My appointment today & feeling overwhelmed

I arrived at the clinic at 10 am. I had my vitals taken. My blood pressure was up, but everything else was fine. I was weighed and to my amazement, I lost 13 pounds since I was weighed at my Primary Care Doc about 2 or 3 weeks ago. I think a lot of it has to do with me being back on my antidepresants. Needless to say, I am happy about the weight loss. I will be working on losing more. Then I saw the nutitionist. He came in and told me about how my body would would react to certain foods after surgery. He told me what I would be able to eat and what to stay away from. He talked about the 3 week period after surgery where I would be restricted to liquids only. Most of this stuff I already knew, but there were a couple of things he talked about that were pretty helpful. I talked about my eating habits, which aren't very good. He said it is important to eat throughout the day because I need to prepare myself to eat 4 to 5 smal meals during the day. My main problem is going for a long period of time without eating and when I get ready to eat, I am so hungry and that is when I eat large portions. Right now I am going to work on eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a schedule. I am going to work on drinking more water and less diet soda. I saw the physcian next. I had a routine physical and we discussed the surgery in a little more detail. She explained everything to me. Most of it I knew already, but there were a couple of things I didn't know. Lastly, I saw the phsychiatrist. It went well. I talked alot. She began to explain the surgery to me. I talked about my depression and a bunch of other stuff. She told me it was very important to take my meds regularly. They want me to see another psychiatrist to have my meds evaluated and to make sure I am on the correct dosage and whatnot. She also expressed how important it is for me to eat 3 meals a day. I have to start with that and work my way into eating 4 to 5 small meals a day. All in all it was a good experience. I got a lot of information. Now that I have officially started this journey toward WLS, it is becomming more "real". It is somewhat overwhelming. There are lots of things I need to change, and they are pretty huge changes. I am worried that I won't be able to do it and stick with the changes I need to make. I keep thinking about all the things I will no longer be able to eat after surgery and honestly it kinda hurts to know that the sweet stuff I enjoy now will no longer be an option after surgery. This is a huge step for me and I'm not sure if I can handle it. I am going to give it my all and pray for the best.

Amanda, I had all those same fears. The last thing I wanted to do was 'fail' at this knowing it was my last resort. In hindsight, I had nothing to worry about. I suffer with severe depression, as well. I still take the same meds as before and haven't had a bit of trouble since the surgery. I have to be mindful of eating 4-5 small meals a day because I am RARELY the least bit hungry. I never crave all the foods I did before (mostly CARBS!!!). Now I just basically eat because I'm supposed to (protein & metabolism). I have not been tempted to eat anything 'unhealthy' because I have a healthy fear of dumping. I go out to eat with friends and family very often and can always find something small and tasty for myself. It's just not an issue. Once you start dropping those pounds, you will be happy to follow the instructions. They may seem difficult now but I found them to be much simpler to follow than I could have ever imagined. I wish the same for you! Best wishes. Karen

Hi Amanda, Please know that most of us were easily overwhelmed when we began this journey. If all these changes were easy- we would have already done so and not be seeing our surgeons.....I have approached my surgery and my Wt loss similar to a 12 step recovery program- just keep it simple and work it 1 day at a time..... My pysch. had me spend much time in self reflection regarding the "pleasure" I got from food and how and where was I going to seek this pleasure to replace the food. 1st- for me, I began changing my mind that food was not my friend or comfort- it is fuel, energy to run the machine. You won't put sugar in your car's gas tank, huh??? So I changed MY perception of food and then I sought other healthier pleasures- I love to read, so reading alot. I am also gardening more. And to be honest- sex is better, so try to spend more time enjoying those pleasures.Don't try to conquer it all at once- take it a day at a time and know you have WONDERFUL support here! You can do this! I wish you much success and congratulations to taking those first baby steps to a life of change and improved health! Sheila

Sheila & Karen. Thank you so much for responding. I really needed your words of encouragement. I find that if I look at it all at one time, it is definately overwhelming, but if I take small steps and do it one day at a time, it seems to be a little easier. I am so thankful for this website and the wonderful people who are a part of it.

I know it can be overwhelming but just step back from it and take it one step at a time. It will work itself out.

Hey Amanda - I'm glad to hear that your appointment went well. Honestly, I think that your "fear/concern" is normal and healthy. If you weren't concerned about making huge lifestyle changes, then I'd be worried about you. The fact that you are seeing a mental health provider is great, just be sure to keep it up or even step up the visits if that's what you need. I think that and starting to make some changes now will help you. I've already changed a great deal about the way I eat and I know that I'll be making even more changes. Also, as Ellen said start walking. If you aren't in shape and you are just starting, consider starting with 15 mins a day for a week, adding 5 mins each week. You will be surprised at how much you better you will feel ... you might even begin to like it. I was born sedentary (coach potato), while all my siblings were always active ... I just would prefer to sit and read ... At any rate, I've come to enjoy my time ... time when no one is demanding anything from me. Time when I can watch the trees dance in the breeze, listen to the birds sing, watch the neighborhood children play. I have come to miss that time if I don't make the time to go for a walk. Warmest regards, Barb