Just checking in...

Hi there, how are you all doing? Well I hope. I'm doing fine. I am up to five pounds gone on the medically supervised diet. In just over two weeks. I look at each one as one I won't have to lose after surgery. My hope is to get down to about 250-260 lb before surgery, as I am 285 right now, and I still have 5 months to go before I can be eligible. Talked with my psychiatrist about doing the psych evaluation. (I have well controlled bipolar, that's why I have a psychiatrist). She supports the idea of surgery, but doesn't want to do the evaluation because her schedule is so packed. Hmm. Talked later this week with my psychologist. She thinks she probably doesn't want to do it because it might be a "dual-role" for her. So I'm going to have to go with whoever the surgeon recommends. Bummer. I thought it would be much less scary to do this with someone I know! Linda

Your doing great Linda!! Just think...the more you lose now, the less you have to lose after surgery. I was 365 when I started the whole process and weighed 323 the day of surgery, so that's 42 less pounds! I know the 6 month diet sucks but I think it really helps to start adopting a healthier lifestyle BEFORE surgery. The surgery is such a lifestyle change, if you can get used to eating differently and exercising now it wont be such a shock. I was required to lose 5% my body weight before they would schedule my surgery. So I had already given up sode, sweets, junk food, etc. I honestly think it helped me. I know what you mean about doing the psych eval with someone you know. But you might be pleasantly suprised.... in my experience the psych my center used was very warm and friendly. I usually have a hard time opening up to people and I didn't have any problems with him. You can do it!! Jaimee

Thats great Linda you have exceeded the 2 pounds a week reccomended loss... you will loose quick at first anyway.. you know that... you have tried diet after diet before... or you wouldnt be even thinking about surgery... I was 296 when I had my surgery.. I have lost 100 pounds and gone from a 28 to a 16... I am going so slow now but I am not gaining... I am maintaining... I keep telling people who ask... I am like a normal person and actually have to work at my weight loss just like everyone else... and I am right... when I have my mini icecream sandwhich... I know I have to substitute some extra fruit or veggies for a few days... I am also going to start walking again on Monday if it isnt raining and WED and Fri at Plainfield park.. now that it is out of the 90 degrees.. Linda

Linda, Don't worry about the psych eval. Having been through therapy, you know how this works. And really, it isn't nearly as indepth. You will fill out at least one questionaire of around 400 questions/statements (mine was 400, but I've read posts from people who said 800). It is just a bunch of statements and you mark "very like me - absolutely not like me" or something in between. The statements are repetitive so they can make sure you are giving them your honest answers. Just answer honestly. They use these responses more to determine where your relationship with life in general and food in particular are so they can be sure to help you where you need it. And that's what this surgery is all about - helping you where you need it. The psych eval is just another step in this process. You will do fine. Good luck with your continued weight loss. Cindy