tomi71

PS: I still wanna just shaker though. Her sweet little boy is the one who's going to pay the most. And that husband. Ugh!

Hahaha, that sounds like me! I had a hysterectomy about 11 years ago and the day of, after being on a 48-hour clear liquid diet and doing a bowel cleanse, I took a sip of coffee. I freaking could not help it. I had such bad anxiety that I'd die under anesthesia or they'd smell coffee when I got to the hospital. That anxiety didn't leave until they gave me some very nice sedatives while being prepped to go into the OR. At that point any guilt I had was loooooong forgotten. Lol All worked out but I definitely don't make a habit of it. I behaved after that with any subsequent surgeries.

I have suffered from depression & serious anxiety since I was a small child. I was painfully shy and suffered from serious mood swings. It wasn't until I reached my 30s before I got help. One therapist even said I might have Aspergers, which runs in family. I have always been heavy although at one point in during my teens I got within 15lbs of my "ideal" weight when I practiced martial arts. Anyway, the point of this post has to do with ongoing depression and anxiety, post-sleeve. I was hoping that the weight loss coupled with CBT, exercise and healthier eating would bring me some relief from feeling the anxiety and depression. I take medication which has stabilized my mood but I cannot shake these demons of depression and anxiety. We've (me and the Dr) tried different meds and only two has had the best results but after a while lose their effects. So, unfortunately, I still struggle. Somedays are good, somedays are so bad even my meds don't help and I am worn out from the years of battling in this war. In reading through the posts I see many who have struggle like mine too. So this is just a general question, if you struggle too, what techniques do you use that help? I am going to take a psych course about depression and anxiety because the way my mind works, the more I understand something, the better I can deal. My Doc does a good job with counseling me but I need the technical, science info. I am curious also as to how depression and anxiety can affect my sleeve. I worry about ulcers mostly. Any input is appreciated, just please be kind. Thank you.

It's a sucky feeling and as much as I hate to say it, I am glad for ant-anxiety meds. I am finding I need them less and less with my daily anti-depressant and now that I am taking much better care of myself but not a day goes by when I don't get that anxiety knot. I hate it, hate it, hate it.

What I see with this show, especially in Penny's case is the monstrous affect & effect of addiction. Just like the saying on Breaking Bad, "meth is a helluva drug" (btw, BB is one of thee best tv shows ever, masterpiece), the same saying can be applied to the kinds of foods we'd nosh on. I was not a fast-food kind of person but I know I could eat an entire box of Tastykakes and 20-60 minutes later be ready for another "fix." I joked that I carried a rubber tie, lighter, spoon, syringe and sugar around because SUGAR was my heroin. For others it might be pastas, salty foods, or just volumes of food in general but for me there is no denying that when I ate sugary, fat-filled carbs my reward centers lit up and I'd literally feel high. As most of us know, addiction is a monster to beat in to submission and I just feel like Penny is at critical mass (pun intended too) with her addiction.

Ditto here. Abt 8 mos out and it feels like sleeve is shrinking. But it makes sense that you feel full with less if you are watching portions.

You hit it on the nail.......self destructive. For some it's alcohol, drugs, sex, and then for others it's food. It's about that mindset and it was clear to me that Pauline needed some serious counseling...probably lifelong....prior to surgery. Sometimes you have to see your behavior in others in order to get "it", I know that's what worked for me.....straight up, frank, & clear examples. That is what keeps my tail in line.

Mine started at 3 months. Then I decided to get a very short pixie cut right after New Years, to cut off all the damaged ends. I still shed at about 8 mos but it's slowed drastically (no more clumps) and my hair is very healthy again.

Good job!!!

I see a psych doc for depression, mood disorder, and HORRID life-long insomnia. Seeing him is one of the best choices I've made. I was getting to the point where I was ready to die. He helped me clear that fog. It's hard work (for me) but you'll feel much better! Promise! ❤️

I just bought a new pair of spring/summer pants at a size 14. Two blouses at size 16. Hubby tried to get me to buy more but didn't want to spend too much....yet. Waiting for the Anne Taylor Loft range. lol But I didn't think that 14 would fit me. I've gone from a 22/24 to a 14. In two-three months I'll be in the 12 range.

I am watching this show as I type this and was getting ready to sneak a little bite of chocolate and immediately changed my mind when I saw Pauline feeding her addiction. Nope, nope, nope! Not going back to that.

I am going on 8 mos and just about everything still irritates my sleeve but I never had a strong tummy. Even water does it. It takes a while for that sleeve to heal...remember it is a partial amputation.

8 months out and sugar and simple carbs so none of that for me. Which is all good.

I snack all day and it works well for me. I plan out all my food so I know what I can smack on and I look forward to it. For example, my snacks today include a small tomato, skim mozzarella cheese stick, an ounce of cashews and some turkey jerky. Most of those are slow to digest which is great because I stay satiated. I also include high fiber complex carbs. All approved by my dietitian. Everyone is different so you have to find your sweet spot. My husband, who does not have a weight problem, can be happy with 3 squares a day and not snack at all. I can't do that because I still get hungry and if I get too hungry I make poor choices. Plus I lift weights so my metabolism is burning up those calories.

I am sorry to hear your sis is having issues. I think she is blessed to be able to tell you her concerns. You are blessed to have her. I would love to have a sister who I could do that with. Take a deep breath and try to look at things objectively. That can be hard to do ( I am the Queen of Subjectivity when it comes to myself) but bear in mind the odds are that you'll be a-ok. I was scared poopless when I got sleeved and this was even after I researched the procedures for years. And I was not a stranger to major surgeries. It all works out in the end. Take care of yourself and try not to stress. Best wishes and you and your sis are in my thoughts.

Me too. I am looking for a new job. I teach high school and can't take it much more. I like my students but I want to teach college full time.

I find Saltines sit well with me. Crackers that are rich like Townhouse, Ritz, Triscuits tend to be too much. I try not to eat too much. But saltines do help settle my tummy.

There is a great podcast called Fat 2 Fit radio. Anyone listen? Great stuff. What do you think?

My doc lost one patient to DVT. That didn't really scare me. What scares me were the co-morbidities.

Mission's Carb Balance works for me. Very satisfying and slow to digest.

Some words of encouragement: I cheated the first couple of days too but once that surgery happened I lost all desire to "cheat." Pain is a great motivator for me. I am doing just fine at 7.5 months out. Take each day at a time, be honest with doc and most of all do not stress! Good luck!

Sweet tooth isn't like it was. I don't crave carbs too much anymore.

Count me in. Trying for 185 this time.

OMG Jamaican patties. I used to make those all of the time. YUMMMM. I down them with some Cola Champagne. Heaven.