One of my (two) friends that knows I was banded came to visit this weekend. She's been pretty supportive, but due to her own weight issues, I think she's struggled a bit with my band. She's the one who told me I just wasn't allowed to get skinnier than her.
We had a great weekend together - cleaning, decluttering (we're nerds - we like doing this together), cooking, shopping, eating.
A little back story - we have been friends for about 5 years now. Maybe 6. We met online on a message board for people divorcing young. We hit it off immediately and became friends instantly. We have tons in common. Tons.
She lives about four hours from me, in Chicago. In July 2006, I joined Weight Watchers and did Core. I had great success with it, and a few months later, she joined me on Core. Of course, we live 100s of miles apart, so we emailed and talked about it constantly, sharing food finds and recipes.
By March 2007, I'd lost 60 lbs (from 322 to 262), and she'd lost about 30 lbs (216 to 185ish). I then found out I was pregnant and totally fell off the wagon. She kept on, but we've both screwed around since then - losing and gaining the same 15-20-25 lbs. Well, obviously, I gained a lot more, but it was in those increments. Anyhow, she's bounced between a 16 and a 12, maybe a 10.
Fast forward to this weekend: We had a great time together. But I realized I really do eat a lot less than I used to. A lot. And waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyy slower. I mean, I knew I did, but I didn't realize how much less and how much slower. It was very eye-opening to spend the entire weekend with someone who you know you used to eat almost exactly the same as.
Beyond just this weekend, though, I am starting to realize that eating is just not enjoyable like it used to be. Don't get me wrong - I still enjoy certain foods. But in a lot of ways, eating takes so much mental and physical effort, it has become a bit of a chore. I never, ever, ever in a million years thought I'd say that!
On other notes, if you are struggling like me with tightness yet no restriction, chili is a great meal. It goes down easily, and you can actually eat enough to feel satisfied for more than 2.2 minutes. Luckily, I made enough for a few meals this week. YUM!
I am glad that you and your friend had a great time. Sometimes it is so nice to see someone else who does what you did do. It brings forward just how much you have accomplished and where you are going with your band! Also I agree about the chili, I made venison chili last week and will probably make chicken chili next week. It's a good go to food and freezes so well.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how food loses some of its allure. I heart chili! But for me it can be slider-ish, so I have to be aware....
ReplyDeleteIt's good you are still friends. I'm sure it must be hard for her in some ways to have the friend she dieted with getting the band. Sounds like she's been supportive, which is good. I'm so glad that my best friend and I are going on this journey together. It makes it a lot easier.
ReplyDeleteSame this end for me. Some foods are just plain hard work and if we take those teeny bites like we are supposed to, it's doubly hard.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a nice time with your friend though. Sounds like fun.
oh thank goodness someone else posted this...I feel the same!!! Thank you
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post. It is so interesting when you begin to realize this fact, especially when you're with someone who used to be your eating buddy. I too heart chili. It's so interesting, I'm the opposite of Gen. I can get stuck on chili if I'm too restricted. So funny how this band works!
ReplyDeletechilli is a great standby for me. very filling. i think it is all the protein but also the warmness in our bellies.
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