How many more pounds should I lose

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Judgmental People and other annoying stuff




For starters, take another look at that weight loss total on the ticker above. Yup! 75 down, 26 to go. Admittedly, when I get to my goal I probably won't stop at that point, maybe lose another 10 or so but..goals are goals and I am almost there!


I promised to mention the bet I foolishly made and as of today I have now won. I bet my nephew months before I even started the diet that I would lose 75 pounds by the time I went to Hawaii in January. In January! Yet here it is September 8th and I have won already. Sorry, Marc. Now, why was it a dumb bet for me? Because we bet a big dinner at Don Pepe Steakhouse, that's why. Big to me is a salad and an appetizer. Big to him is a chorizo appetizer and a 28 oz steak. Not good odds for me but I am glad I won. (He's glad, too)


I went to a birthday BBQ last weekend (Happy b-day Michele and Stacy) and saw many people who hadn't seen me in the last four months. Boy, were they ever surprised at how I look. Many of them offered me congratulations on how well I am doing. It still feels good to hear. However, I was surprised by a few who remain convinced that if I had just a little willpower and stick-to-it-ness, exercised more, I wouldn't have needed the LapBand. I guess that many people feel that way but (mercifully) don't share those thoughts. Imagine telling a lung cancer patient during their chemo they should have used more willpower and not smoked. Not to mention that numerous studies show that fat people "see" food differently than normal-weight ones.


To everyone who was interested at the party, I shared the essence of how I have come to view obesity and the LapBand. Some normal-weight people may argue with my ideas but unless you are fat (I find the word obese a little condescending) you are not in a position to disagree:


1- Fat people are fat because they usually don't process that they are full. This may be behavioral or physiological but the effect is the same.


2- Fat people fail on diets because they eventually get hungry. It doesn't matter what "trick" of the day they are using: Jenny Craig, Atkins, South Beach, etc. At some point they get hungry and then they will fail.


3- The LapBand, your little friend, whispers two important things to you: You are full and You are not hungry. That means that with a LapBand, you can go on a diet of your choosing and be successful. 


That is what I have done. Gone on a diet and have succeeded (so far) because I am not hungry.


Having said that, there are plenty of anecdotes about LapBanders who have failed. DUH! Merely having a LapBand doesn't guarantee success, you have to watch yourself forever. It won't prevent you from slurping milk shakes or eating ice cream. However, if you are thoughtful about your ongoing approach to food, you cannot fail because you can NEVER OVEREAT AGAIN. No more large pizzas, or double orders of fries or ... you get the picture. The LapBand is your friend!


Finally, a lot of people have questioned my commitment vis-a-vis the exercise thing. It will come in due time. It doesn't make me a bad person because I haven't started (AND my doctor has requested once again as of last week to wait before I start). So, PLEASE don't impose your value system on me and I promise not to impose mine on you. It makes me think of a clever sign I intend to get made: Enter but please leave your "shoulds" at the door.


Next update: My surgeon has requested me to share my insights with new potential patients. 


mickey


6 comments:

  1. Great post. I read recently that folks who want straight teeth get braces and folks who don't want glasses can get contact lenses. I have a problem with portion control. I got a lapband.

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  2. what great news that u reached ur loss bet before u said that u would. this is not only fantastic it is ur determination to stick to ur promise to urself that u will accomplish ur endeavor. u look like a different person and i am glad that ur stamina is on track. keep it up mickey dear. love always, ma

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  3. Wonderfully written! I am so proud of you. Love, Linda

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  4. Michael, Congrats and thank you for expressing the thoughts you have had with the lapband. I am a bandster (4/25/11). I have lost 50lbs and have 75 lbs to go. Been obese for 30 years, have all the medical problems that go with it. Now I am getting a life back and my husband's too. He is excited we can take trips, plan on a future as I feel so much better. HOPE has returned. We wish you a successful future now that you have the correct tool to make it happen. Again, thanks for sharing. DT

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  5. Michael, it was such a pleasure to meet you and your wife at the St. Regis Deer Valley recently. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us - very inspiring! We look forward to reading about your progress. Best wishes for continued success! Jonathan & Amanda

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