dancingqueene

You are not alone.....many people feel as your do. I'm sure the pre-diet and head hunger aren't helping. I dread that as well, but you are doing this for YOU and for what you NEED to be a healthier person. Suggestions: Write something positive down every morning you get up that the surgery will do to improve your life. At night before going to sleep reread it. Remind yourself you WILL succeed and this is a gift to yourself. We all self loathe...even fit & healthy people do it too. Look at this as a new journey in your life...taking a new road, discovering new adventures, etc. Set small goals for yourself. Every 20 pounds do something special- a mani, massage, and so on. Don't give this up - you can do it!!

Everyone's body is different. Some can lose 50 pounds in 12 weeks and others are slower. The more you have to lose the quicker you sometimes the more you lose initially. It all depends. If you exercise, work out, and really get your protein in you will do well. Many (most ) usually lose their first 100 bt 9-14 months.

My closest co workers know but once I am back and people start to comment I am planning to say I'm working really hard w/ a NUT and working out a lot!

Try adding unflavored protein powder to your foods to get the extra protein that you need. Try non dairy foods like almond milk, almond yougurt, etc.

@sleeveddivas605- Well...let's pray it will go through. If not...we must form a new plan together! I wish they would get Insurance clearance on things before setting our surgery dates. I feel 'sick' daily w/ anxiety over it!!

I believe work has to let you, in the case of a planned surgery, request or let them know ahead of time! Just FMLA you have to tell them. I don't have to say what kind of surgery at my employer. I just said it's personal but as long as I have an MD note that states how long I have to be out and when I am returning that is all I am required to have. I would ask HR if I were you. We are able to use any time that we have (sick, vacation, etc) I've only have been at this new employer for 8 months when I have surgery, but they have been wonderful about my privacy etc.

Sprouted bread is great but also any grains made from Almond flour as well. Or grain free recipes and making your own. Atkins also has recipes and a break collection, but I've not tried. Also Paleo bread is a nice alternative.Carb Zero is another bread and I also make one made w/ egg white and cream of tartar if you google it! I found a great 20g Protein Pasta that has individual servings in the box and it is very reasonable. I think I paid 6$ for 6 servings. Ciao is the brand as well as a few others.

I am stunned at others rudeness and disrespect!! Although I shouldn't be as so many people are ignorant, but your story was truly heartbreaking. People who are family are that rude?? I'm not sure what I would do.... it doesn't come on over night and it's not leaving that quickly either. I am sorry for your experience and I hope it doesn't deter you from the excitement of your journey!! You got this!!

Read read read....journals, books, etc. The Big Book of Gastric Bypass is a great start!! My biggest suggestion is to educate yourself, talk to others, and be ready for the next phase of your life! Welcome!!

I have read about the small % of it not working for some- like where the pouch has stretched out far too early and the person either gets it re-done or doesn't lose. I actually read a bio of a personal trainer's journey with this issue and how she fixed it!

@395Ron...great ideas as well!! Yes, head hunger is much harder than real hunger. That is my fear as well, since being in recovery from an eating disorder as well. But...we can all do this!! We have amazing support here and thankfully in our everyday lives as well for many of us. This site has been a saving grace for me in so many ways!!

I have heard that Optisource is a good choice and that the unflavored is really "unflavored" so it can later be added to other things later on like jello, eggs, and other foods are you progress. But Dream4tc really hit the nails on the head!!

Oh that is great @@sweettooth2015!! We are just a few days apart in surgery!!

@sweettooth2015- how did your appt go on the 28th??

Here i am!! Binghamton resident but having surgery in Syracuse!! Let's talk!!

@chasingchlolee- what a brave life changing experience you are going through at your your age....I commend you for taking such a leap of faith!! Keep your chin high, love yourself, and it's ok to say NO when it's something you don't want to do that you aren't ready for. We are always here!! I've battled my eating disorder since I was a little girl..and I mean little- but this site has been a saving grace the past few months as I prepare for my surgery.

I, too, am nervous about the holidays. I have amazing family and friends who are helping and planning something else so we are not totally centered around food. We are having a light brunch w/ things I can have and spending the day coming up our Xmas ideas, games, the parade, and focusing on just being together. It won't be easy I am sure and I don't want to take the day from them either, but they are making sure I can be part of it w/out feeling the food stress either. If your family can't be supportive then maybe come up an alternative plan...a day trip hiking, shopping, or doing something else you love- for you! This is a huge step and having a support system is vital!! I will keep positive thoughts for you and hope your family is able to come to an agreement to make you feel comfortable!

Incredible!!!

@larac05- not I didn't lose weight. Because my co-morbidities weren't enough I had to gain weight. So I started at a BMI of 37.9 in May and now I am 40.5. My MD doesn't see this as a problem, but I have been denied in the past. I have trying for surgery for 4+ years now and researching for 5. I've read more books, journals, etc that I can even count at this point. I work within the medical realm so I am sure to research so much when I can. I'm scared that if this doesn't go through I will hit rock bottom....I have amazing support system w/ friends and family. My mom is trying hard to be supportive and considering how I grew up that is a milestone!!

@@sweettooth2015 that sound great! I'm so scared of getting denied. I had to gain to get to a 40 bmi b/c my co-morbid conditions weren't enough ugh!! They make this so damn hard!!

I think you are very right. I also believe had we always eaten this way we may have never had the problems of obesity as we do.

My offical date is 10/22!! I can't wait!!!!!!! My MD said 2 weeks as I am a social worker and sit most of the day.

My plan to prep foods for the week on Sunday's while enjoying my morning coffee so there is no excuse during the week. Veggies, fruits, lean meats, and some grains. I hope that my daughter will eventually gain better eating, but it doesn't help when she goes to her dad's and he serves food that is not the healthiest (not to mention he is a health educator as well lol)!! Slowly changing the way!!

Also a great tool that is helpful is an ebook I recently read. It's a great before/after read for anyone going through WLS. It's called : 'Pratical Advice for Lifetime Maintenance After Baritric Surgery' by Pamela Harrelson. Her journey on how she gained it all back, lost again, etc and how to acheive a balance is amazing! It's a quick read and so easy to follow! Good Luck