antigone40

Here's the deal. This body dysmorphia hasn't stopped for me.

I would look at pictures of myself when I was bigger and blame the camera, the angle, the photographer. I didn't notice then that all the pictures I posted of myself online were from the chin up. In fact, I cut off my double chin, my shoulders, etc., anything that would let people in on the secret of how big I was.

Now, 145 pounds lighter and a size 14, I look at pictures of myself and think "who the f--- is that!?" I wonder now why I look so thin. It's crazy that my mind still hasn't caught up with my body. Sometimes I feel that people are growing around me while I'm staying the same size. When did I get a thigh gap, for christ's sake.

The camera isn't lying to you and it's not lying to me. Best wishes to getting to the other side of it in due time.

I'm 10 weeks out and down 3 sizes.

Temptation isn't what it once was at all. It's weird, you just learn quickly that you've got only a tiny bit of real estate in your stomach and that you want to fill it with Protein or Fiber so you don't lose muscle mass or pass out. Eating to live becomes a real thing fast.

It was easier than I expected because your cravings change. For the first couple weeks after surgery, I was highly aware of my limited capacity and my brain caught on quickly. I walked past things I couldn't have before, and still do, and it's not me being strong as much as knowing --really knowing, without a doubt-- those things will make me feel bad.

Like @@jss1988 said, I had a pretest to take before meeting with the psychologist (basic psychological stuff, self-worth, family history). Then when I met with him, he warned me about some of the issues that can arise as we start to lose weight, i.e., you'll be getting more attention, how to deal with that,, also he warned that victims of sexual abuse may struggle with certain weights if the abuse occurred when you weighed a certain amount, there may be memories that you have to deal with along the way.

He asked about my support network, warned that some WLS patients will look to replace food addiction with alcohol, answered my questions, and sent me on my way. It was pretty painless: mostly an informative meeting.

Flagstaff, Arizona

@@leag78 The really cool thing is we don't have to go back! Bye 300, you're not welcome anymore!. Way to go!

Yep, they're gonna shrink. I'm down 2 bra sizes, and one cup size, in 5 weeks!

I'm glad you've maintained a "friendship" with food. I'm realizing now how it is a tough relationship to redefine. Thanks for sharing!

I'm on soft foods and have been getting between 500-600 calories. Sometimes it's really low, and then other days I just have more caloric intake. But I'm burning at least twice that amount of calories (Thank you Fit Bit)!

Personally I don't think I could get up to 1000 at this point.....5 weeks out.

My two cents-

Summer

When I expressed concern about hair loss, my bariatrician recommended Biotin as a preventative, so that may be worth a look.

I got held up by the sleep apnea doctors. Regardless of the reason, it was a 2 month delay and I was livid. I skulked around for a couple months, bitter and ready to have my surgery. You're not alone in your disappointment. And it's a big disappointment since this is life changing.

Sorry for your delay. This time will pass (although it could seem really really long like it did for me). In the meantime, take a big gulp of Water while you still can (do it for me?) and get ready to feel happiness like no other after surgery. This disappointment, though huge and at times crazy-making, will soon fade from memory. A new life is coming to you and it will never go away. Once it gets here.

Onward!

Summer

Hi Kimmi-

Thank you for sharing your story.

Like you, my knees are in bad shape. I'm bone on bone on both sides: late osteoarthritis. I'm 38.

But now I'm 5 weeks out of surgery and I've already had great improvement. I hiked a mile and a half recently, which was a really big deal since only weeks earlier I couldn't make it even a quarter mile! Just wanted to share that the knee pain has greatly diminished, and quickly.

Onward, and best of luck on your surgery.

Summer

I was in for 3 hours because I also had my gall bladder removed.

Hi C2F,

I'm 5 weeks out. I had VSG and my gall bladder removed and I was feeling okay after 6-7 days. After the second week, I felt fantastic.

Sometimes when I have other things going on, I forget that I'm sleeved and take a big gulp of ice Water ('tis summer after all). It still hurts when I get up in the 2-3 oz. range. I think it's bothering me the most, because chugging Water used to be so fun, and that's how it became a habit!

Best of luck; you'll get there!

Summer

My surgery date is May 18. One week from today. I'm so ready, and so tired of waiting. I've been in the program since October.

I didn't expect to get so emotional before surgery. I feel like I'm going to be so much better; when I think of all my complaints, they are all tied to my weight: the osteoarthritis in my knees, the social anxiety, the pain in my back, my shoulders, SO MUCH will change. I really feel the "weight" of this life of obesity, and I just want to hide until I'm better. I'm ready to be rid of my pain, both physical and emotional.

It's like over the past month I'm seeing myself as someone who's wearing too much body armor. I've allowed myself to look honestly at where I am, and I'm really ready to leave. 6 more days! I am so ready!

I'm scheduled for May 18! I had hoped to have it done in March too, but I got set back when they diagnosed me with sleep apnea. 6 weeks of monitoring that, and now it's only 27 days away (but who's counting!).

I'm so excited, and so are my worn out knees. Ready to do this!

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