Mrs. Reid

Thank you all for your kind words. It was great to get that out. So often I have ate through my feelings. I deserve to be heard.

Start applying for new jobs before you leave and start interviewing as soon as you get back. You don't have to settle for that job. Take the time off anyway. You don't need a doctor's note. This may just be the price you have to pay to get what you need. There have got to be other jobs out there that you can get. Once you have the surgery you are going to need positive people around you. She is not going to be positive. Start you exit strategy now.

You don't sound like you are doubting your decision to have the surgery. I think that is most of the battle. As long as you know you are doing the best thing you can do for yourself, then one or two days of pain is worth what you get in return.

Congrats!!!! Be ready for a BIG change!!!!

If they are not giving you any sick days or benefits then they have got to know that things happen in people's lives that mean they need time off. Just tell them you need some unpaid vacation time. If that is not ok with them, then perhaps you should think about finding a new job that lets you be a human being.

I am February 24! I am so ready! I have a mp3 of positive health affirmations on my Android that I am listening to.

Great info I have two big containers of unflavored protein waiting for me after surgery. I have stocked up on frozen berries and bananas to make my bariatric smoothies with. Nothing else in the house.

Remember that some surgeons cut the age off at 65. You may not get a chance later

Ok, so I am in my pre-op visit, the doctor has just told me he is going to clear me for surgery and I am on cloud 9. He says the only thing I need is for the CMA to come in and draw blood for my tests. This woman comes in and she is overweight. She starts telling me that she had considered wls too, but decided she was not big enough to do something so drastic. This woman is practically prancing around the room as she is setting up the stuff to do the blood test. She starts talking about how she lost weight through diet and exercise and the tone of her voice was so superior....like she was so much better than me cause she didn't need wls. I told her I lost weight that way too....many many times. I told her it was not about losing weight it was about keeping it off. Then she starts talking about how it is all about self-discipline. How she is in control of her impulses to eat and setting a good example for her daughter. She was talking about smelling food and starting to crave...but no, she knew she had to take control of the situation and take care of herself. I was just about to tell the b**** where to get off, but I thought about her sticking this needle in my arm so I just kept quiet. It was over pretty quickly and she left the room. I was still overjoyed about being cleared....and she didn't mess up my mood. But had I been in a different state of mind...this could have ended very badly.

She wasn't part of the bariatric team. At the hospital I go to, pre-op is done in the surgery support clinic. My surgery date is February 24th!

Congrats and hang in there! The pain is going to end soon!

Someone recommended America's Test Kitchen's Cooking for Two. I got a copy and cause it makes smaller portions. I also got a couple of vegan soul food cookbooks to really learn how to cook veggies and make them taste great. I am thinking of going vegetarian after the surgery. One of my cousins did because after surgery she had a hard time eating meat.

I wish I had the opportunity to do this in my 30s. How different my life would be now! I feel like a person has to be all in to get wls. If there is doubt then I'd say don't do it. I first started thinking about wls about 15 years ago. But I said no....I just need to workout and make wl a priority. And I did...I lost a good 70 pounds ..then put it all back on again. I started looking into wls again about 3 years ago when two of my cousins had it and lost over 100 pounds each....and are keeping it off. It wasn't until I had a comprehensive physical in August with blood work and organ testing did I find out how my body is starting to break down after 52 years of carrying so much excess weight. That is when I asked for a referral to the bariatric clinic. Nothing can convince me that I can lose weight and keep it off without this surgery. I have been overweight since I was 9 years old and it is going to end on February 24th!!!!

I have heard of a lot of the things you are talking about because I work in a food coop. Most of the people I have talked to say to take L-Glutamine as an amino acid after major surgery that helps with the body rebuilding itself. It is used by body builders and professional athletes to assist in the process of recovery from heavy workouts. It helps to heal body tissues. It is also a precursor to dopamine in the brain which helps you feel more positive and happy. I have a bottle of the stuff that I use to maintain a positive attitude and to reduce anxiety. I will be taking it every day after my surgery to help heal and stay happy. Also 5HTP is another amino that helps you sleep and increase serotonin in the brain....another natural happy amino.....I will be depending on both after my surgery. ACD and E are the basics with recovery from physical trauma as is Arnica which helps tissues.

I'm feeling you! I got depressed over the past month as I am getting closer to my date. For me it is anxiety related depression. This is going to be a major change in my life. Who am I going to be when I go through this process? I have always said "When I lose weight I'm going to......" Well, now I have to be in control of my life. I can't blame being fat...I can't create comfort with food. Now I am responsible for creating the life I was meant to lead. That is some heavy s***t to bear! It is far to overwhelming for me to handle by myself. I have to make a commitment to taking care of myself because that is where depression hits me most of all. I get the dishes washed...I take a shower...if something happens at work I stand up for myself....I make sure my clothes are clean and in good shape....brush teeth...use deodorant....all the self-care stuff. Try watching stand up comedy on youtube. What makes you happy? Try to find things that make you smile.

Congrats!!! How is the pain?

The waiting is so frustrating! Hopefully your team is a lot more efficient than my team and they don't sit on your case for weeks because they are just inept.