kristen8803

Hello All, I am diagnosed with both anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. I have been medicated and in treatment for the last few years. I stoped treatment (talk therapy) this last October as I was feeling much better. My new meds has made a huge difference. But now, here I am 5 months later having a major bout of both anxiety and depression. I am still taking my medication religiously. But I think my stress around the surgery is what tipped the scale. I have always turned to food, wine, medical marijuana to cope with my mental illnesses. All have been successful in doing so. But CLEARLY are not the healthy way to go about it. My weight plays a major role in this as well I believe because I never was this bad until I put on all this weight. I have a full time career and am a Mommy to my amazing, energetic 3 year old. Many days I am holding back tears around 5pm because I am so incredibly exausted feeling like I don’t have the energy to move never mind be a good mother. I am sorry this is so long. Has anyone struggled with these things? Did it get better or worse after surgery? I have quite drinking, smoking, & have changed my eating habits the past two weeks. I start therapy next week to help as well. I want to put fourth as many supports as possible now to ensure success later. Thank you for the info guys!

I feel the same way my date is April 17. Such a stressful journey. But I keep reminding myself we CAN do this and will be okay in the end.

Hi everyone! My name is Kristen. I am 29 years old. I’m the mother of a beautiful 3 year old girl and wife to my wonderful husband. I also am a special needs teacher. I have battled my weight since childhood. I think I am a food addict. I find myself “relapsing” after every diet. And I am either 100% doing well or 100% doing terrible, there is no in between. I was lead to this surgery by a friend I work with who has had an amazing experience. After speaking with her I felt hopeful for a second shot at life free from this burden of obesity. However, the feedback I have gotten from all family and friends is negative. Everyone thinks I should do it on my own. But I just don’t believe I’ll ever be able to see significant success without this option. My fears: 1. I die and my daughter is left without a mother all because Of my unhealthy relationship with food. 2. I have significant complications and regret my decision. 3. Post op I find that my new life has restrictions hat limit me at social events. My hopes: 1. I am successful 2. I become a healthier, happier, more involved mother with my new found energy and lifestyle 3. I model better food habits to my daughter 4. I’m able to feel “sexy” in my skin again and hopefully increase the romance in my marriage 5. I’m able to do doing tasks without total exhaustion (getting dressed, showering, walking, standing). 6. I am overall a happier person. Woman and mothers, did you have these same fears? Did you regret your choice? Has anyone my age done this surgery and find it was life changing? Thank you all so much for taking the time to read my post. I am so thankful to have this community to turn to! -Kristen

Thank you so much for the insight everyone!!! I appreciate all the heartfelt responses and encouragement. They are exactly what I need when the opinions of others gets me down. THANK YOU! Also, I didn’t realize that most fatalities are due to a previous unknown diagnosis. That calms my nerves a lot. I really appreciate the analytical advice as well! And appreciated the laugh about the “cousins brothers mailman’s blah blah blah....” because it’s so true! Thanks again to all and best of luck on your journeys!!!

Thank you so incredibly much for sharing this. I needed this today. I am having a hard time because everyone in my life is against me moving forward. It’s hard enough having an internal struggle, the external add to it too.