Riding That Roller Coaster: The Emotional Side of Weight Loss Surgery You Might Not Expect

[BrandNewBrandy 79]

Thanks for sharing!

[Andrea K 33]

Great article, this was helpful.

[Kattmagg 2]

Thanks for this post. I am pre op and one thing i am feeling is shame.Sounds weird I know. I don't want anyone to know I am going for surgery. I haven't owned it yet I guess. I am single and wish I had someone to share this with, but I can't think of anyone in my circles that I could count on as a buddy in this. Glad I have all of you. Which is a good forum/page for an everyday log in and support? there are many pages and I'd like to find one where I get to know some members and can check in daily. Still figuring the forums out....thanks

[7 Bites_Jen 479]

Thanks for this post. I am pre op and one thing i am feeling is shame.Sounds weird I know. I don't want anyone to know I am going for surgery. I haven't owned it yet I guess. I am single and wish I had someone to share this with, but I can't think of anyone in my circles that I could count on as a buddy in this. Glad I have all of you. Which is a good forum/page for an everyday log in and support? there are many pages and I'd like to find one where I get to know some members and can check in daily. Still figuring the forums out....thanks

There are a ton of people here that have kept things on the hush-hush - but know you are doing something HUGE for your health, and there is NO SHAME in that whatsoever!!

I love going to the general forum - but you might start with one specific to your surgery. There are also some great "rooms" that have specific needs like weight to lose, age, location, etc. Just lurk for a bit and find one that you feel fits your needs - there is certainly no shortage of support here!

[CrazyJaney 775]

Thanks for this post. I am pre op and one thing i am feeling is shame.Sounds weird I know. I don't want anyone to know I am going for surgery. I haven't owned it yet I guess. I am single and wish I had someone to share this with, but I can't think of anyone in my circles that I could count on as a buddy in this. Glad I have all of you. Which is a good forum/page for an everyday log in and support? there are many pages and I'd like to find one where I get to know some members and can check in daily. Still figuring the forums out....thanks

Hey! I totally relate! I'm an RN also (saw you on another thread). Shame is a feeling I've had for a long time but just beginning to feel safe enough to deal with. This site helps so much. I think there are parts of us nurses who carry shame and the feelings of "I don't deserve _____". I'm finally (I mean FINALLY) beginning to see I'm just as important as anyone else. WTH is wrong with me? Why did I let it get this out of control? Why can I succeed at so many other things but fail at health? It's interesting to start an honest dialog about the "whys". I'm not comfortable telling many, especially at work. I suppose they will figure it out eventually but I'm so NOT comfortable discussing my weight or decision for surgery. It's been quite a journey and it's barely started yet. I have surgery next Thursday. I'm terrified, because as a nurse, we know too much. But I am terrified to be what I am today. I'm done being scared and weak and so tired of not taking care of myself. So here we go - notice I said WE - because we aren't alone in this. That's a good feeling!

[Aline728 301]

Very informative thx for sharing this

[loriannfos 25]

Thanks for the excellent information!

It has been a wild ride for me thus far. But a successful one: down 46#

I am so glad I established a therapist prior to my surgery. The monthly appointments ensure that I 'Check in' on how I am doing emotionally.

[gourmetone 394]

Love this article and well print it to remind me I'm doing well.

[Band2Sleever 78]

Great article.

I'm nervously waiting preop. It feels like being on a flat part of the rollercoaster... inching forward... not sure what's going to happen next... inching inching slowly forward... not sure if it will ever speed up... inching inching inching... worried he roller coaster might slow down and I won't ever get a surgery date... inching inching ... waiting waiting .... feeling nervous and scared.... inching inching slowly... still waiting... inching inching forward... feeling scarce and anxious.

Arrrrghh!

Telling myself to be patient and "thus too shall pass"... thank you for that tip

[w8loser 58]

Thank you for this article. I wish I had found this when I was in the pre opt stages. Another emotional aspect of WLS I did not expect was guilt. I feel bad sometimes that the people around me are still heavy and/or gaining weight as I continue shrinking. I know how hard it is because I used to a,ways be "the biggest one" and i would feel so envious of thin people it would make me want to cry/punch a wall at the unfairness sometimes.

I also heard about jealousy and extra attention but didnt think people would notice or say much. Not the case at all. It's funny because the people I want to notice I am slim don't (like my friend who lost 50lbs after high school whereas I gained 100lbs) and the people I don't really care about are the ones who notice and say something.

This is a great read & very helpful. Thanks!

Guess what Comfy_Blue just because someone doesn't mention your weight loss doesn't mean that they don't notice. I'm sure everyone notices how great you look!

[Dolfinldy1 69]

<p>Thanks for this post. I am pre op and one thing i am feeling is shame.Sounds weird I know. I don't want anyone to know I am going for surgery. I haven't owned it yet I guess. I am single and wish I had someone to share this with, but I can't think of anyone in my circles that I could count on as a buddy in this. Glad I have all of you. Which is a good forum/page for an everyday log in and support? there are many pages and I'd like to find one where I get to know some members and can check in daily. Still figuring the forums out....thanks</p>

Hi I'm post op 12 days. Good luck you'll do fine