Support Group Meeting

Went to my first ever Weight Loss Surgery Support Group meeting today.  I figured that it couldn’t hurt to check it out and see if I could gain some extra inspiration in my efforts to not snack as much when I am not really hungry.   The meeting consisted of about 15-17 people...and besides one other girl who was 20 ish, I was the youngest.  I was also one of very few who has been post surgery the longest.  One other lady was there who had it 12 years ago….although as she said while introducing herself, she has since gained all the weight back.  She never did say how she gained it all back, or give anyone any advice on what to not do so they don’t make the same mistake she did...I feel like that is an area she should have brought up...since I am sure it was on everyone's mind.  I know it was mine.  Although really in the end I guess it is obvious.  You fall off the wagon of eating how you are supposed to, and possibly stretch out your stomach again….and then BAM….start gaining weight again.  Of course I am just assuming these things and for all I know it’s another reason altogether.   

Half of the group had recently to semi-recently had their surgery and were still losing weight.  The other half were there because they were planning on having surgery and wanted to gain some insights and also ask many questions.  I was happy to offer up whatever help and thoughts I could on different topics and felt like I was very capable.  I was one of two people who had gone through reconstructive surgery, and I was the only one who had an excessive amount of work done.  So I was able to give my thoughts on that too.  

Seemed like most people were electing to get the sleeve procedure done.  I am not a fan of that one myself simply because it allows you to still eat sugars and candy and all the things that are not good for you. I wanted a new stomach that couldn't handle that stuff...I wanted a stomach that would force me to eat right.  But that kind of extreme isn't for everyone and I can understand that...I mean hell...you are re-organizing your insides!  Moving around intestines and cutting and sewing your stomach.  That’s a lot to deal with and can be scary.  

Because most people were only so far into post surgery lifestyle though I didn’t really feel like there was much I could gain from the meeting.  I can’t remember how long it has been since the leader had hers done...maybe she is farther out than I am...who knows.  I will try to ask next time.  She may have mentioned it when it first started but I was a few minutes late so I missed it.  
I would like to meet someone there who had their procedure done at least 3 years ago or more, and is keeping their weight off like I am and who can give me any ideas on how they curb the unhealthy urge to snack at night.  

I suppose the easy answer would just be that I should go to bed earlier!  LOL...well...yes, that would be easier wouldn't it?  lol  But sadly it is very unlikely since that is the time James and I spend together...always have.  Maybe when the kids move out one day it will be different, but I doubt it...even before kids we were night owls.


I am doing great though lately...haven’t weighed myself in a few days but I am confident that I will lose that pesky four pounds in no time.   Try as I might, my protein bars are too great a temptation for me, and I eat way too many of them.  That is part of the problem when it comes to running out of calories by evening.  I just love to have them randomly…..as a snack or just because I know I CAN eat...and of course at 180 calories per bar, that adds up fast.  So to help me get in a new pattern of eating a better variety of foods I am now buying the protein bars and then sending them with James to work.  He then brings me one home each night and I can have that ONE the next day.  It helps me a lot to know I have no other choice and that I HAVE to find something else to eat.  

Don’t you just hate knowing you have food weaknesses?   So many items I can not have in the house anymore because I have a hard time saying no to them.  Cheez-Its.  Rice Cakes.  Wheat Thins.  The list could go on and on I am sure.  It’s annoying but I am thankful that I am able to admit it to myself and then to James and get the support I need to maintain this new healthy lifestyle.  Being pre-diabetic is not where I want to be again...nor do I want to become diabetic.

So many people at that meeting either were suffering from or are suffering from really tough weight related issues and diseases and I am just thankful that my health never reached that point...but really...it easily could have.  I was so close.  So close!  25 pounds more and I would have hit 300 pounds...that is scary.  Because really when you are constantly trying to convince yourself that you are ok and that the rising number isn’t a big deal...next thing you know you are at a number you never imagined.  

One man there was very obese, and had already lost over 100 pounds.  You can tell he is working so hard to reach his goals and I am so happy for him.  I can’t even imagine what a life change that will be when it is all said and done.  There was another lady there too who was also quite obese...and you can tell that she has that look of hope in her eyes that this will be the tool she needs to bring that vibrant life back to her that we all take for granted.     I am really happy I went because even though I myself didn’t get a lot of insight into  the area I am currently dealing with I felt like hearing from everyone else gave me some different perspectives on things and also I think...I hope...that some of experiences I shared helped someone else.  They have one of these meetings every month...so I may try to go again.  :)