Step back and take a look

As I was reading a post today, from my friend Yvonne, who wrote about dealing with weight regain a lot of emotions came across me. She also talks about how the comment was made to her that she couldn't possibly know about regain because her life was perfect since she has maintained goal weight. She then goes on to talk about some of the struggles she faces in her daily personal life.

Some thoughts I'd like to share on this subject:

1. We all have a fear of weight regain at some point during our weight loss journey which is normal and expected. How we deal with that fear is individual.

2. Observing someone who has maintained their goal weight for a long period, in my opinion, should be viewed as an inspiration to all Bariatric patients.

3. Celebrate in your success and those fellow weight loss surgery friends around you!

4. Step back and take a look ~Remind yourself where you were before weight loss surgery and how far you have come.

5. Ask yourself what "Success" looks like to you and how do you take the steps to achieve it?

6. Remember that all of our weight loss journey's are personal and individual. Surround yourself with positive/supportive people and remove those who don't fit that criteria.

7. No one is perfect, we all have our own personal struggles and remember that when you look at someone and their outside appearance. Remember that it's what's inside who makes us who we are!

Restaurant Reflections

This past weekend I was blessed with TWO date nights with my husband. These are rare occasions so we try to make the best of each night that we have for just the two of us.

Friday night consisted of dinner with another couple at one of our favorite restaurants where I was able to order a scrumptious chicken breast with a side salad. Dinner consisted of good conversation and laughter followed by a nice long ride on our motorcycle!

Saturday night was an unexpected night alone and we went to an Italian restaurant which I have not visited since surgery 2 1/2 years ago! I was a bit nervous because when I think Italian I instantly think "Pasta and creamy white sauce full of calories."

While we were sitting in the restaurant I was astounded by the over sized plates of pasta being delivered along with the endless salad and bread sticks. The site of the large quantity of food was almost sickening to my belly. I was reminded of life before Bariatric surgery and how much food I consumed. Before surgery that plate of pasta drowned in white creamy sauce would be devoured along with the endless bread sticks and salad. During the consumption of the food I would feel quite euphoric and not want to stop. An hour later I would be miserable, lethargic and wondering why I put myself through such misery.

To my surprise the appetizer and entree menu offered more than just pasta filled dishes. I ordered off the appetizer menu and to my husband ordered a stuffed chicken breast item off of the dinner menu.

I again am happy to say we both ate off of each others dinners and both took leftovers home.

Once again weight loss surgery has opened my eyes to portion control and how much food we as Americans consume daily!

I'm blessed to have my bariatric tool along with my prime piece of real estate and plan to continue down the path to a healthier life style!