In the previous chapter, we discussed dining as a social activity; however, for many of us, eating out has become our primary source of nutrition. Many households dine out more frequently than at home. Sometimes it's at a sit-down restaurant, sometimes it's at a drive-through, and home delivery is always an option. Someone else always prepares the food, and either they clean up at the restaurant or we dispose of the paper and plastic in the garbage. How practical!
The restaurant industry has flourished for decades due to the fact that it saves us both time and effort. We can consume what we want, when we want, without having to purchase food, cook it, or clean the dishes. And each member of the family can have something unique. What could be more ideal? Perhaps if it were gratis! While prepared food is not precisely free, there are some places where you can get more than enough calories to meet your body's needs for less than the change in your pocket.
Obviously, sit-down restaurants are more expensive due to the services they provide. As a means of compensating for these higher prices, some establishments provide enormous portions. Food preparation is relatively inexpensive, so it does not cost significantly more to ensure that no one leaves home hungry. When the waiter arrives to your table and asks, "Anyone save room for dessert?" it's almost comical. Despite being "stuffed," the melody of homemade pie with ice cream can be difficult to resist. If they bring out that tray of treats so you can actually see them, the temptation can become simply irresistible.
The purpose of this description of contemporary American dining practices is to emphasize the need for change. Simply overeating is the leading cause of obesity in most individuals. Now that you have the band to help you eat less, you must truly eat less in order to lose weight. This requires a modification of eating habits, beginning with where and how sustenance is obtained.
I now understand what you are thinking. "This individual is insane if he believes I will begin preparing three meals per day at home. I don't have time. In addition, the remainder of my family will not tolerate it." I concur that it is unreasonable to suggest that we revert to the 1950s, when mom made everyone's breakfast, packed their lunches, and had a hot meal waiting for them when they returned from work. Conversely, it is completely illogical to presume success with the AGB if you do not alter your current eating habits.
While eating at home more often may be a decent starting point, it won't make much of a difference unless healthy, nutritious meals are prepared in reasonable quantities. This includes the notorious word "diet." But I'm not referring to the agonizing deprivation you endured on your numerous previous regimens. Instead, you must adopt a new, rational, and preplanned eating pattern that is compatible with the restrictive nature of your band. This begins at the supermarket. Create a meal plan for the week and only purchase the ingredients necessary to prepare the dishes.
If you don't have a plan for what you're going to consume when you go to the grocery store, you will end up buying the same junk food you always have. This will include chips, biscuits, candies, and anything else that can be consumed quickly regardless of the band. You will sabotage your weight-loss efforts before you even reach your vehicle with the supplies. Understand that you will consume the munchies and comfort foods you purchase. It's that easy. You query, why would you do that? Garment!
Several patients have told me that they purchase snack foods and beverages for their families only. One woman told me that her son would not remain at home unless snacks were available. This may seem absurd to some, but for others it represents yet another unexpected obstacle to surmount. You must explain to your family that the snack foods and soft beverages they have become accustomed to will no longer be available. They are being supplanted with fresh fruit and diet beverages.
There will undoubtedly be grumbling and moaning, but in the end, you and your family will develop healthier eating practices. So, how do you accomplish this? You must first recognize the need (develop the thought) and then initiate a new domestic policy (introduce the behavior) to effect change. Only then will you be able to sustain it (the habit) on your own.
Morgan Spurlock directed and starred in the movie Supersize Me.
This Oscar-nominated documentary examines the effects of American fast food on everything from elementary school students to legislation. In it, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock spends a month consuming nothing but McDonald's food while adhering to three basic rules.
No options; he was limited to what was accessible at the counter (including water!).
No upsizing allowed unless offered.
Every item on the menu had to be consumed at least once.
In 2004, Spurlock won the award for Best Director at the Sundance Film Festival, and the film has since received numerous accolades.
Roseann's Tale
The first 50 years of my life were spent degrading my body. I did not believe it was fair to me or my spouse that I was unable to be what we both desired. I attempted regimens such as Weight Watchers and lost and regained a significant amount of weight.
The fact that I am a nurse had no bearing on my decision to join the band. Hearing about gastric bypass frightened me. I traveled with another band member, who informed me about the group. I began searching for additional information on the Internet. I knew I had to take action.
Within a month of meeting Dr. Sewell, I decided he would be my physician. I also resolved to assume responsibility for my actions going forward. I anticipated a gradual weight loss, but I didn't care how long it took. I must labor for every pound of it, but that is acceptable.
I was also aware that my insurance would not cover the cost. My spouse stated, "I support you one hundred percent. Please hand me the checkbook. This is your new automobile." If I had not paid for it myself, I believe I would have been a little less conscientious. But since I did, I've been extra cautious.
I had surgery in April 2004, and I've lost 64 pounds so far. I am currently 5 feet 2 inches tall and 187 pounds. My target weight is 132 pounds. There are still 50 pounds to lose, but it no longer seems so daunting. People around me claim that I shouldn't have so much more to lose, but I assure them that I do.
When I visited Dr. Sewell for a refill, he stated, "Some people just don't get it." It took me approximately eight months to "get it." I would argue ceaselessly, stating things such as "I'm not losing," "I can't tell when I'm full," and "Something is wrong here." He stated that I lacked patience with the procedure. Then, approximately two and a half months ago, I obtained it. I realized it was the portion size, and I had to substitute exercise for sustenance.
As I lost weight, exercise became simpler and more manageable. I now look forward to leaping out of bed, completing my exercise, and continuing with my day. I am able to exercise for an hour to an hour and a half, but our dietitian advised against exercising seven days per week. She stated that she does not exercise frequently. I was terrified that if I missed any of the seven days, I would not reduce weight. There remained an anxiety factor.
I now feel normal. I am behaving as real individuals do. I was on blood pressure medication until September 2004, when I stopped taking it. After the band surgery, I never experienced reflux again, but I did not stop taking the medication until September. I had prediabetes but am now healthy. I had sleep apnea, attempted the machine, and then underwent airway surgery, but neither helped. I endured considerable misery and suffering for nothing. I still wake up occasionally at night, but I do not have a serious issue.
Some days are more enjoyable than others. There are times when I can ingest what seems like a lot, and other times when I can hardly consume anything. But ultimately, this is much simpler than being overweight ever was.
People occasionally inquire about my weight loss. When I inform them, they inquire, "In how long?" As if it were a contest or something. So I say, "I'll tell you how long it took, but it's irrelevant because it's not a competition. I will never return to where I once was."