ONE YEAR LATER

I'm back after a very long break and a lack of success with the band. It hasn't all been bad news, just some very tough personal lessons, all taken on within the one year. Sooo! What were these lessons?



LESSON 1 - Life gets in the way be kind to yourself

During the year my beloved mother was dying. Mum died 12/1/2009

For the first time in 25 year I was living in another town many hours away. I had a new and very demanding job and no friends to give moral support. Comfort eating appears in my life again albeit modified by the band.



Patience is a virtue

During this last year I have not lost weight, in fact at one stage in December, January I put on 3kg which shocked me as I had consoled myself with the thought that at least I hadn't gained weight.I have since lost that 3 kg and my present weight is 86kg. WHAT WAS I EATING TO GAIN THIS WEIGHT? - my old friends lollies and icecream and bread - somethings never change.



The Mind Matters Most

In the last month I have discovered The Gabriel Method and CBT. It has been a revelation. The band to control how much I eat and my mind to control what I eat. Perfectly logical BUT easier to read about than put into practice. I am certain that this new attitude is responsible for the 3kg loss.



Eat normal,healthy food and the BAND WILL WORK

This of course is what we are told when we get the band but in my case it has taken all this time for it to sink in. I felt so disappointed that only two fills and I PB'd too many times and resorted to soft easy foods. This was my banded life from July to January. Then, a little research and I found some articles on CBT and weight loss, came across Jon Gabriels story and applied this information. Using meditations and guided imagery has helped me to change my behaviour and I now am eating normal meals, chewing carefully, and feeling satisfied. BINGO - WEIGHT LOSS. Am I happy - you bet.



Sharing helps

I have been helped by reading so many blogs, even though I couldn't keep writing my own during the year. I hope this part of my story can help someone too.

Bye for now - chin up

Susan