MarylandCrab

YES! I am going to call customer support on Friday. I'll let you know -- or if you get to it before me, let me know!

Oh man I just read this topic at the right time. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one (I really didn't think I was) The quitting food part really hits home, because you can't. I never seem to be able to stick to self-imposed diets. There's always that idea of cheating that comes through, that "I'll just have this one..." It never occurs to me to ever cheat on my husband, so why can't I apply that to myself? Why do I insist on cheating on ME? I know surgery won't be the magic fix, but I do hope it will help me "change my relationship" with food. Because when you are that restricted, you really do have to view food as a tool to survive rather than something pleasurable.

I bet! Like I said, haven't had the surgery yet so I ought to keep my yap shut, but of course I won't! You must have had a reason for getting this surgery done, so maybe it'll help to think about that every time you start to get frustrated about not eating. You're going to be so much healthier in the long run, and that's the greatest Christmas present to yourself and your family!

You got this, Krisstep! I haven't had my surgery yet but I've had major surgery before. General anesthesia can really pack a wallop! Seriously, as the chemicals and stuff leave your body you can feel anxious and depressed. It's fairly normal, but just makes you feel terrible. Combine that with not being able to eat AND the holidays and that would leave anyone feeling irritable. Keep posting and checking in. Take care!

I haven't had my surgery yet but I have had major surgery. Anesthesia can cause depression symptoms. All of those chemicals mess with your chemistry a bit. I have confidence that you'll be okay and will be feeling better soon. Hang in there, depression is no fun. If you get worried, go see your doc and don't be afraid to ask for help!

I love that quote from your mom. Moms know it all! Congratulations on the steps you've made. You must be so proud of yourself!

I know what you mean, @@Jocie227! I was exhausted after my first appointment! I am just getting started, too. I had my first appt on the 11th, and I'm going to my first support group on Monday -- I have to go to two before the surgery. What's your timeline look like? When do you think you'll be able to have the surgery? i'm hoping for June. Good luck and keep us posted!

I'm relatively new to this forum (just started last week) and I am so glad I found it. I just had my first consultation with the program coordinator and nutritionist at my surgeon's office. That was the big first step for me. I'm looking at a 6 month timeline here -- 6 months of nutritionist appts, other tests, and getting myself into some new habits. And I am SO excited. The only problem is I'm having a little trouble getting started. I've made a few changes in the last few days: I've started tracking what I eat, and I haven't had a Diet Coke in the last 3 days. I just can't seem to make myself believe that I am going to have to change what I eat, if that makes sense. I know it logically, but I can't seem to make it sink in in terms of what I'm eating. Anyone else early on in the process? Anyone having this trouble?

I can totally relate to this @Mel13. Stress and "busyness" is a trigger for me, too (probably for many of us). I haven't had WLS yet, but I'm starting to try and get into some good habits. I've even gone so far as to identify my "Trigger Time" which is right after school. The problem is what to do about it. I like the suggestion of having healthy stuff at hand and not leaving home without it. That way you're not even faced with the option of stopping anywhere for something unhealthy. You can do this! We can do this!

Hi @! I just joined here last week after my first consultation at the surgeon's office. Still about 6 months out from surgery. I've learned so much on here in just the past few days. Good luck!

I think Dave Barry once said that unless you see a baby's head emerging at that moment, it's never appropriate to ask a woman if she's pregnant. I kind of take that approach to weight loss -- unless I see one of your scars, I would never ask someone if they had bariatric surgery. It's just rude. That being said, not all people have our sort of sensitivity and impeccable manners I'm still months away from having surgery and I really want to tell people that I'm planning to do it but I know that as soon as I open my mouth I'm going to regret it, particularly my co-workers. I wonder how I'll feel afterwards. I don't know @Islandsneezer. Maybe if you lose a large amount of weight your confidence level will change. Still, your customers/my students are going to notice. I guess we better come up with some good stories/responses.

Hi SuzeMuse! Where are you in the process?

Hi Drmeow, I'm in Frederick and am going through the program at FMH. I attended the information session at the hospital with Dr. Stephen McKenna and I really liked him. I had my first appointment at the office this past Thursday and was equally impressed with the staff. It was like a well-oiled machine!!! I'm not used to that level of efficiency, LOL! Out of all of your options, Baltimore and PA and WV, I have to think Frederick would be a lot more do-able! Let me know if I can help you or if you have any questions about the program out here.

Hi there! I just started the process, too. I had my first consultation with the surgery coordinator/nutritionist on Thursday and have to start scheduling all of my tests. Looks like June will be my surgery. It's time that we are done with the shame that we couldn't lose what we wanted to. It's time we move on and realize it is what it is and that we will be changing our lives for the better. It's okay to be afraid. Just in the last few days that I've been on this forum, I've found it to be very comforting.

Oh no! I am set to have this surgery in June -- well, that's the projected month -- but I had a partial pancreatectomy and splenectomy back in 2005. I ended up with a terrible post-op infection with lots of pain, fever, and a trip to the emergency room. I'm so sorry you've had to go through that. I hope you'll be feeling better soon!

This is my first post on this forum. Coastalchick, thank you for sharing this. I just had my first appt yesterday with the doc to start this process. I've told my husband and my mother because I knew they would be supportive, but I am so afraid to tell anyone else. I'm not usually like that -- usually my life is an open book! But I'm afraid friends and relatives will not be supportive and will judge me. I hope things get better for you. I think you know, as I do, that in the end this is really nobody's business but ours. Still, it's not fun getting talked about behind your back or being judged or hearing the horror stories!!