amw157

Here's what you tell them:
In the Halloween photo you posted, do you see that "air space" between your waist and your elbows?
That's what you lost. It's air now.

That smile you're flashing on the right is the truth right there. You look happier because you're healthier.

Glad you're thinking of taking the step, mcwestfam. One good thing about a psych is that they won't judge you, at all. Another good thing is that they're an "intimate stranger", you can tell them all kinds of deep secrets, but at the end of the session, it's not like you're BFFs. That's professionalism.
Do try a few. You may not find the right fit with the first one.

I always do a little happy dance when I see posts like this. So much of this forum is devoted to the practical side of things (how much to eat, what to eat, when to eat, how to deal with stalls). Far less often do we hear from people dealing with emotional or psychological issues. So when I see one, I go "UGOGIRL".
My advice? Are you sitting down, mcwestfam?
Find a counsellor or therapist or psychologist. <gasp!> Yes, seriously.
We've got the physical bases covered with our surgeon, nutritionist, etc. Why not cover the emotional bases with a therapist or counsellor? Why do people so freely go see a PCP or dentist or eye doctor, but stop short of seeing a therapist?
Why do we have to get clearance from a pulmonologist, cardiologist, sleep study, and a 15 minute psych eval ... but then after the surgery, the psychological support isn't stressed? Don't you think a healthy attitude, a healthy mindset, and feeling free from emotional issues, is CRUCIAL to the success of this surgery?
Anyway, I SWEAR by my psychologist. He's been more helpful than the nutritionist ever was. He's seen many patients over the years who have had gastric surgery. He's listened to their issues and helped them work through them. Who better to help you deal with these emotional issues than someone TRAINED in understanding human behavior, and someone who's already worked with many other gastric surgery patients?
Don't knock it till you try it. There's nothing wrong with taking care of your mental wellbeing as much as you take care of your physical wellbeing.
Yes, I'm a psychology evangelist. I can go on if you like. I can even share some of my own issues that I've worked through via my psychologist. Just say the word.

I always do a little happy dance when I see posts like this. So much of this forum is devoted to the practical side of things (how much to eat, what to eat, when to eat, how to deal with stalls). Far less often do we hear from people dealing with emotional or psychological issues. So when I see one, I go "UGOGIRL".
My advice? Are you sitting down, mcwestfam?
Find a counsellor or therapist or psychologist. <gasp!> Yes, seriously.
We've got the physical bases covered with our surgeon, nutritionist, etc. Why not cover the emotional bases with a therapist or counsellor? Why do people so freely go see a PCP or dentist or eye doctor, but stop short of seeing a therapist?
Why do we have to get clearance from a pulmonologist, cardiologist, sleep study, and a 15 minute psych eval ... but then after the surgery, the psychological support isn't stressed? Don't you think a healthy attitude, a healthy mindset, and feeling free from emotional issues, is CRUCIAL to the success of this surgery?
Anyway, I SWEAR by my psychologist. He's been more helpful than the nutritionist ever was. He's seen many patients over the years who have had gastric surgery. He's listened to their issues and helped them work through them. Who better to help you deal with these emotional issues than someone TRAINED in understanding human behavior, and someone who's already worked with many other gastric surgery patients?
Don't knock it till you try it. There's nothing wrong with taking care of your mental wellbeing as much as you take care of your physical wellbeing.
Yes, I'm a psychology evangelist. I can go on if you like. I can even share some of my own issues that I've worked through via my psychologist. Just say the word.

shrinkydinkme ... your reply was painfully honest, and really made me realize a few things about myself
You know? Despite knowing all the great things about this surgery and all the great things that lie ahead for me, I DO somewhat feel like I am taking the easy way out sometimes. And why do I feel that way? Well, you have uncovered something else for me....
Just now, I had to admit to myself (and now to you), that I too have judged others. On the rare case that I wasn't the biggest guy in the room, I was judgemental, even if I never spoke it. That took tremendous courage for you to admit, and I thank you. I have a suspicion now that that is part of the reason I haven't told everyone.
And again, you've forced me to admit to myself that I carry this judgement too. Wow. What do you charge per hour for psychoanalysis?

I don't mean to laugh, and rest assured I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you.
I'm six weeks post-surgery, and my energy is just now starting to come back. Starting!
When I complain about the lack of energy at five weeks, those who are six MONTHS post-surgery laugh at (with?) ME! They're like, "Six weeks? Son, your energy won't come back full strength that soon."
Hang in there, honest, it does get better. The key for me was to EAT, even when I wasn't hungry. They're not kidding when they say you have to get enough Protein and liquid in. That's the kicker, the Protein and the liquid. Less than the recommended amount, you're going to be weak. So EAT, even if you don't want to.

I've only told a select few close friends and family that I had my surgery. There are plenty other friends and family who I have not felt comfortable telling. I may find myself able to tell them someday, or I may not. Some of these friends I consider close friends.
Tonight it struck me .... exactly WHY haven't I told some people?
-- If I had an emergency appendectomy, surely I wouldn't feel embarrassed or vulnerable telling people.
-- If I had an elective surgery like hernia repair, I don't think I'd have a problem telling people about it.
-- If I had my tonsils out, or my son had ear tubes, I would have no problem revealing it.
-- If I had knee replacement surgery ...
-- If I had laser vision correction ...
Are you seeing the pattern here? So I asked myself, why do I feel uncomfortable or vulnerable about telling all my friends and family?
And as of yet ... I don't really know the answer. I'd sure like to know the answer. I have some suspicions, but I'm not certain.
-- Maybe I've bought into some social stigma?
-- Maybe I fear changed attitudes toward me?
-- Maybe I worry about having to defend my choice?
Then again ... these people are friends. Anyone who would criticize me for my choice, isn't someone I'd call a friend in the first place. I listed my friends to myself mentally, I can't think of any of them who would do that.
So I still ask myself ...Why haven't I told some people?
Now I ask you ... why haven't YOU told people?

I've only told a select few close friends and family that I had my surgery. There are plenty other friends and family who I have not felt comfortable telling. I may find myself able to tell them someday, or I may not. Some of these friends I consider close friends.
Tonight it struck me .... exactly WHY haven't I told some people?
-- If I had an emergency appendectomy, surely I wouldn't feel embarrassed or vulnerable telling people.
-- If I had an elective surgery like hernia repair, I don't think I'd have a problem telling people about it.
-- If I had my tonsils out, or my son had ear tubes, I would have no problem revealing it.
-- If I had knee replacement surgery ...
-- If I had laser vision correction ...
Are you seeing the pattern here? So I asked myself, why do I feel uncomfortable or vulnerable about telling all my friends and family?
And as of yet ... I don't really know the answer. I'd sure like to know the answer. I have some suspicions, but I'm not certain.
-- Maybe I've bought into some social stigma?
-- Maybe I fear changed attitudes toward me?
-- Maybe I worry about having to defend my choice?
Then again ... these people are friends. Anyone who would criticize me for my choice, isn't someone I'd call a friend in the first place. I listed my friends to myself mentally, I can't think of any of them who would do that.
So I still ask myself ...Why haven't I told some people?
Now I ask you ... why haven't YOU told people?

I totally get it. I haven't shared with any but my inner circle. Hope I didn't offend.

I've eaten out about five times since surgery, usually at a diner or Ruby Tuesday kind of place. Here's what I've done:
Get the flounder or the tilapia or the salmon. Hold the sides. The filet is just enough.
Get the "grilled chicken sandwich" and tell them to hold the bun and the sides. Honest, it's just enough, and it's high in Protein.< br /> More of the same. Find something high in protein, low in fat, and hold everything but the main item.

I totally get it. I haven't shared with any but my inner circle. Hope I didn't offend.

I totally get it. I haven't shared with any but my inner circle. Hope I didn't offend.

I'm confused by some of the items here.

Before you read on ... understand that I'm asking this because I want to believe so badly that you're RIGHT. I'm not being argumentative. I just am hesitant. Set me straight if I'm wrong here.

Hummus? Isn't that really high in fat? The label I see (online) says 24g of fat. Do they even make low-fat hummus?

Beef Jerky? Isn't that crazy high in sodium? That equates to retaining liquid, meaning weight gain. And sodium means high blood pressure too.

The sugar free pudding I have here says zero grams Protein. I'm sure the Jello is no better. What brand are you using?

I found only one or two varieties of Boar's Head products that are low sodium. Traditionally, lunchmeat is loaded with sodium.

Peanut butter (the normal kind) is pretty high in fat too (16g for Jif, one serving is 25% of your daily intake!)

Ok hold your fire for a moment. Maybe I should explain myself better. My nutritionist said to worry about Protein, sodium, and fat content, before worrying about calories. If you can find something high protein, low sodium, and low fat (and low sugars), then the calories are less of a concern.

Yes, I'm focused on sodium a lot. What good is losing weight if I still have high blood pressure? Yes, I'm focused on fat somewhat too. Sure, some fat is necessary, but if one serving of something has 30% of my daily recommended intake of fat (for a normal stomach person!), then it can't be good for me.

Ok, flame on. Be gentle.

Staisea ... I love your term "with a blip of cheese". That's fantastic. Like "bagel with schmear".

I say stop the insanity of weighing yourself. My goal is to be HEALTHIER, not to be below a specific number on the scale. Weight loss is a given after the sleeve, your health will improve. People lose their diabetes, their sleep apnea, their high-blood pressure. People see reduced stress on their joints.
For me, "healthier" doesn't have a number value. I'll never say "just two more pounds and THEN I'll be happy". That's silly, to me.
Am I healthier now than before surgery? Absolutely. I'm five weeks post-surgery. Will I get even healthier? Absolutely. Have I lost weight? Yep. How much? Who cares right now. I say my mission is well on its way to being accomplished, screw whatever the scale says. Healthier, here I come. Population: Me!
This is a long term thing, you MUST see it like that. Weigh yourself every day, or every other day, you're going to see a pound here or there. Whoopee. Wouldn't you be happier to weigh yourself three weeks from now and see a double-digit loss, and then be thrilled about that?
Stop torturing yourself. You made a very important step in taking better care of yourself, and the results will come in their own time. Keep doing the right things, and remember change is gradual, and you'll be just swell.

Thanks for starting this thread, IrishEyes. I haven't seen the term CPAP or Bi-PAP on these forums for a while now, and I'm sure many of us use them.
I too have sensed that the pressure I'm at is higher than it needs to be ... but I am astonished that I'm noticing this a mere five weeks after surgery. My gastric doctor recommends sleep study re-evaluations at six months post-surgery. Maybe I need it sooner.
Fellow Hoover-Heads ... stick together on this. What has your experience been?

I say stop the insanity of weighing yourself. My goal is to be HEALTHIER, not to be below a specific number on the scale. Weight loss is a given after the sleeve, your health will improve. People lose their diabetes, their sleep apnea, their high-blood pressure. People see reduced stress on their joints.
For me, "healthier" doesn't have a number value. I'll never say "just two more pounds and THEN I'll be happy". That's silly, to me.
Am I healthier now than before surgery? Absolutely. I'm five weeks post-surgery. Will I get even healthier? Absolutely. Have I lost weight? Yep. How much? Who cares right now. I say my mission is well on its way to being accomplished, screw whatever the scale says. Healthier, here I come. Population: Me!
This is a long term thing, you MUST see it like that. Weigh yourself every day, or every other day, you're going to see a pound here or there. Whoopee. Wouldn't you be happier to weigh yourself three weeks from now and see a double-digit loss, and then be thrilled about that?
Stop torturing yourself. You made a very important step in taking better care of yourself, and the results will come in their own time. Keep doing the right things, and remember change is gradual, and you'll be just swell.

There's a downside to the lack of hunger. I'm four weeks out, and there's no hunger ... but I don't feel like eating! It's getting bad because I know I'm not getting enough Protein. But when I stare at that Protein shake, or that dish of food, I just don't want to eat/drink it. I'm not sickened by it, just don't feel like eating it. Many days I don't eat until afternoon.
I know this isn't good, but what can you do to STIMULATE the desire to eat??