OH Event Cincinnati August 2010

Just returned from my first Obesity Help event in Cincinnati Ohio this weekend and all I can say is WOW! I met some of the most passionate individuals in the bariatric community. The weekend was full of dynamic speakers, amazing weight loss stories and new friendships.

I was surrounded by those near and dear to my heart and many faces in the bariatric world who make a difference in our lives. Words can not describe my love and gratitude for Vince (my hubby), Yvonne (Bariatric Girl) and Nessa (Flourish) for the love and support I was given over the weekend. Thank you all XOXOXO!!

Here are a few pictures to share~

Nessa & Mom (Flourish)

Yvonne (Bariatric Girl)

Dr. Robert Davis, Big Medicine

Chef Dave

Dr. Garth Davis, Big Medicine

Yvonne describing her weight loss!

Me and Vinny hanging out..

Is it worth that bite of food?

I'm now 2yrs and 10months out from Gastric Bypass surgery. The further out I am the more things become abundantly clear how just one bite can lead me down the slippery slope.

I am not one for everything in moderation. I know that one handful leads to two which leads to four. I'm also very aware that if I take just one bite of something on my "forbidden" food list my mind would then start telling me it's ok just this one time which would lead to another time in the future. I do my best to choose not to go down that path and in my "perfect" world I never would but I am human.

I do have the fear if I continually re-introduce then I am slowly giving myself permission and I am personally self-sabotaging.

Does that mean I am perfect and never veer off the path heck no. Am I terrified of going down the slipper slope YES... To deal with this there is no one real answer for me, I have multiple things I have to do:

1. Ask myself - is it worth that bite of food? Is everything I've been through mentally/physically/spiritually worth that bite of (fill in the blank) Is it worth me dumping? (Which I truly have a healthy fear of) Is it worth me feeling miserable 20min later and then beating myself up because I then regret the choice I made.

2. Blog about what is going on! Put it out there for everyone to read which helps keep me on track.

3. Call a "safe" friend and talk it out. Someone who understands what I am feeling and will not judge but be there and help me through the situation.

4. Put my ear buds in and listen to whatever music I feel is appropriate at that time. Sometimes that's meditative or 80's rock! Whatever I think will help change my environment and calm my anxiety.

5. Take a bath!!! Don't laugh just try it. I even turn the lights off light a candle and listen to my favorite music. Very therapeutic and it helps relax all of your muscles!

So the next time you are out and craving that certain food or ready to take a bite of something on your forbidden food list ask yourself " Is it really worth a bite of ........ or a drink of this ......."

I am worth taking care of ME! I deserve to take care of ME and to not take that bite or that drink. I've worked hard to get to where I am today. Remind yourself how far you have come. :)

Setting Goals

I came across this today and wanted to share!

What goals will you set today that truly challenge you?

My goal is to do something outside of my comfort zone in the next two weeks which will be challenging and intimidating but I am willing/ready to accept the challenge!