Not quite losing...

Well, I'm at the end of my first week out...and although I don't feel like I've lost any weight, my roommate says that she can tell that I have. (For some reason, people can see it in my face before anywhere else.) Anyways...these two weeks have been very tough - Depression hit me hard, and this first week home...I mainly stayed in bed, crying about one thing or another. I want to start losing, but my mind is really caught up on the fact that I can't eat anything and I have to friggin' sip everything when I'm a gulper. Exercise hasn't even really come across my mind yet. When will I get over my hang-ups about food and start concentrating on losing? I swear, it really feels like I'm going to screw up this oppertunity that I've been given...and although I do regret this change of lifestyle (because I didn't think it COMPLETELY through), I'd like to make the most of it. Any comments or words of advice? Thanks.

Brandy, you are a beautiful young lady and I am sure it has been difficult for you these first two weeks. Post surgery depression, I'm sure, is a common side effect. Please try to remember, "This too shall pass". And yes, you have made a drastic lifestyle change, but you have made the right choice! Please don't regret it. I am 50 years old, and wish a thousand times I could have had the opportunity you you have been given at your age. I know you will not screw this up! Just take each day as it comes and do what the doctor tells you. I'm waiting still to see if my insurance will approve my surgery. I'm anxious to get on the losing side with you. Please keep us updated with reports on your progress. God bless, Charlene

Brandy, Hang on. It does get better. It's only been 2 weeks. It didn't take two weeks to put it on and it won't take 2 week to get it off. Everyone's weight come off at their own speed. You are going to hit plateaus along the way and they are going to be very frustrating. But they too will eventually end. Yes, you are going to have mental battles. This surgery is actually 85% mental and 15% physical. The mental battles are the worst. Believe me, I am almost 13 months out and I have daily, if not hourly, battles with my head. Find something to help replace the comfort that food gave you. Remember, food was your best friend and you just lost your best friend. You will go through a mourning period. Depression is common. Just from personal experience, get help for the depression before it goes too far. You are still in the early stages after surgery. It took me 4 months to decide that the surgery was the best thing I have ever done. Hang in there. Find a good support system and use it whenever you need it. Go to the support group meetings at the hospital or even e-mail or call me since I am in Searcy. If you will e-mail me privately I will give you my numbers so that you can call if you need some support. Best wishes to you and I hope today is a good day for you. Denise Baker 9/29/03 246/132/120ish Plastic Surgery scheduled 10/21/04 Bates

Your false friend 'food' has just been stripped away. It is normal to be resentful and downright cranky. As Denise said, it does get better. The main thing is to surround yourself with positive people and stay away from nay-sayers. The sipping is temporary. Not eating real food is temporary. Getting it in your mind that food is NOT a crutch and find another way to deal with stress and emotional issues is permanent. The sooner you can do this, the further ahead you will be months and years down the road. Do not be afraid to seek professional counselling if the things keep getting you down. Local support group meetings that DO NOT meet at restaurants are your best bet. If there isn't one near you, START ONE. Lastly, yes your face and breasts will be the first to go. Your friends will notice big changes but when you loook in the mirror you will see your old self. It is difficult for people to see their own change. Best of luck to you. You are doing fine.

Hang in there. It takes longer than 2 weeks to completely clear out the anesthetic from your system! The changes are much more drastic at first than they will be later. You will soon be able to eat some real food and life will start to be more about living and less about eating. You don't have to WANT to exercise. You have to just DO IT. Start walking and gradually increase your pace and distance. When the weather is good, get outside and walk. The sunshine will help as much as the walking. You will get through this, and it definitely will get easier. Keep posting! Joy