having a rough night.. and looking for info

Trish, I know how you are feeling. I waited a little over 3 years from referral to orientaion and some days it felt like it would never happen. I tried to focus on the changes I could make that would guarantee my acceptance into the program. I made sure I drank my water, journaled my food and exercised as best as I could. I tried meditation to help deal with the stress in my life and looked for new hobbies to keep my mind and fingers busy. By the time I went for my orientation I was down 44 lbs and so much healthier than when I got my acceptance.

I went to a couple of meet and greets and listened to what every one was saying about pre and post op and increased my knowledge about the program and the surgeries. The ladies on here were very supportive, especially when I would watch people who were referred after me have their surgery.

You can bring your larger size clothes, there are people there who are just starting the journey. But please come, I would love to meet you. I am hoping to come as long as hubby doesn't get called into work.

Karen

Trish you can choose to look at this as a glass half full or half empty kind of thing. A long waiting time means more time to develop healthy relationships to food and activity. Those are what it takes to succeed - bariatric surgery is not a panacea. Its going to be 2 years for me from then time I was accepted into the Edmonton program to when I have the surgery. I used that time to lose weight and develop the discipline to eat right, record my meals and become more physically active.

Sitting for long periods of time is bad for anyone - obese or not. Our bodies were designed to move. If you don't like going out start by increase your activity in your home. Small things like several laundry trips to the washer/dryer not one big one. If you ride the bus, get off one or two stops early. Going for walks by yourself. Stretching and isometrics, etc. Or buy some small weight, squeeze a tennis ball or get one of those stretchy bands.

I'd try to take advantage of that free program - call the dietician back. Talk to the dietician about your hunger. If your not open to speaking with the dietician before scheduled appointments in the MB program, call your G.P. and ask to be referred to one outside of the program. There is lots of nutritional advice here in OH.com and on MyFitnessPal. I've also listed resources for bariatric surgery in the thread on same that I started here in the forum. My dietician encourage me to fill up on fibre and drink plenty of water to avoid the hunger feelings.

Lastly swimming works for me - its easier on your joints and is a full body workout. The YMCA offers programming options for those that can't afford to pay the full registration fee. Same with the City of Winnipeg. There are also free programs around - you have to search them out though. I know there is a free Tai Chi program starting at the West Broadway Community Ministry on Oct 9th from 11 AM - noon.

And about which surgery to have - that's up to you depending upon your surgeon's recommendations for your body type, the risks involved and your goals. Besides asking in the forum for opinions, do the research here and on the internet. Google the different types of surgeries - there are lots of medical articles out there on bariatric surgery in general and the specifics. The book I mentioned in my thread is a good book to get too.

The Wellness center has some free programs too.  (Seven oaks hospital).   Depression is very hard to combat, and so is having a social phobia.  I have a hard time leaving my house, but I have to force myself to.  They say exercise is good for depression, just don't over do it.   Don't beat yourself up if you miss a workout or eat something bad, just keep going.  (I really need to practice what I preach) I have to get back on track watching what I eat.  Barb.