Guest guest Posted February 2, 2000 Report Share Posted February 2, 2000 le, I totally agree. I think being morbid obese is a many headed disease. I have always referred to it as a hydra. You treat one part and another head grows! Part genetic, part chemical, part environment, part psychological, part habit, part behavioral, even part SOCIAL. That, to me is what makes it so very hard to treat. It scares me too, when I hear people say that they don't overeat, because I certainly DO, too. The question is what MAKES us overeat. But, I know, that despite all the many types of treatment I have tried none have had any long term effect. That is where I think the genetic link becomes so strong. I also think there are other people with the same other " issues " I might have who aren't fat. The truth is, I am a fairly normal successful person who has a good marriage, great kids, a great career and just totally unable to control my weight. One of my biggest fears as a pre-op is that this won't work too, that I will " overeat " and defeat surgery, even. I KNOW it takes significant life changes. Dr. R says that the sugary, fatty foods don't have the same effect when they by pass the small intestine. I also think that the result of eating incorrectly is so intense, that it must be a crash course in behavior modification. It will be interesting to hear what the po-ops have to share on this topic. NV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2000 Report Share Posted February 2, 2000 le, I totally agree. I think being morbid obese is a many headed disease. I have always referred to it as a hydra. You treat one part and another head grows! Part genetic, part chemical, part environment, part psychological, part habit, part behavioral, even part SOCIAL. That, to me is what makes it so very hard to treat. It scares me too, when I hear people say that they don't overeat, because I certainly DO, too. The question is what MAKES us overeat. But, I know, that despite all the many types of treatment I have tried none have had any long term effect. That is where I think the genetic link becomes so strong. I also think there are other people with the same other " issues " I might have who aren't fat. The truth is, I am a fairly normal successful person who has a good marriage, great kids, a great career and just totally unable to control my weight. One of my biggest fears as a pre-op is that this won't work too, that I will " overeat " and defeat surgery, even. I KNOW it takes significant life changes. Dr. R says that the sugary, fatty foods don't have the same effect when they by pass the small intestine. I also think that the result of eating incorrectly is so intense, that it must be a crash course in behavior modification. It will be interesting to hear what the po-ops have to share on this topic. NV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 le, What a moving story you shared. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. It is wonderful however, that you are using this tragedy in such a positive way. Best of luck to you as we continue our journey. NV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 le, What a moving story you shared. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. It is wonderful however, that you are using this tragedy in such a positive way. Best of luck to you as we continue our journey. NV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 NV, Thanks for your support. Aren't you in Chapel Hill? I will be expecting you to come to a celebration party in my room about 8 to 12 hours after surgery. I heal quickly. LOL le Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 NV, Thanks for your support. Aren't you in Chapel Hill? I will be expecting you to come to a celebration party in my room about 8 to 12 hours after surgery. I heal quickly. LOL le Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 I am the in Wake Forest, but I would be HAPPY to join in your celebration. NV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 I am the in Wake Forest, but I would be HAPPY to join in your celebration. NV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 This discussion is one that is hitting a familiar nerve with me too. Many times I have sat here and wondered... Does anyone else do what I do? I mean the awful compulsion to eat. I get up at nite to go to the bathroom and sneak in the kitchen for a " snack " when I make the kids lunches I have a " snack " . I know I overeat. I hate myself for my lack of control. Of course we have all tried to diet, ONLY we know the pain of " cheating " and then the thought process that comes with that ie: " well, I screwed up again, I knew I would fail " etc etc.... I too am so afraid that I will just eat my way around the surgery. I am a normal person other that the obesity, I have a job, marriage, children, mortgage, etc... what is wrong with me that I cannot control this ( I ask myself)? My family says, YOu have to keep with the diet. My brothers say, Just knock off the pigging out. And all the while I feel like an alien trapped in this awful body. I know too that other people have hang ups and problems, but walking down the street we cannot SEE their dysfunction like they can see ours. I even worry when I read how people are so very careful with their vitamins and minerals, gms of protein... How will I do this, after all. Look at me , do I look like someone who can be trusted to eat properly??? I rarely post, mostly read, but I think this makes up for it, don't you guys? This is really just my thought process and I know it won't be popular, but it is the truth. in Ct, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 This discussion is one that is hitting a familiar nerve with me too. Many times I have sat here and wondered... Does anyone else do what I do? I mean the awful compulsion to eat. I get up at nite to go to the bathroom and sneak in the kitchen for a " snack " when I make the kids lunches I have a " snack " . I know I overeat. I hate myself for my lack of control. Of course we have all tried to diet, ONLY we know the pain of " cheating " and then the thought process that comes with that ie: " well, I screwed up again, I knew I would fail " etc etc.... I too am so afraid that I will just eat my way around the surgery. I am a normal person other that the obesity, I have a job, marriage, children, mortgage, etc... what is wrong with me that I cannot control this ( I ask myself)? My family says, YOu have to keep with the diet. My brothers say, Just knock off the pigging out. And all the while I feel like an alien trapped in this awful body. I know too that other people have hang ups and problems, but walking down the street we cannot SEE their dysfunction like they can see ours. I even worry when I read how people are so very careful with their vitamins and minerals, gms of protein... How will I do this, after all. Look at me , do I look like someone who can be trusted to eat properly??? I rarely post, mostly read, but I think this makes up for it, don't you guys? This is really just my thought process and I know it won't be popular, but it is the truth. in Ct, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 Okay my two cents: I really started my adult quest for weight loss 10 years ago. Before that I would quit eating or while in school did not have the time, so I was a compact obese person probably living on 600 calories aday -- no joke. In 1993 I went on a strict diet, no way possible was I taking in more than 1000 calories for 20 days -- Doctor regulated, nutritionally balanced. Didn't lose a pound. Went Vegetarian, gained weight Went " balanced " gained weight. Worked out, lost 20 out of 150 of the overage. Went " eat whatever " gained 1 lb a month average. Had amazing therapy for years -- feel great about myself. Went no fat, lost a lot of hair. But still getting bigger. Five years ago, I first thought of having WLS when a girlfriend had what I think was a VGB. I thought that I would eat around it so it wasn't for me. I have quized my thin friends and my anoxeric friends so I know HOW thinner people eat. I have followed their habits. I have now recoginized for me that I must increase my protein intake and decrease my carbs -- the pryamid does not work. With 6 servings of bread a day I gain weight. I was infertile with PCO, Does anyone know what effect the hormones have on weight? I have not found anyone who knows yet. However, I had a baby which entails strict control and vitamins, etc. during pregnancy and nursing. I didn't drink, no caffine, lots of vitamins, nothing spicy when nursing, didn't even stand anywhere near a cigarette or cigar. So I know I can restrict with the best of them. EVEN with the strict controls I place on myself I gained 44 pounds of baby weight and lost it with nursing -- the Doctors were convinced I was eating more than I said. Delivered a big healthy baby boy. So yeah maybe I had my share of cookie dough to deal with stress, parallel to a drinker who has drinks -- But to put on the pounds that don't come off? I see the WLS patients who don't " get right with food. " They lose some weight but I see them as very healhty. So for me, WLS is a tool and I am still learning about the effects of protein, carbs, fat, hormones, and heredity. But my quote is " I am tired of pretending that this is okay. " For the past ten years (minus pregnancy time) I have searched for answers. I even have my own theories about sugar synthesis I am working on, in my spare time. The " push away from the table " mentality is a great way to beat one's self to death. BUT MAYBE this is a physicologial manifestation and WLS surgery is the best tool for correction. I know for sure, I am a survivor and my body is built for me to survive a long time without food -- So why in the land of plenty is my body SO GOOD at storing food? I don't have the answers, but I think finding out what works and then doing it is the key to success. WLS reads, sounds, tastes, feels like it is working for the overwhelming majority of the 300+ patients who have had this, MGB, surgery (not to mention the thousands who have had RNYs.) For what its worth -- I am extremely sucessful in all other aspects of my life, under acheivement is not an option. However, the weight issue is extemely flustrating to not to be able to fix, understand, or work around. That's just my opinion today, tomorrow it will change. JJ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 JJ, Thanks for your insight and all of the others who have posted on this topic. It is very helpful to me. NV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 JJ, Thanks for your insight and all of the others who have posted on this topic. It is very helpful to me. NV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 << I too am so afraid that I will just eat my way around the surgery. I am a normal person other that the obesity, I have a job, marriage, children, mortgage, etc... what is wrong with me that I cannot control this ( I ask myself)? >> , we will not " eat around " our surgery. Our bodies are so carefully 'rennovated' by Dr. R's procedure, that we do very well. We each think that we will be the rotten, guilty one who doesn't lose weight with this procedure...or lose weight and gain it all back. This isn't like the other procedures. I used to read the posts and listen to the chats and think: " oh yeah, well I'm such a pig, I'll be the one it doesn't work for. " I'm six weeks post-op, I've lost 43 pounds and more than 30 points off my blood pressure. I am satisfied with the amounts of food and beverage that we post-ops feel comfortable having. SATISFIED! It is amazing me daily. I just tried to have a low-fat, sugar-free fudgesicle...two bites and I tossed the rest away. It didn't taste right any more. My husband brought doughnuts home last night...they looked like lumps of lard to me, I had zero interest in even sniffing them. I HAD to try a small piece of bread three days ago...HAD to...I took four bites and threw the rest away. It sat like a lead balloon in my new tummy for 40 minutes. That cured me of " needing " bread for quite a while. I have sat where you're sitting now, honey; it doesn't make sense to us after all the years that we've been at the mercy of food. We're sure that we'll be THE one that this MGB won't work for. Take a deep breath and center yourself: your attitude toward food and your interest in your " trigger foods " is drastically changed by the MGB. <<I even worry when I read how people are so very careful with their vitamins and minerals, gms of protein... How will I do this, after all. Look at me , do I look like someone who can be trusted to eat properly??? >> Yes, you do look like someone who can be trusted to eat properly, . You do. Not only that, you will take very good care of yourself once you're educated by Dr. R's Patient Manual and get the answers to your many questions. The daily routine becomes just that....routine. You learn to balance your meds and your mini-meals with your beverages and your daily duties. The first few weeks will seem awkward, but you'll soon have a handle on it! We're here for you, . Just keep reading and keep posting. We're never going to drop you on your head or turn away from you. Dee in MI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 << I too am so afraid that I will just eat my way around the surgery. I am a normal person other that the obesity, I have a job, marriage, children, mortgage, etc... what is wrong with me that I cannot control this ( I ask myself)? >> , we will not " eat around " our surgery. Our bodies are so carefully 'rennovated' by Dr. R's procedure, that we do very well. We each think that we will be the rotten, guilty one who doesn't lose weight with this procedure...or lose weight and gain it all back. This isn't like the other procedures. I used to read the posts and listen to the chats and think: " oh yeah, well I'm such a pig, I'll be the one it doesn't work for. " I'm six weeks post-op, I've lost 43 pounds and more than 30 points off my blood pressure. I am satisfied with the amounts of food and beverage that we post-ops feel comfortable having. SATISFIED! It is amazing me daily. I just tried to have a low-fat, sugar-free fudgesicle...two bites and I tossed the rest away. It didn't taste right any more. My husband brought doughnuts home last night...they looked like lumps of lard to me, I had zero interest in even sniffing them. I HAD to try a small piece of bread three days ago...HAD to...I took four bites and threw the rest away. It sat like a lead balloon in my new tummy for 40 minutes. That cured me of " needing " bread for quite a while. I have sat where you're sitting now, honey; it doesn't make sense to us after all the years that we've been at the mercy of food. We're sure that we'll be THE one that this MGB won't work for. Take a deep breath and center yourself: your attitude toward food and your interest in your " trigger foods " is drastically changed by the MGB. <<I even worry when I read how people are so very careful with their vitamins and minerals, gms of protein... How will I do this, after all. Look at me , do I look like someone who can be trusted to eat properly??? >> Yes, you do look like someone who can be trusted to eat properly, . You do. Not only that, you will take very good care of yourself once you're educated by Dr. R's Patient Manual and get the answers to your many questions. The daily routine becomes just that....routine. You learn to balance your meds and your mini-meals with your beverages and your daily duties. The first few weeks will seem awkward, but you'll soon have a handle on it! We're here for you, . Just keep reading and keep posting. We're never going to drop you on your head or turn away from you. Dee in MI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 << That's just my opinion today, tomorrow it will change. >> JJ, we're women; we're allowed to change our opinions at will. Especially if we suspect the males around us have figured us out! Dee in MI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 << That's just my opinion today, tomorrow it will change. >> JJ, we're women; we're allowed to change our opinions at will. Especially if we suspect the males around us have figured us out! Dee in MI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 << That's just my opinion today, tomorrow it will change. >> JJ, we're women; we're allowed to change our opinions at will. Especially if we suspect the males around us have figured us out! Dee in MI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 First, I do not think you should feel like your hacking people off for sharing your ideas-that is sort of why we are here. Secondly, maybe not everybody, but many of us are responsible for our weight to varying degrees. Barring from the discussion those with overactive thyroids or other hormonal abnormalities, people who are physically, emotionally, or developmentally challenged, and those whose obesity comes from poor parental training and/or poor early childhood nutrition most of us are partly responsible for our weight and that is an essential part of coping with the psychological aspects of recovery. The thing to remember is that we are not completely at fault. You used the phrase " out of control " . If by that you mean the obvious then you must ask how did it get out of control and what must I do to regain control. The " why " is a book full of reasons including those stated above and extending to emotional medication for those are depressed or those for whom eating has been the center of important social activities. Regaining control--now this is the rub. One difficulty is that regaining control of your eating habits alone usually does not eliminate obesity. First, you have to get to used to resisting your mind/body's inclination to over eat. That is terribly difficult in itself. Unlike alcoholics or smokers - you have to eat something to stay alive and that makes avoiding temptation very difficult. Moreover, simply eating with an average appetite is not enough to reduce your weight. To reduce you must eat far less than your body is used to consuming which aggravates the problem of controlling your mind/body cravings. Add the very probable genetic factors and you have a situation which is again very difficult to control. The thing to remember is not to get guilted away from doing whatever it takes to regain the control. Well meaning family, friends, nutritionists and PCP's can take the idea that you are somewhat responsible for your condition and make you feel that you simply lack a little will power. I do not lack for will-I am out of control in this area and I WILL do what I must to regain control. The tool of choice for me (and emphasize TOOL) is the MGB. Caldwell Technology and Media Services Coordinator/ S.P.A.S. Liaison Phone Ext. 3504 Fax Dcaldwell@... uuh...uhhh, i was just thinking From: CUTEAKA2NV@... All right mates, No body throw stones at me....ok? But I am just as " chubby " as the rest of us. But, I do feel like I am at least partly responsible for my weight. At one, my eating was out of control. But I worked on those issues, but the residual effect (too much weight) remains. Can anyone see my point? If not, please don't stone me. LOL le 5'4...272 BMI 46 _____ <http://adforce.imgis.com/?adlink|2.0|2|82042|1|1|misc=13508;loc=300;> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 In a message dated 02/03/2000 4:03:31 PM Eastern Standard Time, Yarnmama@... writes: << J, we're women; we're allowed to change our opinions at will. Especially if we suspect the males around us have figured us out! Dee in MI. >> LOL Dee, Too funny! (and true!) Sharon In KY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 In a message dated 02/03/2000 4:03:31 PM Eastern Standard Time, Yarnmama@... writes: << J, we're women; we're allowed to change our opinions at will. Especially if we suspect the males around us have figured us out! Dee in MI. >> LOL Dee, Too funny! (and true!) Sharon In KY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 I absolutely see your point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 I had Roux n y gb surgeryonDec 13, I have lost 47 pounds since i still eat mostly soft food or liquids . I take Flintstone children chewable vitamin complete and i have lots of energy. i have a few problems vomiting solid foods and vegtables. i am from Missouri would like to hear from you Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 I had Roux n y gb surgeryonDec 13, I have lost 47 pounds since i still eat mostly soft food or liquids . I take Flintstone children chewable vitamin complete and i have lots of energy. i have a few problems vomiting solid foods and vegtables. i am from Missouri would like to hear from you Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2000 Report Share Posted February 3, 2000 I had Roux n y gb surgeryonDec 13, I have lost 47 pounds since i still eat mostly soft food or liquids . I take Flintstone children chewable vitamin complete and i have lots of energy. i have a few problems vomiting solid foods and vegtables. i am from Missouri would like to hear from you Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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