Over the past few months, we have discussed a variety of weight management programs. Most of us have done or are doing OPTIFAST currently. Most of us have done a variety of other plans, i.e., TQI (which isn't really a weight management program, but offers very sound nutritional advice), Weight Watchers, etc. We've talked about creating hybrids of various programs.
We've discussed weight loss surgery.
And we've hammered home the need for exercise as part of a weight management program.
We've discussed obstacles which may stand in our way - including:
- busy lives
- grief
- boredom
- our own perfectionism
- our own lack of self care (taking care of other people's needs when we can't get ourselves on our own to-do list!)
- resentment
- depression
- protection/insulation
- need for comfort or soothing, etc.
So how are we doing? Most of us recognize that left to our own devices, we tend to lose track and gain weight. If we're holding steady, that's certainly not bad!
But many of us express frustration about not keeping weight off as effectively as we'd hoped.
I've always maintained that most of us are - or should be - our own best doctors. Yes, I've heard the line, "A doctor who treats himsef has a fool for a patient!"
But we usually do know ourselves reasonably well.
So, knowing yourself as you do, what is your current recommendation for your own treatment plan? Think about it; write it up. Shore up your resolve.
We're all in this together.
Linda Gromko, MD
How many of us have had the experience where big, life-changing events were happening all at once? Where nothing seemed to "flow" with order or reason? Where, in spite of our best intentions, things were simply out of our control? Life...in the blender - and on HIGH!
In our last group meeting, many of us were in the midst of blenderized living. We had deaths in the family, critical medical experiences in family members, dealing with elderly parents, and planning for surgeries. Not "light" content.
And, what do we do when life is in the blender? Many of us turn to our long-term comforts of carbohydrates, chocolate, salty-crunchy snacks - understandably putting aside what we know we need, and finding some respite in the midst of the storm.
So, we struggle again. Wondering why it is that we succeed in so many areas of our lives, yet falter with food.
We've talked in our group about "running the bases." ("When I'm running the bases, I'm in the game.")
Let's review:
- The pitcher = what life throws at you
- The bat = how you react
- lst base = intention and attitude
- 2nd base = habits and behaviors
- 3rd base = self-care ("self-basting")
- Home base = reassessment, improvements in health & life.
This week as we reel from the fast pitch, check your intentions and attitudes. What behaviors are serving you, and what behaviors are hampering your progress? And what are you doing to take care of yourself?
Go back and review the Serenity Prayer. What things can we control and change, and what is simply life in the blender?
Sort it out, and we'll get through it.
We're all in this together.
Linda Gromko, MD
It looks like a couple of our members are having surgeries in the near future. So last week's discussion centered on preparing for a surgery.
Everyone's circumstances vary, of course. But the following are pointers from my own personal and clinical observations that might help you someday.
- If you have the "luxury" of a scheduled surgery, rather than an emergency surgery, pick a date that serves you and your loved ones best.
- Ask your surgeon, "What can I do to ensure the best recovery possible?"
- Think and plan ahead. Pay your bills, do your laundry, clean your house - or hire someone to help you. Come home to a clean, ordered living space.
- Ask about post-operative foods. You may be advised to eat more protein, for example.
- Constipation is a common problem for people who require post-operative narcotics. Increase your fluid intake and eat fresh fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation.
- Simple, easy-to-prepare meals will be helpful. There's nothing wrong with prepared foods, but do check your labels for sodum, calories, and protein.
- If you use a sleep apnea device, i.e., CPAP, ask when you shoud start using it post-op. Remember that narcotics can worsen sleep apnea - temporarily, of course.
- Blood clots in your lower extremities can be life-threatening. Prevent them by getting up and moving around; at least, wiggle your toes!
- Ask your surgeon about mobility - and mobility assistance. Depending on your surgery, you might benefit from a rolling walker or cane during your early recovery. These can be selected by a physical therapist and often delivered to your home.
- Make sure you have your regular medications - and any special post-op medications available. Prepare a "medi-set" ahead of time.
- Expect to feel overly stimulated when you make a trip to the pharmacy or grocery store - even overwelmed! It will pass. Plan on making no more than one out-of-house excursion per day in the early post-op period.
- It's normal to feel more tired, so take naps and allow yourself to rest.
- Taking deep breaths and coughing can actually prevent a pneumonia. Ask your nurse how to "splint,"i.e., how to support your incision by pressing a pillow against yourself.
- Concerned about bathing and shampooing? Rinseless shampoo can be purchased on-line or in a beauty supply store.
- When it's time to go back to work, consider returning on a Thursday or Friday. That way, you can go for a shorter time and have the weekend to recover.
- If you're going back to work for partial days, be sure to rest in the morning and go to work in the afternoon. If you start your workday in the morning, you'll never get away!
- Post-op blues or depression aren't uncommon, but ask your doctor if depression lingers.
- If you will be limited in mobility for more than a couple of weeks, ask your doctor for a temporary disability parking permit.
Be sure to ask your questions. There are no stupid questions - except, perhaps, for the ones you don't ask!
Remember, we're all in this together.
Linda Gromko,MD
