I am almost 4 months post surgery and down almost 60 lbs. I am so excited but I am so afraid that I will gain it all back. I am afraid to donate the clothes that are too large, for fear of needing them again. I know that this is psychological but it is making me crazy! I am eating right and doing my best, but......does anyone else have this fear?

I am also frustrated because I feel like my only support is my husband, who seems almost to go overboard in the encouragement department. My mom is supportive, but never brings it up or gives me any validation (It might be because she is jealous because she would like the surgery.). Although we live in a large city, there is not a support group. Can anyone help me on ways I can stay encouraged?

Thank,

Kerri

Hi Kerri,

First let me say congratulations! 60lbs is great! I totally relate to your fears, my closet is stacking up with clothes that I am nervous of giving away. I had the lap band for 2 years and at first lost weight, gave most of my loose clothes away only to have the band fail and the weight to creep back up. Now with the sleeve I am trying to find the balance between gung ho and cautious optimism. I wish I had the perfect advice for you, all I can say is try to stay focused on all the reasons why you had the surgery in the first place and how great you are going to feel when the scale hits your goal weight. Also keep coming to this website, it has been a great help to me.

Good luck,

Trina

First of all - GIVE THE CLOTHES AWAY NOW! Take your courage in both your hands and believe that you won't need them again - ever!

I have lived with a wardrobe that covered all eventualities, all sizes. But since being sleeved, I have given away clothes every month. It's strange but by doing that I feel like I am looking forward. For the first time, I am not looking back and I am making a statement to my self - I won't ever be that size ever again. And neither will you :-))))

For encouragement, look no further than here on this forum. You won't find a bigger cheer leading team than here - and all with the huge advantage of being on the same road as you.

Does your surgeon have a support group? Or is there another support group in the area you can make arrangements to be a part of?

Online, there is NOTHING like it though. You get the benefits of more than one programs viewpoints, lots more varied patient experiences. There is great personal touch and I've seen it (and seen the opposite side unfortunately). That being said, there is good in both types of experiences, but if all you can get is online, go for it.

Frankly I've found a ton of people to be supportive and I personally enjoy seeing people do well, things go great and helping and supporting when there isn't. Giving back.

So don't discount that there isn't something near you or whatever. You can get a TON of experience from all walks of life here.

Vic