I am scared

[Bandista 7,466]

I'm really glad I went to a therapist last summer while I was researching and going through the process leading up to surgery. It's not like I hadn't worked on all of these issues before (I'm 52), but since I was making such a major decision it really was so different. Some one mentioned the huge dose of honesty. I had to admit that I was unable to lose the weight without surgery. I had to give in to the weakness and that made me so strong, the choosing myself and my health first and realizing there was something out there to help me and, dammit, I was going to see it through to absolute success. The counsellor I worked with helped me identify my triggers and we really broke it down. It felt tedious but I'm glad I did it. There were so many ways I used food to prep myself for something or as a reward or to tamp down feelings. I journal a lot and that was helpful. Being aware of the extent of the triggers and my habitual reactions to them got me into such a new place with all of that. And you know what, the food as a salve didn't really work anyway. I'd just need more. I am so happy to have the appetite monster off of my back and that chatter turned off. That's what it feels like, like my brain and body are synced up again. I've forgiven the past betrayals and feel like I can love myself again.

[Jim1967 3,569]

Most people fear change but with the proper approach and proper guidance you could be very successful. With this change there will be new habits to learn and eye opening experiences. I can eat pretty much the same foods as before but in moderation. Instead of sucking down a 1/2 gallon of ice cream on a nightly basis (no joke) I now swing through McDonalds drive thru once maybe twice a week and get a single cone for a dollar and it satisfies me!

I used to eat loads of junk food on a nightly basis in front of the TV. Now I have dinner at 6PM and the desire just isn't there like it used to be for the junk food binging. I also find that with this change I am a lot more active and I spend a lot less time in front of the t.v.

Whole idea behind WLS is about lifestyle change not just weight loss. If you cannot change your life then the weight loss may come but really how long will it last without the lifestyle change? Others have recommended some counseling, talking to a Nutritionist and most of all open up to the Counselor doing your Psych Evaluation. A lot of people fear the Psych Eval but honestly I found it to be the most helpful. Even now two years post op we still exchange emails from time to time.

[parisshel 1,892]

I'm really glad I went to a therapist last summer while I was researching and going through the process leading up to surgery. It's not like I hadn't worked on all of these issues before (I'm 52), but since I was making such a major decision it really was so different. Some one mentioned the huge dose of honesty. I had to admit that I was unable to lose the weight without surgery. I had to give in to the weakness and that made me so strong, the choosing myself and my health first and realizing there was something out there to help me and, dammit, I was going to see it through to absolute success. The counsellor I worked with helped me identify my triggers and we really broke it down. It felt tedious but I'm glad I did it. There were so many ways I used food to prep myself for something or as a reward or to tamp down feelings. I journal a lot and that was helpful. Being aware of the extent of the triggers and my habitual reactions to them got me into such a new place with all of that. And you know what, the food as a salve didn't really work anyway. I'd just need more. I am so happy to have the appetite monster off of my back and that chatter turned off. That's what it feels like, like my brain and body are synced up again. I've forgiven the past betrayals and feel like I can love myself again.

THIS~! Brilliantly stated.

[Mikee57 699]

was never offered a Pysch eval...probably would have been a good idea and if you are having some trouble deciding on what to do next, TatotTot, that might be something you should look into. this new life after wls is not easy, it is something you will have to work at...I am only 3 mths out, but find that many of my bad choices that I had made in my past have been easily let go of...for me it is just determination that I am going to get healthy. I have a long way to go, but there are so many great folks on this forum that have offered such good/sound advice I am not sure where I would be without them. if you don't post an issue you are having you most likely will be able to read someone else's post that is having the same problem. so hope you decide to move forward with your wls decision and wish you the best on whatever you decide on...we are all here for ya!!! Take Care...love that "TatorTot" name btw...LOLRH