deletedprofile123

VSG to RNY surgery finally scheduled: September 9, 2019

• So... I have a haital hernia and they're suspecting some stomach ulcers (explains the anemia/getting endoscopy soon to confirm)
  • According to my doctor, hernia can re-develop after 2-3 years if it is repaired but nothing is done to my sleeve.
• I have been going to Support Group and the CBT sessions and both have been very helpful.
  • Had the chance to share my story and that has been relieving and empowering...
  • According to the program leader (for more than 20 years), only 5% of WLS patients stay at goal 10 years after surgery.
    • One study showed the most contributing factor is a patient's support network.
    • Met a lady who is 12 years out and 7 lbs. away from her goal — She only missed 4 support group meetings in the 12 years!
• I really want to prove to myself before revision that I can change.
  • The surgery is just the building blocks, I have to do the hard work to build the beautiful house/temple...
    • On prenatal vitamins, protein shakes instead of meals and clean eating
      • No grazing, set meal schedule, no distractions (eating mindfully)
    • Trying to get into the Bio Oil regimen (thank you for the recommendation) so I can stay consistent after revision
• Iron infusions scheduled weekly for 8 weeks (7/11/19 - 8/29/19) so will probably be attending half those sessions after surgery?
  • Depends on where my iron is when I get labs and surgery date that will be set on August 1st

I joined a bariatric support group at Torrance Memorial Hospital yesterday and it was so inspiring and incredible to meet other people who are on this same journey! They knew nothing about this forum, by the way. Most of them had a significant other, a sibling or a friend tag along for support — how kind! There was one young lady (Ilana) who came with a friend (Katie) who was taking notes for her and asking all these questions — “playing the devil’s advocate”, as she put it. I shared my story. I was emotional and lengthy, but everyone was supportive… I met 6 people — some who’ve had surgery already (one lady was only 9 days post-op) and some who are still in their waiting phase (I’m the only revision and lowest BMI, but oh well)… There was one lady (Lisa) who lost 40 lbs. in her pre-op diet, had the sleeve done in October 2018 and thereafter lost another 80 lbs. — simply incredible! She said she’d actually like to be 10 lbs. heavier… (You're never going to hear me say that, LOL!) I got everyone’s phone number and created a GroupMe group for us. I’m excited for that to be our safe space; sharing/support portal kind of thing, especially since everyone is local and we can meet up!

Behavioral modification is the key... I went to my first session of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and it was incredible! We talked about the purpose behind certain unwanted behaviors as all behavior is developed to serve a purpose, being ready, willing and able, thought mapping (finding the origin/pattern of thought that ultimately contributes to certain unwanted behaviors), and replacing one behavior with another that's as equally rewarding, if not more.