TxSam

I had my surgery 3/17/10. Had a good experience at Forest Park and loved my doctor, Dr. Nick. I went in for the bypass but in surgery they had to change to the sleeve, internal complications. I liked the atmosphere of the hospital...not huge where you feel your lost. Dealing with the "other issues" that the food has been covering has been the hardest part for me...but everyday is a step forward...even with the stumbles..lol...

I don't know if this is the right place to post this but I'm going to. I just wanted to share a little of my journey. I had my sleeve on 3/14, and have been overwieght the majority of my life. I am 41 years old, single (divorced 4 years ago), no kids. I am discovering that the hardest part for me of this journey is facing the emotional/psychological issues that the food has been masking all these years. I am in therapy and I knew that this would come but I didn't realize how intense it would be. For me the biggest issue is learning to love myself and accept myself. I have constantly, since I was a child, relied on other people for thier approval. I am my own worst enemy and I think it has played a huge role is my social (dating) world my entire life. I had a glimpse of how I want a guy to treat me recently and it made me think that I will never get that, etc, etc. I know it's feeling sorry for myself and i work everyday, hour, sometimes minute to break the lifetime of self hatred...just wondering if anyone else is dealing with this or has come thru on the other side.....

There are so many different online logs out there. I was wondering if there was one people were using more than another. I currently use my fitness pal and it's free, but I can't currently log onto it with my old phone. I am looking at getting a new smart phone...but I was just curious about what others are using. Logging the food and exercise has really helped me stay accountable...so I would like to be able to do it even though I'm not in front of a computer. Thanks for any advice or opinions.

wow, so I'm not the only one. Thank you to everyone for posting. Reading thru all of this has really given me alot to think about. Thanks for the poem too...Tiff...it's great.

Thank you to everyone who has responded. It is nice to know that others have gone thru the same thing. It's a struggle everyday but I'm dealing with it.

There are so many different online logs out there. I was wondering if there was one people were using more than another. I currently use my fitness pal and it's free, but I can't currently log onto it with my old phone. I am looking at getting a new smart phone...but I was just curious about what others are using. Logging the food and exercise has really helped me stay accountable...so I would like to be able to do it even though I'm not in front of a computer. Thanks for any advice or opinions.

If anyone in the Dallas area would like to get together just let me know. I'm almost 2 months out...and would be happy to answer any questions (although I am by no means an expert) and the companionship would be great.

Thank you soo much Kathy. Stories like yours give me hope...but I know in the end I have to love myself no matter what..single or a couple...and that is the biggest hurtle for me. It is comforting though to hear others struggles like mine...and to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel that isn't an oncoming train..LOL.

Thank you for the encouraging words. The hardest part has been accepting that I may be single the rest of my life. I know how stupid and irrational it sounds...but to me happiness has always been being a couple...having someone love you (all the aspect of a relationship). I also know that I can't expect anyone to love or cherish me if I don't do it myself. Thank you for letting me get this out. It does help.

Thank you for the inspiring stories and views. It really helps. I agree that the person I would want as "fat sabrina" would not the be person I would want as a "healthy sabrina". I know I still have a ways to go and the hardest part of this whole thing for me is the emotional issues that I have to deal with that the food has been helping me avoid. but I will get there...thank you again...I plan on sticking around with this group.

I just wanted to chime in on this group. I had the sleeve on 3/17 and am now dealing with the lifetime of emtional issues that helped get me to that point. I turn 41 today and am terrified of being alone the rest of my life...although since I'm not happy with myself how can anyone else be. I'm usually the buddy but I want the guy who is romantic, affectionate, caring, and I wonder if it's too late for me. I have had a brief glimpse of that recently with someone who is not available and never will be but an old friend and it made me want that someone special even more. Trying to deal/face the being happy alone issue. sorry for the rambling...just wanted to chime in.

I live in Cedar Hill (sw suburb of Dallas). If anyone would like to chat or even get together for exercise, etc. Please drop me a line. I need to widen my support group and would really like to have people in it that have been thru or are going thru the same things I am.

OK. Here's the short version. Surgery on 3/17/10. Started at 290.1 on 3/4. On 3/16 (eve befor esurgery was 274.0), today (almost one month out I'm 258.4 (up from 257.2 yesterday). I know I am doing everything right. I'm exercising (well walking at least for now), getting my Protein in and liquids. I just thought that in the beginning at least it would come off faster than this. I know logically that I am taking in far FEWER calories than I normally would have and mathmatically I have to lose weight. I'm just frustrated. If it's coming off this slowly now what happens when I start eating real food. I've got another 2 weeks on mushy food. I know it's only a tool and it's a lifestyle change...I was just hoping for more of a jump start to help motivate me. Just need some encouragement please.....emotions are starting to take over..

Thank you Tiara. I know logically that's what my body is probably doing...but it does help to reinforce that and help fight against the emotional part of the struggle.

I know ya'll are right. I need to stop focusing on the negative and see that this is a lifestyle change and keep doing what I know is right. I'm just letting the emotional part and the fatigue get to me. I'm getting in my 64 oz of liquid and my protein flux's from 50-70, it's not too hard to get that in for me because I drink protein shakes. I made a positive choice for myself to have the surgery and I have to now start taking the next steps and make a choice to work on the rest of my life in a positive light. Thanks for letting me get that out. I appreciate the support.

OH Thank Goodness I'm not the only one. I was going to log on and post almost the exact same frustration. I had my surgery on March 17. I wanted the Bypass but because of issues during surgery I had to get the sleeve. I was worried that I wouldn't lose enough on the sleeve and right now I'm frustrated as heck. I know the weight won't just fall off but I thought the surgery would at least "boost" my initial start and help motivate me. I was really hoping for a faster weight loss at least in the beginning. At this rate I feel like I went thru all this for just another "diet". I'm still on full liquids and have been for over two weeks. I have another week on it and then move onto soft foods. I walk 30 min each day. The logical part of my brain tells me that my body is still in shock and is holding onto everything..and will eventually get moving...but I would love to hear from some sleevers who are farther in and their weight stalled this early and is now moving.

I hated the clear protein drinks too. Thankfully the Dr. said I could mix the protein powder with light soy milk. It's fab! Very creamy and smooth, and at 24-25 grams per serving...it works out great while I'm still on the liquid diet. My sugery was 3/17/2010.