While I Wait

Can anyone give me advice on what to do, while I am waiting for upcoming consultations with surgeons and an appointment with my pcp (beginning April 20). I don't feel comfortable discussing the decision to have surgery with anyone except you (the messageboard). I've been reading the messageboard postings and replies daily. I feel that I somehow know all of you. Yet, I have been experiencing peaks of joy and depression as I get closer to consultations with Drs. Duncan and Appel. I even tried to move the dates up earlier to no avail. What do I do while I am waiting?

A little friendly advice from me would be to find a therapist you're comfortable with and begin therapy, preferably with someone who speciailizes in food addictions or eating disorders. I'm a big advocate of the philosophy that it's more than just physical reasons why we are as big as we are. There's a lot of psycological influences going on there as well, and you really need an objective person who can listen to you and help sort them out. You'll need to learn new coping skills for once you've gone through surgery and can no longer medicate yourself and your emotions with food. If you're not open to therapy or can't afford it, etc, there is a series of books by a wonderful author named Geneen Roth titled When Food Is Love, Feeding the Hungry Heart, etc. She has struggled with compulsive eating her whole life and has a unique perspective on what people struggling with food addictions go through. I highly recommend her books. I've come to some really life changing realizations from reading her work. If you're already addressing all of that, then maybe you could look to other areas such as beginning an exercise routine. That's something I'm starting to work on. They say it's easier to keep one going after surgery if you have one in place before hand. Another idea would be to engage your creativity. Make a collage by cutting out pictures from magazines of how your life will be changing and make a poster that reflects your new positive lifestyle to hang on your wall for inspiration on those tough days after surgery. Just a few ideas! Kelle

HELLO THE WATING IS THE HARDEST PART AND IT REALLY WEARS YOU DOWN. I FOUND THAT JUST TALKINGHERE ON THE BOARD REALLY HELPED. I ALSO REALLY GOT IN TO MYSELF I RUN WORKOUT TRY TO EAT RIGHT I GOT BACK IN TO HOBBIES I HAD LET GO. AND I TALK TO MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. I TRY NOT TO DEWELL ON THE FACT THAT IT IS NOT MOVING FAST ENOUGH FOR ME.(STILL WATING TO HERE FROM INSURACE COMPANY) I TRY TO FILL MY TIME WITH THINGS I ENJOY KEEP POSTING. GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT. KHAALIDA

Check this board out you might like http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/member-interests/black_american/ NAT

James, Have you called and made a reservation to attend Dr. Appel's orientation? I know one is scheduled for Apr 22nd. Then you receive your "Blue Folder" with instructions and documentation to complete. It took me almost 2 weeks just to fill out the on-line blue folder with family/medical etc. history, and another week tearing up the house looking for documentation. It is a start and will definately keep you busy. Other than that, I have been spending a lot of time here and making lists (which protein drinks people like, what to take to the hospital, things to have at home after surgery). I know it is early for that kind of stuff, but it keeps me busy. I also have the not-so-pleasant list (insurance, living will, have my will updated, letters to close individuals - just in case). Morbid, I know, but necessary. Patti

Check this board out you might like http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/member-interests/black_american/ NAT