HEY!   That's fantastic!   Knew it would come eventually, and now, you're there!   Both a physical and a psychological milestone.........

I'm thrilled for you,

BB

Hi.....In my experience, the relationship with the psychologist at a bariatric after-care program would likely be very different from a relationship with another psychologist that you would engage to address a wide range of personal issues.  How often you would see that person and for how long depends a great deal on what your particular issues are.  Depending on the number and complexity of the issues, the relationship could be a short-term one (weekly or every-other-week vists lasting for a period of several weeks to several months) or it could be a long-term relationship (lasting a year or several years).  It's also possible to have an "intermittent" relationship where you would go for a couple of months, take a break, and then come back for another series of sessions as needed.

"Shopping" for the right therapist is crucial.  It's similar to looking for the right primary care physician or the right lawyer......you need to have good chemistry with that person so that you can quickly establish trust and a good rapport.  It wouldn't hurt to interview 3 or 4 different ones (even if just on the phone, although in person is better).  A good psychologist will agree that a good personal connection from the outset is important, and they wouldn't be offended by your asking to have an "informational" meeting to hear about their practice, their level of experience, and their preferred style or the type(s) of therapy that they practice.  If a therapist is opposed to that idea, I would be highly suspicious as to whether they were the right person to work with.

If you work outside the home, and your employer has an Employee Assistance Program, you should be able to get referrals to experienced psychologists in your area.  

It sounds like you're being proactive in trying to acquire the coping skills you need in advance of stressful times ahead.  That's a good idea.  Wish you the best of luck!
BB

Hi, Tara.  I take the Omega-3 supplement made by Coromega, which I get from the Bariatric Advantage company.  It comes in a "pudding" consistency and an orange/chocolate flavor, which is quite good.  The supplement comes in individual foil packets.  Anyway, it's easy to take, and I like the flavor.  You might check it out.

BB

Hi.....about 4 weeks before my surgery, my surgeon decided to send me for an endoscopy to check out my esophagus.  The results were that my esophagus was inflamed due to acid reflux (the gastroenterologist took a couple of biopsies of the inflamed tissue to be sure what was going on).  The official diagnosis was "esophagitis" due to acid reflux.  He put me on Nexium.

My surgeon looked at the results about 5 days before my surgery date and said "no problem".  Surgery occurred on the originally scheduled date.

Have no idea if this situation is the same as yours, but wanted you to know what happened in my case.

Good luck,
BB

One of my favorite recurring posts is the one where everyone lists what they had to eat that day.  From what I can tell, however, it appears that most people *****port what they're eating are not getting at least 1200 calories and 60 to 70 grams of protein daily.  I can't tell for sure, of course, but it seems to me that they're eating much less than that. 

The education that I've received thus far says that we should shoot for the 1200 calories and 60 to 70 grams of protein level for optimum weight loss and health.  I had surgery on 7/18/08, have had one fill, and am currently at 3 cc in a 10 cc band.  I currently have only very mild restriction, but I do have to make a concerted effort to eat enough to reach these targets because I'm not hungry. 

When I reach that optimum level of restriction, will it be impossible to eat 1200 calories and hit the protein target?  I read the posts of various people who say they take 4 bites at a particular meal and can't eat any more.  If that's the case, then how in the world do they get an adequate amount of calories and nutrition?

BB

B:   1 scrambled egg w/ 1 oz. chopped ham and sauteed onion (got mildly stuck at the end......I may decide that I'm one of those people who should avoid scrambled eggs.....)

S;     WW fudgesicle

L:     1 c. Mexican casserole (recipe obtained from this message board.....corn tortillas, hamburger meat, onions, rotel, ranch style beans, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheese....excellent)

D:     Don't know.....we're taking some friends out to dinner......will probably order fish and vegs.

BB 

What a fabulous idea!  And if I were fortunate enough to win, I would be pleased to have any of the 3 items you've described.........They all sound absolutely delicious!

But see, my fear is that my dream is too simple to compete effectively with the other dreams already listed and those that will come after mine.....I have to admit that I have been so blessed in life.  I have been fortunate enough to accomplish all of my goals with the exception of controlling my weight.  I'm in my mid-50's and have had serious weight problems since my mid-20's, after having been an overweight child and teenager.  And yes, like most bandsters, I have the diabetes, the high cholesterol, the family history of heart problems that is not helped by my morbid ovesity, and on and on and on.  

Nevertheless, amidst all of this, I found the love of my life to whom I have been married for 27 years.....he's been my support through many, many up and down weight levels over the years.  I have a challenging and highly rewarding career.  I have a close knit family with many nieces and nephews who contribute a lot to our happiness.  So......I'm not saying we're perfect (far from it) but I know how to count my blessings.

So, having been given so much in life, I feel a little guilty "asking for more"...... but here's my absolute dream:    I want to walk down a beach in a one-piece swimsuit, holding my head high, not worrying about who may be looking at me with disapproval, enjoying the sand and the sea and the beautiful scenery without a care in the world.  I have not allowed myself to wear a bathingsuit in public (or even in private) in decades......and swimming and just being near the water in a "normal" bathingsuit are two of my greatest joys.

So, Jean......that's it.  I would think I had died and gone to heaven if that dream ever comes true.....and even though I'm only one month out from my surgery, I have a lot of hope that I'll get there one of these days!

Thanks for doing this......I think we're all winners for being able to articulate our hopes and dreams with people who understand.
BB

So, what flavor(s) of the Bariatric Advantage have you tried?  I take the Lemon Cream muti-vitamin, which tastes just like a Sweet Tart candy to me.  Then I take the calcium citrate in the chocolate flavor....not wonderful, but not too disagreeable. 

BB

B:    1 fried egg, 1/4 c. cream of wheat, 2 T. corned beef hash
L:     2 oz. tuna, 1/2 T. mayo, steamed yellow squash
D:    1/2 c. homemade chili w/hamburger meat and beans
S:     1/2 c. Jean's cottage cheese chocolate pudding

P.S. Trying to make some things on the weekend, like the chili, that I can freeze for future meals.  I'm only one month out, so I'm trying to get organized.  My goals include trying to get in 5 fruits and/or vegetables a day.....now that's a challenge!

BB

Hi.....My doctor ordered an endoscopy shortly before surgery.  The gastroenterologist took a couple of biopsies during the procedure, and the lab report said that I had esophagitis (inflamation of the lining of the esophagus due to reflux).  My surgeon said "no problem" and proceeded with the lap band surgery.  Hope this will be the same for you!

BB