moonbean85

I had lost over 50 lbs on my own before I consulted with the surgeon, and at that point my BMI was around 40. By the time of my surgery, my BMI was I think a 37, which is relatively low for WLS.
Back when I was in my late 20s, I lost 140 lbs on Weight Watchers, but eventually the weight crept back on. I know what is needed to lose weight, but maintaining it is another thing. This surgery is a tool to make it much more likely to be successful in the long term.
My only regret is not doing this sooner. Good luck with your decision but honestly this is one of the best things I have ever done for myself - and I speak as a recent patient (8 weeks post-op today).

The fact that EVERYONE says "my only regret is not having done it sooner" is what keeps me going most days when I am so afraid and having doubts about going through with it! Thank you for sharing your story!

I freaked out when I was losing my hair. I was losing clumps of it at a time, and would literally cry in the shower. I even resorted to measuring it. I was losing approx. 3-4 grams every time I washed it (every 4 days). It happened in months 3-6.
Now I am almost 7 months out, and happy to say that I am not losing anymore. I know it will take a while for it grow back, but that is ok as long as I am not losing.
My nutritionist recommended that I start taking Flaxseed Oil 1,000 mg a day, and increase my Protein. It worked! She also told me that none of the commercial products work.

Wow I just made a mental health post. I'm sorry your process is delayed a bit. I had a 20 min phone psych eval for my clearance. To be honest I wasnt ready. Here I am 3 weeks after surgery and mentally in a very dark place. I didn't think I was going to actually have the surgery. This was my second time starting to look into it and up until I was strapped on the operating table I didnt believe it was going to happen. I thought something is going to delay or deny me like last time. Dealing with the cold turkey stopping of food is hard, especially with not alot of support. I can see how easy it would be to swap out eating for Any other self destructive habit and I'm trying so hard to not do that. Best of luck to you on your journey. It may not feel like you need it but hopefully you'll get the tools to deal with the psychological effects of the surgery and have such a better time adjusting post op than if you wouldn't have.

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I'm sorry you're going through this! Depression slumps are difficult normally, so going through one along with such a major change I'm sure is a whole different ballgame. I'm happy to see you have scheduled an appointment with the therapist, and can recognize the signs you're heading towards a slump. Getting ahead of it, even if just by a bit, is a good call. I hope eating and drinking get easier for you, and definitely do not feel bad about venting here. That's part of what this forum is for! Venting to people who are going through similar stuff
Please keep us updated on your progress if you don't mind sharing the journey (both the mental side, and letting us know when you are feeling better and getting some food in). Sending love your way!

moonbean85 I don't have any bariatric advice as I'm having my surgery April 6 but I do know about depression and frustration. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope each new is slightly better that the last.

Please ask during your appointment today for a referral to a mental health professional.

I'm sorry you're going thru this. I would definitely look into therapy ASAP (bariatric counselor preferred) to help you thru. Dont just settle for amyone. Exercise will help release "happy hormones" also, this might be limited to just light walking at your stage.

Side note: My mental health deteriorated significantly post op as well. I'm still not back to myself sadly (2yrs out). I wish ppl talked about this more.

Wow I just made a mental health post. I'm sorry your process is delayed a bit. I had a 20 min phone psych eval for my clearance. To be honest I wasnt ready. Here I am 3 weeks after surgery and mentally in a very dark place. I didn't think I was going to actually have the surgery. This was my second time starting to look into it and up until I was strapped on the operating table I didnt believe it was going to happen. I thought something is going to delay or deny me like last time. Dealing with the cold turkey stopping of food is hard, especially with not alot of support. I can see how easy it would be to swap out eating for Any other self destructive habit and I'm trying so hard to not do that. Best of luck to you on your journey. It may not feel like you need it but hopefully you'll get the tools to deal with the psychological effects of the surgery and have such a better time adjusting post op than if you wouldn't have.

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When I was post op, I remember having head hunger all the time. But after a while it definately gets better, just hold on.
I hated pureed foods too so I went back to Soups.

3 weeks post OP and having a hard time with life. I was never a binge eater but I miss eating without pain. I am hungry all the time and this pureed mush isnt doing anything for me. I detest about 90 percent of the foods I'm allowed. It still hurts to eat them and I just dont eat to avoid the pain and discomfort. I didn't know it was going to be this psychologically draining. I was so not prepared for how to handle this part. I'm whining and ranting maybe I should have posted this there. I would go for walks when everyone else was having dinner. The smell of food drives me crazy. I'm so hungry and so tired. Havent been able to take Vitamins. Water is hard to get down. I have a video appointment today. I just feel like giving up. I hear it will get better but right now I'm in a dark place. Sorry for ranting. I don't really have anyone to talk to about this stuff.
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3 weeks post OP and having a hard time with life. I was never a binge eater but I miss eating without pain. I am hungry all the time and this pureed mush isnt doing anything for me. I detest about 90 percent of the foods I'm allowed. It still hurts to eat them and I just dont eat to avoid the pain and discomfort. I didn't know it was going to be this psychologically draining. I was so not prepared for how to handle this part. I'm whining and ranting maybe I should have posted this there. I would go for walks when everyone else was having dinner. The smell of food drives me crazy. I'm so hungry and so tired. Havent been able to take Vitamins. Water is hard to get down. I have a video appointment today. I just feel like giving up. I hear it will get better but right now I'm in a dark place. Sorry for ranting. I don't really have anyone to talk to about this stuff.
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I’m so sorry you’re having a hard time. I don’t have any advice or good ideas, but I just wanted to say that I think this is *exactly* the place to share.
And that there is a person thinking about you, and wishing good things and a peaceful heart for you.

I'm throwing this here cause it's more of a rant than a question. Just wanna complain to some people who may get it. To get it out of the way, I am not mad at the psychologist, or the clinic or anything like that. I understand why I need more therapy prior to getting surgery and I fully agree that addressing problematic behaviors is important for long term success. The support of bariatric psychologists and support groups is why I decided to go with a hospital close to me that offers that stuff as part of the program instead of going to Mexico where it'd be much much cheaper as a self pay patient.
All that being said, I can't help but feel a bit down trodden and frustrated. I go to therapy frequently, and have for years. The past few years I've felt like I was doing really well. I hadn't had any major bouts of depression or anxiety that lasted for notable periods of time. There had been a few hiccups but they were promptly addressed and such. I thought I was gonna pass this thing with flying colors. Alas, nope. My psychologist that was evaluating me asked if any of the doctors or surgeons I had visited over the years had asked about my relationship with food cause she was seeing some concerning things, and honestly they haven't. That isn't to say I haven't talked with my therapist about my weight, it's just that eating patterns and behaviors themselves weren't ever really discussed. It was more just acknowledgement that depression and anxiety had contributed to weight gain. The bariatric psychologist also stated she doesn't think my current medications are working as well as I think, and that based on what I described as "normal" eating for myself, I am self-medicating with food in addition to the medications, and she'd like to make sure that I won't spiral once that food aspect is no longer a possibility. So I am now scheduled to see a therapist who specializes in bariatric surgery and disordered eating (she doesn't think I have Binge Eating Disorder, but she does think that my eating is disordered), and we'll check in 90 days later. The psychologist did repeatedly thank me for being honest though, so there's that 😕
I had a bit of a cry session yesterday when I found out. I am continuing to remind myself that the behavior and mental support part is why I chose to go with the hospital I did over other places. This is essentially what I wanted. I don't want to fail at this. I know it'll pass and a few months (hell even a year or two) is a drop in the bucket compared to the rest of my life. It just doesn't seem that way in the moment and I'm just super bummed out.