Posts Published by Tom Bilcze

The Selfishness of Weight Loss

It’s about me and all about me. For most of us that is a pretty difficult statement to make. Since we were little children, we’ve been taught to share and play nice in the sandbox. When I began my weight loss journey, I adopted that philosophy and have learned to be more vocal to myself on giving more priority to my needs and wants.

Let me take a trip back in my magic time machine. At the time when I started exploring weight loss surgery, I was President of my church council, the Events Director of a fraternal organization, and a volunteer to a few other non-profits. My typical work week saw my evening calendar filled with meetings, events and working on documents and plans for these groups. I literally had no time for myself.

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Bandwagon – A Book Review

I love easy to read and understand owner’s manuals for my tech toys. They are usually complex and not geared for a quick read. My Lapband is a high tech device that is implanted in my body. It only makes sense that I want to be knowledgeable of the use, care and feeding of my band. When Jean McMillan, a fellow bandster and Obesity Help chat buddy authored a book on adjustable gastric banding and weight loss surgery, I ordered a copy for my reference.

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The Bariatric Fear of Food

Cibophobia is the phobia where sufferers fear food. Cibophobics are generally afraid of undercooked or overcooked foods, unsanitary food preparation, and food served past the expiration date. This isn’t quite the same but is pretty close to an eating disorder that I see in bariatric patients. The first year after weight loss surgery is a year of carefully following a nutritionist’s diet and eating guidelines. Once the patient moves into the second year they generally become more lax. It’s at that point that the fear of eating raising its ugly head.

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