New sleever/General Questions

[amandalp1021 25]

Good afternoon everyone!

I'm brand new to this forum and I'm happy to be part of this community. I know I may ramble on for a bit, so I apologize. I had my surgery Wednesday 9/28/2016, so I'm 4 days out; and I have a few things on my mind. If anyone has any input or advice on anything, I greatly appreciate it!!

A little history about myself..I'm a 27 year old female, starting weight at 340 pounds before surgery (I haven't weighed myself since 9/28). I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder which is controlled by generic Lexapro 20mg once daily. Some people have attributed by massive weight gain in the past year or so to my medication, but it has helped me so much, that I wouldn't dare stop it. I've had PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome since 12 years old, and I've been extremely overweight since I was a child. I weighed in at 232 pounds when I was 11, and I've been a yo-yo dieter since I was 15. I hit 300 pounds at 14, dropped to 180 by 17. Shot back up to 290 around age 21, dropped to 210 by 23/24. And since 2013 I steadily gained to be at my highest at 348 pounds. I've been seeing a psychologist for my OCD since 2013, but I have not seen him for a coupe of months. I plan on going back to discuss my weight loss journey.

With being a new sleever and a natural worrier, (with anxiety) there are, of course, many things I'm concerned and curious about. Again, I apologize for the long post, and I'll list some things that are on my mind:

1. I'm tired and lazy. I've been sitting on my aunt's recliner since I left the hospital Friday (today is Sunday). I get up and walk around a few times a day. My urine is fine and I had my first bowel movement today (sorry, TMI). But I mostly want to lay around and close my eyes. I'm not hungry, but the smell of the delicious fried chicken that my aunt is making for her kids is bringing back memories lol. I'm getting off topic! Bottom line is, is this tiredness and laziness normal? I feel bad and almost obligated to be more active, but I just wanna rest!

2. I was never told that I had a food addiction, and my therapist told me he doesn't believe I compulsively eat. However, I do know that I am an emotional eater. And usually that emotion is happiness. I used food to reward myself all the time. I hated when people were around me when I was eating something delicious and watching TV. I wanted to be alone and enjoy my private time..which always included a good TV show and delicious food. Food always made me happy. I never really used food to self medicate when I was sad, but always ate when I was happy. And bored. I'm such a boredom eater. I don't have any hobbies, I live by myself, I'm an only child. So I'm always alone...and often times bored. And the eating would begin. I planned meals like they were major rewards. For the finale of Breaking Bad, I ordered pizza to have it delivered to my home right on time...I loaded up on Snacks and Desserts. I shut my phone off and didn't want to see or talk to anyone while I enjoyed my show and my food. I foresee that this will be a problem. Has anyone felt the same way? And if so, were you able to control it?

3. I worry about addiction transfer. I've heard of people resorting to alcoholism, drug addiction and/or gambling after weight loss surgery, and with my anxiety issues this scares me. My friend told me to become addicted to exercise and health, but who's to say that will happen?

4. Feeling like your old self? Just a general inquiry...how long did it take you guys to feel back to "normal" in terms of recovering from the surgery?

Thanks so much for reading this! I hope to interact with you guys!

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[Havasumoma 250]

Wow, that's a long post and a lot to think about.

You have me thinking about my own patterns and those of my family.

food is definitely used to Celebrate and reward. I also will have something special to eat or drink when I'm having a rough day or week.

What are your thoughts on what we might do to replace the role of food on these occasions?

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[WifeyMaterial 139]

Hey I had my surgery the 28th as well and my pain is just relieving a little. I have slot of questions for my dr when I see him

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[WifeyMaterial 139]

Wow you will be number 2 n 3 is mostly me as well all we need to do is talk.. Lets stay posted since our surgery the same????????

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[Luce587 48]

In relation to your first question - you need to rest to recover... being sleepy is a side effect of the anaesthetic and the pain meds... rest and recover!

[Butterflywarrior 241]

I think alot of these food issues are related to emotional eating and might hello to get support from ur psychologist on it too as well as here. I also found making a list of alternative activities and rewards has been helpful for me. I'm already practicing before my surgery latter this month