Amanda Dutton LPC

Agreed. You sound like you have a good thing going with the Trentellix, so why mess that up, right? Good for you. Keep us posted!

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

With a history of issues with Adderall, definitely avoid the phentermine. And with a history of negative experiences with Topamax and Wellbutrin, tell the surgeon you can't take them (or Contrave) for that reason.

You're your own best advocate here. Plus, anything chemical you use before surgery to lose weight is going to throw off your metabolism even more, so the longterm effects may not be worth the short term benefits. And serotonin syndrome sucks. I watched my husband go through it - he looked as though he had Parkinson's. It was terrifying.

You're smart to do the research on this and to be taking care of your mental AND physical health. Focus on proving them wrong, that you can meet the pre-surgical goal without meds, and let that be your motivation (and let us be your cheerleaders)!

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

Thanks ❤️ Yeah the plan is to go in there and refuse anything. I only have 5 months of nutrition visits to go. There’s no need for meds that aren’t for a serious issue. And yes, serotonin syndrome is scary! How long did it take your hubby to recover?

And "how's yer mama'n'em?" or calling any and everybody "sweetie," "honey," or "darlin'." [emoji6] - born and raised north GA girl [emoji137]‍♀️

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

It really is amazing how many of us deal with mental health. And even more amazing that society often treats us like our weight is the reason.

I'm working on my PhD in Health Psychology and I plan on doing my dissertation on how therapy effects the longterm success of bariatric patients.

People forget it's a chemical imbalance. And when we have part of our stomach removed, not only are we losing access to serotonin (90%of it is produced in our gut, not our brain), which controls our mood, we're losing our main coping tool, and we're releasing hormones from our fat stores !

Basically we can become a hot mess! 🤣

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

I am in Suwanee. That is funny because most people don’t know the cities outside of Atlanta in less you are from here so true!

I am in Suwanee

Hey! I'm up in Gainesville/Oakwood GA! Down in Duluth a couple days a week, too.

How far outside the city are y'all (that's how you know you're from GA - when you can just say "the city" and assume folks will know you mean Atl 🤣).

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

This makes my [emoji175] so happy! That's all the payment in the world! 🤣

It's a super hard thing to own our stuff. We don't want to admit it's happening because then we have to do the work to change it - so really, you did the most amazing thing! [emoji122][emoji122][emoji122]

Steady progress, baby steps. It's not about getting it perfect. You're already ahead of the game! [emoji175]

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

Totally a valid question!

It does seem like "born and raised" Southern folks - especially those of us with deep family roots - would have a harder time with weight.

For me, food was always around. My grandmother (Granny) was my caregiver shortly after my parents returned to work up until I could drive. She had a garden, raised chickens and cooked everything in lard or Crisco - even some of the vegetables. Fried chicken every Tuesday. Giant handmade biscuits ("cathead" biscuits). Sweet tea in the fridge at all times.

Every family gathering revolved around food - holidays, birthdays, weddings, funerals - everything.

Not cleaning your plate was not an option. She was raised during the Great Depression and had 7 kids - you did NOT waste food. And as was said before, you ate no matter whose home you were at and what time it was - it was disrespectful not to.

Bless their hearts. 🤣

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

And "how's yer mama'n'em?" or calling any and everybody "sweetie," "honey," or "darlin'." [emoji6] - born and raised north GA girl [emoji137]‍♀️

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

Thank you! There's been a lot of miles on these tires in 14 years, so I'm happy to hear that! 🤣🤣

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

Thank you so much for sharing and congratulations on your long-term success! We need more input like this from vets!

Thank you! There's been a lot of miles on these tires in 14 years, so I'm happy to hear that! 🤣🤣

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

Hi, everyone!
I posted this in the veterans forum, but I thought y'all might really benefit from hearing/reading this, too.
Today (1/3/19) is my 14 year surgi-versary, and I wanted to Celebrate by sharing the gift of knowledge with anyone who may be a few steps behind me.
1. Be kind to yourself. This journey is long and hard and most definitely bumpy - but it's yours to do with as you see fit. Don't settle, but don't beat yourself up for a misstep. We did that for too long before surgery, k?
2. Be strong. You are your own best advocate. You know your body, and you know when something is not right. Push for answers. Assert yourself. Fight for what you need.
3. Be vulnerable. Cry, scream, punch pillows - do whatever works and won't get you in trouble, hurt or arrested. Be emotional. Keeping those feelings stuck deep inside is what lead many of us to overeating. Don't give feelings back that power.
4. Be open. Ask for help. Seek help. It may feel weird and strange and icky, I know. But take care of yourself. Self-care isn't selfish. It's totally selfLESS. We can't do anything for people that need us if we fall apart, so flip the script and practice recognizing self-care as the greatest gift you can give others.
5. Be grateful. Every day. Even for something small. Each time we wake up, it's a reminder that we get another opportunity to make a change in ourselves and the world.
And above all else...
BE YOU. [emoji175][emoji175][emoji175][emoji175]  
~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

This makes my [emoji175] so happy! That's all the payment in the world! 🤣

It's a super hard thing to own our stuff. We don't want to admit it's happening because then we have to do the work to change it - so really, you did the most amazing thing! [emoji122][emoji122][emoji122]

Steady progress, baby steps. It's not about getting it perfect. You're already ahead of the game! [emoji175]

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

OMG! How much do I owe you?

You made me feel good!

You hit it head on, I'm almost 4 years out and the thought of pounds creeping up on me is embarrassing (if you let it be, at least I am).

I don't want to really acknowledge it, I want to act like it's not happening and give half efforts to fix and today I finally acknowledged it out loud to my mate and now I am determined and not alone in this issue!

For first time since weight has be creeping up over past 6 months have I really understood I need to take it seriously and be determined to take care of issue..

And I am relaxed because I'm not hiding my self imposed shame!

Thanks again!

Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi, everyone!
Today (1/3/19) is my 14 year surgi-versary, and I wanted to Celebrate by sharing the gift of knowledge with anyone who may be a few steps behind me.
1. Be kind to yourself. This journey is long and hard and most definitely bumpy - but it's yours to do with as you see fit. Don't settle, but don't beat yourself up for a misstep. We did that for too long before surgery, k?
2. Be strong. You are your own best advocate. You know your body, and you know when something is not right. Push for answers. Assert yourself. Fight for what you need.
3. Be vulnerable. Cry, scream, punch pillows - do whatever works and won't get you in trouble, hurt or arrested. Be emotional. Keeping those feelings stuck deep inside is what lead many of us to overeating. Don't give feelings back that power.
4. Be open. Ask for help. Seek help. It may feel weird and strange and icky, I know. But take care of yourself. Self-care isn't selfish. It's totally selfLESS. We can't do anything for people that need us if we fall apart, so flip the script and practice recognizing self-care as the greatest gift you can give others.
5. Be grateful. Every day. Even for something small. Each time we wake up, it's a reminder that we get another opportunity to make a change in ourselves and the world.
And above all else...
BE YOU.
  
~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

Totally a valid question!

It does seem like "born and raised" Southern folks - especially those of us with deep family roots - would have a harder time with weight.

For me, food was always around. My grandmother (Granny) was my caregiver shortly after my parents returned to work up until I could drive. She had a garden, raised chickens and cooked everything in lard or Crisco - even some of the vegetables. Fried chicken every Tuesday. Giant handmade biscuits ("cathead" biscuits). Sweet tea in the fridge at all times.

Every family gathering revolved around food - holidays, birthdays, weddings, funerals - everything.

Not cleaning your plate was not an option. She was raised during the Great Depression and had 7 kids - you did NOT waste food. And as was said before, you ate no matter whose home you were at and what time it was - it was disrespectful not to.

Bless their hearts. 🤣

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

Great advice! And wow, look at you! You look 14 years younger now than you did in your "before" pics!

Congratulations.😀😎😊

Hi, everyone!
I posted this in the veterans forum, but I thought y'all might really benefit from hearing/reading this, too.
Today (1/3/19) is my 14 year surgi-versary, and I wanted to Celebrate by sharing the gift of knowledge with anyone who may be a few steps behind me.
1. Be kind to yourself. This journey is long and hard and most definitely bumpy - but it's yours to do with as you see fit. Don't settle, but don't beat yourself up for a misstep. We did that for too long before surgery, k?
2. Be strong. You are your own best advocate. You know your body, and you know when something is not right. Push for answers. Assert yourself. Fight for what you need.
3. Be vulnerable. Cry, scream, punch pillows - do whatever works and won't get you in trouble, hurt or arrested. Be emotional. Keeping those feelings stuck deep inside is what lead many of us to overeating. Don't give feelings back that power.
4. Be open. Ask for help. Seek help. It may feel weird and strange and icky, I know. But take care of yourself. Self-care isn't selfish. It's totally selfLESS. We can't do anything for people that need us if we fall apart, so flip the script and practice recognizing self-care as the greatest gift you can give others.
5. Be grateful. Every day. Even for something small. Each time we wake up, it's a reminder that we get another opportunity to make a change in ourselves and the world.
And above all else...
BE YOU. [emoji175][emoji175][emoji175][emoji175]  
~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

I'll look up specific info for you. I'm a therapist that has worked with mental health, substance abuse and eating disorders and have additional training from the World Obesity Federation, so it's been something I've learned over a long period of time. I'll be happy to get the info, though!

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

Cathead biscuits, OMG, hadn't heard that in years but my Aunt Besse made them, oh yeah, why does biscuits and gravy have to be so bad for us when it tastes so darn good?
And to all my struggling folk out there
New Year=New Life=New You
Someday we will be where Amanda is now, Proud and celebrating her 14 year Surgiversity!

Hi, everyone!
Today (1/3/19) is my 14 year surgi-versary, and I wanted to Celebrate by sharing the gift of knowledge with anyone who may be a few steps behind me.
1. Be kind to yourself. This journey is long and hard and most definitely bumpy - but it's yours to do with as you see fit. Don't settle, but don't beat yourself up for a misstep. We did that for too long before surgery, k?
2. Be strong. You are your own best advocate. You know your body, and you know when something is not right. Push for answers. Assert yourself. Fight for what you need.
3. Be vulnerable. Cry, scream, punch pillows - do whatever works and won't get you in trouble, hurt or arrested. Be emotional. Keeping those feelings stuck deep inside is what lead many of us to overeating. Don't give feelings back that power.
4. Be open. Ask for help. Seek help. It may feel weird and strange and icky, I know. But take care of yourself. Self-care isn't selfish. It's totally selfLESS. We can't do anything for people that need us if we fall apart, so flip the script and practice recognizing self-care as the greatest gift you can give others.
5. Be grateful. Every day. Even for something small. Each time we wake up, it's a reminder that we get another opportunity to make a change in ourselves and the world.
And above all else...
BE YOU.
  
~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."