionally , is being in control. Learning that control (perhaps for the first time in your life) sometimes needs outside help..So don't fear another addiction, embrace it and deal with it.
That's my view point-Take it our leave it.
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