Happy Half Surgiversary

Yesterday was my half-year surgiversary.  Yes, I celebrate my half-year surgery anniversary.  Why?  Why not?!  It is my way of acknowledging the success and challenges I’ve experienced within the past months.

I do a lot of reflecting.  I reflect on my day – what happened, things I’ve said and done and, yes, eaten sometimes!!  I like to make sure to pull out any lessons or insights I can obtain from what goes on throughout my day.  You’d be surprised at the things you can learn from a simple conversation or walking the dog.

So yesterday, I thought about a lot of things that I’ve obtained from the last six months since my surgery anniversary.

1.  Real Food – no fake food: From watching Jamie Oliver’s “Food Revolution” television show, I have made some pretty important changes in my life and with my family.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are much more a part of what I eat now.  I used to eat just enough that I felt I had to but now I want to.  Instead of processed food, I respect food more as real food and not processed food as fake food.  For my family, much less processed food.  I have never been a Martha Stewart, nor even pretended to be, but I cook dinner every night.  When I say “cook,” I mean more than open a box and stick in the microwave.  I make things from real, whole food.  The real deal food.  When Jamie ground up a chicken carcass to make chicken nuggets, that was it for me.

If you’d like to sign Jamie’s petition or check out his website, here’s the link:

http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution/petition

2.  Got My Head On:  Since having my surgery coming up on 9 years ago, the further I get post-op the more I know it isn’t about the surgery.  The surgery replumbed my insides but my head, and issues, have remained the same.  It has been a challenging process but one that has been infinitely rewarding and amazing.  I wish I knew then what I know now, but I wouldn’t change a thing.  Each single difficulty, painful insight, challenge was met with a sweet insight that made me much more accepting of myself.  In fact, those insights raised my self-esteem more than anything else I’ve tried.  What I know now is priceless.  The deep gratitude and contentment I feel for myself and my family (husband, sons) are beyond measure.

3.  I’m “More Than” Strategy:  There is a saying something to the effect that you are worth more than any circumstances that can happen to you.  I’m worth “more than” a Krispy Kreme donut 🙂 … a bag of chips … an argument with a friend … deep disappointment … boredom … anything; I am worth more than eating over an uncomfortable emotion, situation or anything!!  I know that sounds simple, and it is, but it was a big realization for me.  When I’m battling head hunger to emotionally eat and I’m on my way to the kitchen, I tell myself that I am worth more than _______ (fill-in-the-blank).  It has worked wonders for me.  I am no longer a victim and I am in control AND stay in control.

Wow, that’s a lot for just six months.  I look forward to the next six months!!

Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, ACC-ICF, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator