I joined a bariatric support group at Torrance Memorial Hospital yesterday and it was so inspiring and incredible to meet other people who are on this same journey! They knew nothing about this forum, by the way. Most of them had a significant other, a sibling or a friend tag along for support — how kind! There was one young lady (Ilana) who came with a friend (Katie) who was taking notes for her and asking all these questions — “playing the devil’s advocate”, as she put it. I shared my story. I was emotional and lengthy, but everyone was supportive… I met 6 people — some who’ve had surgery already (one lady was only 9 days post-op) and some who are still in their waiting phase (I’m the only revision and lowest BMI, but oh well)… There was one lady (Lisa) who lost 40 lbs. in her pre-op diet, had the sleeve done in October 2018 and thereafter lost another 80 lbs. — simply incredible! She said she’d actually like to be 10 lbs. heavier… (You're never going to hear me say that, LOL!) I got everyone’s phone number and created a GroupMe group for us. I’m excited for that to be our safe space; sharing/support portal kind of thing, especially since everyone is local and we can meet up!
5 days post-op revision from VSG to MGB. Back home, feeling great. No more gas pain. Only minor discomfort in the abdominals, rather like after having done a bunch of sit-ups. Definitely don't feel like eating anything. Don't even have the boredom hunger like I had before. Fluids are going down ok though so that's good. Going back to work tomorrow. Wish me luck.
Behavioral modification is the key... I went to my first session of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and it was incredible! We talked about the purpose behind certain unwanted behaviors as all behavior is developed to serve a purpose, being ready, willing and able, thought mapping (finding the origin/pattern of thought that ultimately contributes to certain unwanted behaviors), and replacing one behavior with another that's as equally rewarding, if not more.