Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

When I told my immediate supervisors that I was approved and my surgery is scheduled they said they were excited for me. And they asked if I’m excited. Honestly, I’m not. I think maybe a few years ago I might have been. But now that it’s all finally under way I feel a little... morose? Maybe because I actually understand it’s not a magic bullet and I still have to work the tool to make it work for me? I guess I’ve failed so many times... this time will be very visible. I’m worried that I won’t stick to the plan and cut out half my stomach for nothing. I have also spent too many years of my life unhappy that thin was never possible. Maybe now thin will be possible. I’m a little afraid to hope for thinness. I’m used to settling for “less fat.” I’m glad I have this opportunity and I don’t want to waste it. But I’m also not looking forward to the mental drain of meal planning and re-learning how to eat. I want to feel better and have more energy with my family. I’m just not feeling “excited.” Anyone out there understand how I’m feeling?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think most of us have mixed feelings. Excitement. Fear. Maybe dissappointed that we needed the surgery, but relieved that we have the option of surgery. Whatever you are felling is normal!

Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am both nervous and excited. I have always been, at the very least, chubby. Like you, I have always settled for being 'less fat', rather than going for thin, or even in-shape. My weight has gone up and down (with a focus on going up) ever since I can remember and I never thought this surgery or being thin was something that would ever happen to 'me'. I have gotten used to being 'the fat friend', to having to wear certain things because of how I feel about my body, and having to even filter how I speak in public because of my insecurity.

Learning how to mindfully eat and use food for fuel, rather than to fill a temporary emotional void, will, no doubt, be hard, but the mental struggle of getting that fat girl mentality out of my head once I actually achieve my goal is a whole other story, I imagine..

I've been on the Keto diet myself (pre-op) and it has helped a lot with helping me focus on Protein while being mindful of my fat and carb intake. Still, its not always easy. I am someone who loves to cook and am constantly looking up recipes, or seeing them pop up in my timeline on Facebook, and I can't tell you how many times I have thought about what I could make from the unhealthy choices real quick. I haven't though. And I honestly think its because of these forums. Use the tool your doctors have given you to lose the weight, and use these forums for the support you need to keep you going. Track everything! You got this! ♥

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The fact that you understand surgery is just a tool and that there is still a lot of work involved says to me that you are ready and will do very well. It's totally understandable that you are not excited per se based on the difficult months ahead. However, you can feel excited about the ultimate outcome. That should help you stay focused when things get rough.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Like others, I'm excited and scared/nervous. We have had to limit the amount of people we are updating on my progress due to such a back lash about it last year. I was able to make a final operation date Monday and was so hyped and excited, I wanted to get on social media and be like I'M GETTING IT DONE B!t(HES!! . A'las , I did not. And probably will not. (Okay, well maybe the day of operation I may LOL).

Scared, nervous, oh yeah. Its a life changing event. Its a big thing. Having organs removed or rerouted. I did laugh when my doc told me that I was at higher risk for complications having my gall bladder taken out, then having my sleeve operation. Then its just having everything before and after. Then its the questions of what if it doesn't work. What if I am that .03% of people that have issues.

Disappointment came for me a bit ago. When normal weight loss diet/training/pills etc wouldn't work. The sleeve for me is a "last resort".

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

14 hours ago, fiddlinjellybean said:

When I told my immediate supervisors that I was approved and my surgery is scheduled they said they were excited for me. And they asked if I’m excited. Honestly, I’m not. I think maybe a few years ago I might have been. But now that it’s all finally under way I feel a little... morose? Maybe because I actually understand it’s not a magic bullet and I still have to work the tool to make it work for me? I guess I’ve failed so many times... this time will be very visible. I’m worried that I won’t stick to the plan and cut out half my stomach for nothing. I have also spent too many years of my life unhappy that thin was never possible. Maybe now thin will be possible. I’m a little afraid to hope for thinness. I’m used to settling for “less fat.” I’m glad I have this opportunity and I don’t want to waste it. But I’m also not looking forward to the mental drain of meal planning and re-learning how to eat. I want to feel better and have more energy with my family. I’m just not feeling “excited.” Anyone out there understand how I’m feeling?

2 hours ago, Khoric Ritter said:

Like others, I'm excited and scared/nervous. We have had to limit the amount of people we are updating on my progress due to such a back lash about it last year. I was able to make a final operation date Monday and was so hyped and excited, I wanted to get on social media and be like I'M GETTING IT DONE B!t(HES!! . A'las , I did not. And probably will not. (Okay, well maybe the day of operation I may LOL).

Scared, nervous, oh yeah. Its a life changing event. Its a big thing. Having organs removed or rerouted. I did laugh when my doc told me that I was at higher risk for complications having my gall bladder taken out, then having my sleeve operation. Then its just having everything before and after. Then its the questions of what if it doesn't work. What if I am that .03% of people that have issues.

Disappointment came for me a bit ago. When normal weight loss diet/training/pills etc wouldn't work. The sleeve for me is a "last resort".

13 hours ago, BoredFatGirl said:

I am both nervous and excited. I have always been, at the very least, chubby. Like you, I have always settled for being 'less fat', rather than going for thin, or even in-shape. My weight has gone up and down (with a focus on going up) ever since I can remember and I never thought this surgery or being thin was something that would ever happen to 'me'. I have gotten used to being 'the fat friend', to having to wear certain things because of how I feel about my body, and having to even filter how I speak in public because of my insecurity.

Learning how to mindfully eat and use food for fuel, rather than to fill a temporary emotional void, will, no doubt, be hard, but the mental struggle of getting that fat girl mentality out of my head once I actually achieve my goal is a whole other story, I imagine..

I've been on the Keto diet myself (pre-op) and it has helped a lot with helping me focus on Protein while being mindful of my fat and carb intake. Still, its not always easy. I am someone who loves to cook and am constantly looking up recipes, or seeing them pop up in my timeline on Facebook, and I can't tell you how many times I have thought about what I could make from the unhealthy choices real quick. I haven't though. And I honestly think its because of these forums. Use the tool your doctors have given you to lose the weight, and use these forums for the support you need to keep you going. Track everything! You got this! ♥

I worried for a second about some of the same things... just stay on this forum and gain every bit of knowledge about the aspects of wls that you can absorb. and trust me when the time for your surgery get here you will be so mentally ready. as the for eating after if you do what is told to you by your surgeon , nutritionalist you will see that it is totally doable. first of all you will have a smaller stomach which will help you to not overeat and most of the things you feel about food now will definitely change . and once you see the weight coming off trust me you will quickly get with the program even more... soooo get excited ….. The best is yet to come,,,,, please keep me posted …..im gonna follow you on this forum...Congratulations on making the best decision ever!

Edited by november11

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I completely understand how you're feeling. I've struggled with my weight for 30 years.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's next to impossible to do something this drastic and life changing without feeling a whole range of emotions--fear, excitement, anticipation, etc, and after you've had the surgery a period of "buyers remorse" in the form of "what the HELL did I just do to myself?" Thankfully most of the negative emotions disappear quickly once you see results and those feelings will be replaced with "why didn't I do this sooner?"

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have no advice for you, just empathy. After 20 years of trying stuff that is supposed to work and having it not work, I am terrified this will be the same.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'd echo the poster who said your recognition of it not being a magic bullet is a very positive thing. It isn't. And when you succeed you understand it's the beginning of a longer journey, I went down to 8 stone 2 (114lbs) and now 9stone 9 (134lbs). I'm 5"4. I was too thin at the lower weight, but went up to 140 and felt worried about the creeping gain. Then I realised I was playing stupid games with sugar and that sugar was as dangerous to me as booze or drugs are (I'm in recovery most of my adult life)l

The point is we eat, use, whatever it is, for a reason. And the more of our behaviours we strip away, the more we're left facing our essential selves, and that is not fun.

So, invest in your mind too: do therapy if you can afford it, research other ways of reflection if you can't. I'm in the uk and paid for my op. I'm still paying for it but it's ok. I LOVE being slim. It gives me at least one smile every day, but the trick is learning there are other things to smile about.

So yes, feel your fear, excitement, anticipation, terror even. Feel it all. And throw yourself into a fabulous journey into the unknown - you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×