In A Funk- Long One

Ok, I need some talking too... I am in a funk! Ok, as I approach 9 months out, I am down 97 lbs, and that is good- but I have been at this plateau for months and I am not moving. Also, this pouch thing is a constant challenge to me, and I am working against myself. First of all, After 8 Months, I am still having eating issues. I find this **** very very depressing. Second, because of those issues, I am afraid to eat, because quite frankly, the Vomitting is so painful that I would prefer not to eat at all. Third, not eating puts me in a starvation mode, and that defeats the whole purpose of this thing. I have found a correlation between extreme stress and my pouch. I can not hold down food when extremely stressed. This came to light over a week ago. The pain that I encounter when food meets pouch is akin to being punched directly in the stomach with a two by four. It is that painful. Now that I have come to find this, I am trying all I can to reduce stress factors. I do not talk about it- and when folks ask me how I am, I say fine- But I am NOT FINE...I am depressed, and even more depressing, each time I go to Dr.Steinberg and he tells me there is no physical reason why, I feel like an alien. (By the way, yes I am going back to see him, I have an appt on May 11th- so don't say call your doctor. ) I think I am the only wls patient out there that is this far along and has to see their surgeon every two months...that within itself is DEPRESSING! Its a damn vicious cycle. I just can not seem to get motivated. I know we all have gone through this or experienced it in some way or form. I guess today I am just a little down. Thanks for listening! Denise

Hi Denise, I am sorry your are going thru this... Maybe things will turn around soon. I know what you mean about stress, and how it can affect your pouch. Mine has been giving me fits over the last several weeks with the stresses I have been having to deal with with my son. Maybe you should try to turn your stresses round and look at them from another perspective... You weight-loss at 9 months out at 97 lbs is phenomenal. Try to keep in mind that when was the last time you have lost so much weight in such a short time, and how wonderful that is... And how wonderful you look now... And how much better you feel now compared to before surgery... Remind yourself of all of the good things that this surgery has brought you vs the plateau you are in now... I try to do these things when I get in my plateaus, which by the way I am in one again now... While it is aggravating to me, I remind myself that a year ago, things were nowhere near this good for my health, and that had I not had this surgery, I would be sticking that insulin needle in myself every day. I guess I live by enjoying the small miracles, so that jumping the small hurdles will not be as difficult... Good Luck to you, and try to cheer up.. We're all here for you!!! Susan Lap RNY 12-1-04 285-205-155 (-80)still.....

Thank You Susan, I don't know what in the heck is wrong with me? It just hit me really bad this morning and I got upset and had to vent. No one told me a plateau could last for 3-4 months...and I know that I am being self destructive without being able to get the food in. I just feel like this... From day one of this surgery I have had complications...coupled that with emergency surgery in December...then struggles to eat, etc... I think everyone has issues and they deal.. I am just trying very hard to cope. I am just a bit down today Thanks so much! Denise

((((((((((((((Denise)))))))))))))) Is there any way to relieve some of your stress? I know you are VERY committed, but it may be time to step back. I have a feeling you do not say "no" very well. Are you on antidepressants? That might help. This time of the year is horrible for me, because school is almost over. After YEARS of resistant, I know I need it. Since you know that stress is a trigger, go with that. BTW, in your eating situation, I would be depressed too. Come vent on here any time. We love you, Girlfriend! Becky

Hi Denise, I understand exactly where you are. I had surgery in Jan 2005. To date I've lost 80lbs (goal was to lose 100-110) however I stopped losing weight about 5 months ago. I've had a lot of ups and downs about this long plateau. Just today I decided to see a physician about it to see what the problem is. it's hard to complain about this to normal people because they would think that I was crazy. But I didn't have major surgery to come this close to the goal and stop. I just wanted to let you know that someone was out there who could relate. Blessings, Angela

Denise, I'm going through some of the same things. I was having some food issues a couple of weeks ago. Yes, it was STRESS, so I took some time off work, and went out of town by myself, NO KIDS, NO HUBBY, NO CELLPHONE. I feel much better now, and of course I have a new job, start on the 16th. You might just need some DENISE time. I also made an appointment with my therpist, maybe I need some lexapro. (Gosh they make me feel some good). Take care, and book you a trip. Ms.Thang

Denise......I am on zoloft, an anti-depressant, have been for years off and on....mostly on for the last 5 years because I've just learned my body. I'd suggest that you speak to your doctor about giving you something to help in that department. I know how awful the plateaus are....and anytime you have ongoing problems, whether they're physical or emotional it just takes it's toll on us. Are you trying to eat soft things just to make sure you get in your protein? Cottage cheese and yogurt are great things when my pouch is aggrevating me. I just try to do 2-3 days of that to let pouch settle down a bit. Throw in a baked potato, add alittle butter so it tastes good, eat som mac & cheese. Use whole grain macaroni. A little fat is not gonna kill you. Have you considered seeing a nutritionist for advice to jump start your weight loss again? Another question is how much weight do you feel like you have to lose yet? Are you anywhere close to goal? I'll be honest...I didn't know folks would plateau for 4 months unless they were very close to goal. I think 4 weeks is a long time. Sometimes depression can reduce your coping mechanism to Zero! Trust me, I know from experience. Work on getting rid of that depression....Try walking...(I'm behind in that too!! haven't walked in 4 weeks! (( ) Walking produces serotin...that'll help with your depression too. Let's try to get started together!! Hang in there, child. It'll get better!

Have you thought of seeing a psychiatrist? (if I spelled that right!) I do not see you as depressed or anything but they can give you feedback techniques for de-stressing which might help your sore tummy. That and my only other suggestion was maybe when you are stressing go back to your liquids/soft foods maybe that will help? ((hugs)) and I hope you and your doctor can get you through this! Kia -58 #