What a struggle...

[MaryC94 62]

Ok, so I haven't gotten my surgery yet, I'm scheduled for March 30th, but I'm now trying to prepare mentally, physically and emotionally. I am really struggling. A few weeks ago I was somewhat on track. I lost 6lbs. on my own by planning, exercising and eating better but then something in my mind flipped. Now I find myself binging on food and thinking I need to get it in before the surgery because I may never be able to eat it again. I don't know if I will be a success story. All these doubts, negative self-talk, lack of support and communication are really getting the best of me. Why can't I get myself back on track own???? Where is my fight? My determination to be a better me??

[Swampdoggie 477]

Hi Mary,

From my own experience, having failed with the band and succeeding with sleeve, I did the following:

1) Read everything I could get my hands on. It keeps me synced with my goal

2) I got counseling for my food issues. I still have them, but I understand them better and work with them.

3) I attended and still attend support groups, including checking in here, which has been really helpful.

4) I eat healthy fat - avocado, macadamia nuts, real sausage, real cheese, etc. It is more satisfying. I eat very few carbs now and really no sweets. Of course I eat my Protein.

I didn't start pre op that far out - my surgery was on Jan 19 and I started the day after Christmas with one meal and the rest Protein. It was miserable. For about 5 days (which can seem like forever!!) but then, miraculously, it got better. It really did. 2 week before surgery went to all liquid and that was actually easier than the first five days with one meal. And after surgery was better still, with almost no hunger, and the ability to satisfy with so little.

I believe you can do it. Because I am doing it and if ever there was a naughty, non compliant, I'll play by my own rules kind of girl, that was me. But its different now and it is working. But you do HAVE to commit.

[amz85 18]

Hi Mary,

From my own experience, having failed with the band and succeeding with sleeve, I did the following:

1) Read everything I could get my hands on. It keeps me synced with my goal

2) I got counseling for my food issues. I still have them, but I understand them better and work with them.

3) I attended and still attend support groups, including checking in here, which has been really helpful.

4) I eat healthy fat - avocado, macadamia nuts, real sausage, real cheese, etc. It is more satisfying. I eat very few carbs now and really no sweets. Of course I eat my Protein.

I didn't start pre op that far out - my surgery was on Jan 19 and I started the day after Christmas with one meal and the rest Protein. It was miserable. For about 5 days (which can seem like forever!!) but then, miraculously, it got better. It really did. 2 week before surgery went to all liquid and that was actually easier than the first five days with one meal. And after surgery was better still, with almost no hunger, and the ability to satisfy with so little.

I believe you can do it. Because I am doing it and if ever there was a naughty, non compliant, I'll play by my own rules kind of girl, that was me. But its different now and it is working. But you do HAVE to commit.

Good advice!

[MaryC94 62]

Thank you @@Swampdoggie! I have therapy on a biweekly basis to help me deal with my issues. It just feels like I'm on an emotional rollercoaster. One day, I'm doing great and I'm on track. The next day feels like the world is crashing down on me. This just sucks! Even with this constant challenge, I have been reading these forums, learning about before, during and after the surgery. I have already tried the Premier Protein shakes, which tastes good to me. I'm doing what I think might help but I think I'm lacking something more.

[Swampdoggie 477]

Yeah, there's no doubt about it, it is hard, esp pre op. This may not go over well with some of the forum, but I suggest you look into 5:2 intermittent fasting. That way you can have some of the stuff you like but still have strict days that help with compliance (you don't totally fast on the 2 days, you just cut way down).

BUT if your dr has you on a program, do stick with that. I was thinking if you're on your own for now this might be helpful. It might give you a sense of permission on the 5 days (vs sense of having cheated) and get you "organized" for the strict days.

There's a group in the veterans forum who use this and have been successful. You can't post but you could read their posts. Also lots of info on the web.

[MaryC94 62]

@@Swampdoggie, the dr hasn't put me on a program yet. I wanted to get a head start. I will look into your suggestion of the intermittent fasting.

[Sleeve101 72]

Hang in there Mary! After surgery you will not be able to fail - you will not be able to eat like before.

I totally binged and had "my last meal" as if I were in death row..Lol..sadly I did that several times! But then I got to the point of no return with the pre-op diet and somehow I flipped a switch - a happy switch - realizing I was about to change my life forever!

Each day is a new day and a perfect time to start over...you can do it!!!

[Swampdoggie 477]

True dat. On we go :>

[MaryC94 62]

@Sleve101, that's kinda funny and sad about the last meal but I can relate. I keep thinking what is going to be my last meal. What am i going to have as my last favorite food before my life forever changes. This is the last week that i am giving myself to have my last indulgences but I'm not going to go crazy. I'm still going to do my workouts. Thanks for the advice. I have a lot of faith that I will succeed.