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!

The Power of Self-Esteem

The power of self-esteem is something we tend to forget about. Before weight loss surgery, I can remember times when I would do positive self-talk over and over. I would get just shy of that point where I started to feel good about myself and - WHAM - someone knocked me to my knees.

It could be the way someone looked at me (the elevator look of up and down with a nasty smirk), a small mumble under their breath about my appearance, comments about overweight people and remarks about what I was eating or a mention of obesity in today’s society.

Causes of obesity and self-esteem tend to fuel each other. When a bad experience devastates your confidence we tend to turn to food to soothe the pain. Our minds tell us comfort food will help us face the world again. We eat to cope with low self image, which makes us gain weight and ultimately makes our self-esteem even lower. Double whammy!

What is self-esteem? Basically it is feeling good about yourself mentally and physically! People with high self-esteem convey confidence, feel comfortable about their bodies and believe they are valuable. Surgery and weight loss combined can help you regain some of that lost self-esteem. Positive self-talk and changing your vocabulary will also help motivate yourself to continually feel good.

Try filling in the blank to this question and see how many positive things you come up with. Don’t stop at one thing try for five and push to get ten. We are ALL valuable!

When I’m at my best this is how I am __________________.

Try asking yourself these questions:

1. What are your physical attributes?
2. What skills and abilities do you possess?
3. What type of personality traits do you hold?

I remember those days pre-surgery when going to the fair was about what I was going to eat that day. My menu typically consisted of a lemon shakeup, corn dog, corn on the cob and dessert would be the biggest elephant ear I could find.

I just spent the past 4 days at our local 4-H fair because my son was showing hogs. I had mentally prepared my self for the typical atmosphere of 90+ degree weather along with the aroma of fried food and animals. I knew going to the fair would be a non bariatric friendly trip so before each visit I would try to eat a good amount of protein and grab a bottle of water and protein bar to have on hand.

I was surrounded by a plethora of lemon shake ups, corn dogs, elephant ears, funnel cakes, chicken fingers, french fries with cheese, milk shakes etc. I can honestly say I had no desire to indulge in any of the typical fried fair food.

I met some of the most giving people at the fair (who have no idea that I'm a bariatric patient) and were always offering me something to eat, a piece of pie, some french fries, part of their elephant ear etc.. I realized a few years ago I would have taken them up on their offer. Today 2 1/2 + post op I kindly declined their offer and know now that one bite, leads to four which leads to a whole piece.

It feels good to know that I choose the healthier foods these days and my goal is to continue down this path. It may not always be easy but I know in the long run I am worth it :)