Leaderboard

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.

Hugs. Hang in there and do the work. I've seen a few folks get delayed sorting out some different issues on the psychology side....and many of them eventually get approved and do well. It's a journey, not a sprint. You'll get there. Crossing fingers and toes for you.

I have a special name for this phenomenon: Healing. The swelling is going down making things less sensitive. You're having less pain because you've been careful to take small sips. Keep doing what you are doing. Good job! Tek

Congratulations again I look wonderful can’t wait to get my surgery in a couple months

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.

Thank you for encouraging words. I will try to keep a positive attitude.

@OAGBPal Thank you for the links. I will definitely be adding to and reading all the discussion in the eating disorder thread. I did read @Creekimp13 food addiction post and it really did hit home in a lot of ways. I didn't respond to it cause I wasn't sure what I could really add there. I love her posts in general though. Always well worded, relatable, and on point! I don't know that I'm handling things particularly well, but I'm trying! Part of the reason of wanting to write up something, and why I continue to mention that I know this is ultimately better, is I need to remind myself. I know all the folks reading this stuff don't need to read about how mental health is important and therapy for it is an important part of the recovery process.. but typing it out like that helps me remind myself. Fake it until you make it, or something similar, because the emotional side of me is not being logical today, haha. So I apologize if I sound like a broken record. It definitely is a scary, and anxiety inducing process, but I know in the end I'll be grateful I held on.

I can't commiserate with you on the severity of the acid symptoms you're experiencing, mine were much less severe. However, I can offer a suggestion on the change of insurance issue. I moved to a different state after I was sleeved. Therefore my bariatric practice was no longer available to me and most bariatric practices don't want to pick up bariatric care after someone else did the surgery. I was having some GERD issues and was concerned about the long-term use of PPIs, so I went to a gastroenterologist. He is good and understands the issues surrounding VGS. So, if your insurance prohibits you from going to your bariatric surgeon, go to someone who specializes in stomach issues (gastroenterologist).

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.

LOL, failed to answer your original question. I was supposed to wait 8 weeks (but I did arms too, so that may be a factor...)