question for WLS Graduates

One year out or more postop... did you have issues with feeling like you were a different person or just don't know how to deal with your new self?  I had kind of a mini breakthrough this evening in my therapy session.  We figured out I am grieving the loss of my former self and my dear friend food.  I used to hide my feelings with stuffing food down, now I don't know what to use to deal with stress. Anyone experience this?

SEX, BOOZE & Rock and Roll !!!!!!!!!  J/k  have you checked the graduate forum?  isn't it true tho, your once, allways there friend , is gone.  It must be very hard, do you live alone.  I find myself having a hard time when I'm home alone, I'm always grazing.  Must keep busy, but who wants to keep busy when their tired? I'm sure after doing what we do for so many years, it will take us more then one year to change all our habits, I guess that might be a good thing loosing as slow as I am.  Just give it some more time Kathy, you have done so well,  and have come so far in such a little time.  Let it all sink in.  just  plan another trip.  have a great weekend... Hugs, cheryl

Ha Ha! I don't live alone, but I find myself holed up in my bedroom alo****ching tv alone and really not wanting to do anything else. Thanks for the pep talk, Cheryl!!  I thought of the graduates board, just kind of hesitant until I speak to the family here first....

I am getting back to Curves, so that is helping... Thank you again for being a great supportive friend!! 

Hey Kathi...I'm not a year out or WLS grad, but wanted you to know we're here for you if you need to talk, vent, whatever.  I have no "words of wisdom" but will listen or read whatever you type!  You're doing AMAZING!  You're definitely an inspiration!!!!!   You are doing great..don't belittle your amazing accomplishments!!!!     Hope others have some words of advice for you!!!!!    Keep your chin up!!!  (WOW!!  I wish I was funny like Cheryl!!!!!!)  

Hi Kathi,

I'm not a graduate - but I can sure relate. I gave up all my crutches - smoking, food, diet pepsi - gave up drugs and alcohol years ago. Food though is the "vice" that I used for suppressing my feelings - and I have to tell you I'm not sure that I really like to have to feel them.

I've been considering talking to a counselor about it this fall. I find that sometimes I am having irrational reactions that I'm sure is some of those feelings that have been stuffing down so many years trying to come out.

So far the only thing I've been doing to work at dealing with stress is....well it's scary to me...but it's e-x-e-r-c-i-s-e. Nothing major....walking this time of year and I've got a wii and use dance, dance revolution in lousy weather.

Hey Kathi,

I thinks its a normal feeling we do lost our best friend and the thing that comforts us the most...FOOD.. I have been a person that only hides my feeling for so long and then boom i exsploded and that is not always good or pretty, I say things probily a man wouldnt say, But i sure feel better after I do it. People think nothing bothers me because of the way I act and talk but Im just as human as anyone else,

only bad habit i got now is swearing and for now im not stopping that. I also gave up eat,smoking 9 years ago, diet pepsi, I never drank much, but it was all so worth it to feel as good about myself as I do....
 
I am just staying real busy and that takes care of the grieving. I find when I dont stay busy or I am alone alot, I think more about it. I am to bubble person to be alone and sit still isnt good for me so I dont.

Kathi your doing great I m really glad your going to therapy. 10 years ago I went for 3 years it was great.. That was when I was fat and found out alot about me but it never made me stop eating. Surgery the only thing that helped me out with that....thank god for Surgery and Dr. Clough.

The only thing I have a hard time taking is compliments.. But I am getting alot better after a year out. Now I just catch myself smiling and say yes I do look and feel great. When Im alone I laugh to myself saying thats right I do...talk to yourself people think your crazy but it helps..Your your own best friend

I definatley dealt with that feeling soon after surgery...when I had a stressful moment..I wanted to eat because thats what I did....I had a rough month there...crying..

Its is a loss...grief plays a role too. You have done such a great job!! And sticking to the counseling is so important!! You'll get through this....just keep talking, and keeping things in the open...I know when I stuggle I keep it inside...and it only hurts me in the end

Love you!!!
Missy

Missy,
My name is Lynda H. I live in Hampden/Newburgh, Me area.I like what you had said, and I agree with you:o)

 I had surgery with Dr. Toter in June 12, 2008. She's an excellent surgeon, in Bangor

! I am struggling, I am not giving up. I also go to OA, and talk with someone in OA that is smaller than I am.

The day of my sugery, I had weighed 303 lbs. My last weigh-in  in JUly 2008, with Dr. Toer, I had weighed in @ 269 lbs. I need to be more motivated to exercise, and daily stretches.

I have to learn what to eat & what not to eat. My trigger foods are popcorn, peanut butter, block cheese, and grazing in between meals.

You will get to your goal:-)

an aquaintance,
Lynda H.