Help!!! I have a problem.

Hey Gloria! I think we met at the tri county group meeting. Just to let you know, I am going through the same exact thing, except i think ive gained 15 pounds and the bad part is is that the holidays arent even here yet.  Honestly though, when I think about it, although I do feel that I am eating a little more than normal, its certainly NOT 15 pounds worth.  Its just that im not dieting, and if im not dieting Im not maintaining my obese self.  I am just getting larger... thats all its every been on a diet from me, maintaining.  ..... bring on the DS quick :) Teri

Hi Gloria!!   First of all, it was very brave of you to post your problem here.  I admire you for that.   I've been told that half the time when you feel hungry, you're really thirsty instead.  I suggest drinking a glass of water when you feel hungry.  I also suggest drinking a glass of water before each meal.  That way you won't eat as much.

Can I be blunt with you?  You know just as well as I do that there are a lot of rules to follow after the surgery.  Now is the time that you need to prove to yourself that you can follow them.  You need to take control of those urges and not let them beat you.  If you don't have the will-power now, it is going to be even tougher after the surgery.  You need to get your mind in the right place because  surgery is forever.

As for losing weight before the surgery, The most important thing is that the surgery itself a lot safer for you.  Losing weight will do a couple things.  It shrinks the visceral (sp?) fat, which means the surgeon has less to cut through.  The other thing is that losing weight will make your liver smaller.  Your liver lays across your stomach and has to be moved out of the way for surgery.  The smaller it is, the better. Even if you can't lose weight, please try try try not to gain any more.   You still have a lot of time before the surgery, so please keep posting if/when you need help.  We are all here for you. --Eric

Hi Gloria. I think that we all struggle with this kind of "monster" before surgery.  You should begin now to practice portion control.  Don't deprive yourself of your favorite foods right now.  Just don't eat as much as you normally would.  If you deprive yourself entirely while you are waiting for your surgery date you will only become frustrated and depressed.  However, I agree with Eric that you need to begin now establishing control and exerting a bit of will-power.  I do not believe you will have any problems with having surgery having gained some weight.  The reason we need this surgery in the first place is because we have a very difficult time losing weight and gain weight (most of us) so very easily.  I wouldn't recommend trying to eat like you will be eating after surgery - you will very likely not enjoy it and will fail miserably at it.  Your stomach hasn't been changed so it would be very difficult to stick to liquids from now until your surgery date.  But don't distress over this.  It's okay.  You can do this!   Hugs, Robin

Thank, Robbin.  Thanks to all of you who have been so encouraging.I have pulled out my Weigh****chers books and went shopping.  I was beating myself up and becoming somewhat depressed and scared but with all the great responses I feel encouraged enough to carry on.   And thank you Cira and Eric.  I will post again if or when I need encouragement or advice.  You are too wonderful. I can do this.  Much love gloria