Transferring from junk food addiction vs Retirement

I have reached a different understanding in how we do or fail to cope with the mental replacement of our previous junk eating. Thank you Mike Fisher (Fisher1000) and Jacki (Splendifor) for your comments in my earlier threads - you have paved a clearer path for me!

Learning to reapply our mental frustration from not "being able" to junk eat is something we all agree on. But wherein the struggle lies, I believe is akin to starting retirement. When you have worked your butt off your whole life and "suddenly" you are retired, with 24/7 time for yourself and you are no longer "needed" at work, what on earth do you do? For many individuals who have been "workaholics" or passionate about their career, too much time on their hands comes as a shock to their system, quite literally. Some put on a lot of weight, become depressed, start smoking, become moody, have affairs or age rapidly. They are at a loss at what to do with all their “new” time on their hands! But for those who have had a hobby, other occupations other than “only” their work, other mental stimulus, they embrace retirement with a new zest for life and youthfulness. At long last they are “free” to undertake what they have been longing to do but could not afford, timewise or financially. Be it travelling, renovating old properties, indulging in gardening, collecting stamps, taking up martial arts, you name it, they are a whole lot happier than most and often are the ones who are “slimmer” and more positive, with a “can do” attitude.

So, if we are intelligent enough to find a replacement occupation – that is safe and that we enjoy, I recon we are better equipped to “succeed” with our weight loss journey thanks to our surgery. What do you think?

I have acquired a pug puppy, born 5 days after my surgery. Pugsy is very much a “lapdog” and as a puppy loves being cuddled and picked up as well as being independent and running and loving long walks. In a sense, I have “transferred” my overeating to caring for my new puppy…I would be interested in your views!

Vim is SO Happy!!!

5th April 2008 Exactly 4 months out today.
I have lost 42% of my wls journey so far.
I am SO very happy at the improved me, at being FREE, feeling younger, lighter and just grateful to be ALIVE...
You know that feeling you get at times, such as "falling in love", finding the "dream" house, that "great" job...? You just know it when you see it. But know what exactly? Well, you "know" that the glove fits, that everything falls into place...
I am done with feeling blue... I am done with being MO... I am done with being old... I just "know" that the corner I have turned is a real right angle corner, not a pretend, temporary corner... A major moment in my Life. A feeling that has been in the formation these last 5 days...

Several of my Forum Friends have been immensely helpful in giving me the unexpected "final push", the break from the past. Be it from suggesting ideas, reading your threads, blogging, sense of humour, practical tips, goals, experience, walking a similar path to mine, or just being visible across the boards… My immense Thank You to you all – you have made my world go round!

I have been given the rare chance of being set free from myself. I still am great friends with myself, but through the regeneration I have left the frayed bits of my old soul behind! (The “old skin” might undergo a body lift, but only if really necessary – time will tell!). The knowledge I have gained along the way is one thing – now I am acquiring the wisdom in using it properly. I am so happy. It is my responsibility to BE happy in all sincerity.

I have lived so much sadness and torment that I have cried myself dry. I have weaned myself from a sad past. Now it is onto a “5 day pouch test”! Use my tool with skill and discipline!

Thank you so very very much my Forum Pals for just “being there”, 24/7!

Warmest wishes to you all,
Vim