did the switch just flip???

ok- this is probably a really personal topic, and if someone prefers to pm me about it- please do.  I am starting to really get anxious about it. This has been bothing me probably since my psych eval, but I am wondering how you made your transitions to post op.  I am not talking about foods- but the mental changes.  Did you changes habits before?  (I watched Big Medicine the other day about a woman who partied all the time, didn't change a thing before- but seemed ok after- but that was only a few months out.  Wonder if she will have long term sucess?  I keep telling myself that it will just come- like a switch being flipped, I am ready for this- so how can I fail?   There is this horrible nagging in the back of my head- all of the "what if's".   I know this topic can be really personal, but I would love to chat with someone on it- it is really bugging me.

For me it was a process. I know you said you werent talking about the food choices but I think that the food choices for me was really what made all the difference. You do have to be in the right mindset to go through with these changes. I was told that I had to lose 20 lbs before my surgeon would even schedule a date for my surgery, so I started eating only 2 shakes a day and 1 lean protein dinner on September 10th and continued to eat that way until the day of my surgery. I really felt that this prepared me for all of the changes in eating habits for post-op life. My transition eating wise has been easy for me.

Mentally its getting there. I am struggling with stress issues right now and have an appointment to see a therapist on Tuesday. I think the main cause of my stress issues right now is actually having to deal with a sleu of emotions that I would eat my way around as a pre-op.

As far as changing mental habits before surgery, I went to the gym, talked a lot about what I was going through and I had a great support system to help me through it.

I am an open book. Feel free to ask me anything!

LB

       There was so much going on in my head as I typed, I mis-spoke what I meant about food.  I did mean to include choices in food, etc- I just wasn't talking about transitioning between the stages of food post op (liquids, purees, etc).          According to the nutrutionist, I was already doing a lot of what she feels are among the hardest for a lot of people.  (the not drinking with dinner, the eating slowly, chewing a lot).  My food choices aren't the best- I tend towards "easy" foods- anything I can grab and make/eat quick.  I know this needs to stop.  I know I need to get into routines of planning my meals in advance- and not waiting until I am really hungry to eat.          I also need to get my butt into an exercise regiment, not keep using excuses like the weather sucking.  It is all these excuses I am worried about.   I know this surgery is NOT the easy way out- I know it is a tool and not a solution.  I know this is going to be a big effort on my part.        Maybe this is my version of "pre-wedding jitters"- only pre- surgery.  Or maybe I am finally going off the deep end....

I tried to start to make changes before.  For instance eating slower, chewing more and taking smaller bites.  It wasn't a switch for me.  It was something I have to continue to work at....

I too saw that show and asked myself if this women was able to have long term success... My answer for her was: Sure, she did well with in a few months post op, but her long term success will be sabotaged. She chose not to even acknowledge she had a drinking issue before hand. It's not a switch but a continual process of working with your tool. Before hand try to work with the factors that you may have issues with afterwards... It will be for a much smoother transition. I'm having my moments where I want stuff, but distraction gets me over that hump and I continue to work the tool. I hope this helped.

You all just seemed so prepared, transitioned so perfectly with no issues.  I sit back watching and wonder if I have it in me.  Thinking it's time to find a therapist specializing in this...

For me it's not only been a physical change but a big mental change.  I have phsyced myself up for this whole adventure - it's my new life.  I have not had a drink since Christmas (and I don't miss it) I have gone out to our local drinking establishments and I order ice water with lemon in it.  As far a the eating goes - I am still trying new things BUT I have been eating soups most of the time. I am enjoying my new way of life and when people comment me on my weight loss and how good I look - It is all worth it!

I saw that show too! I was also concerned about her drinking.  I am pre-op and have noticed that I am kinda automatically psyching myself up for it and I'm automatically starting to transition. I only worry that I'm setting myself up for a big disappointment because my insurance is so difficult to work with. I have already started buying baby food meats to test before surgery. I am checking out a gym this week to get a membership so I can start some type of aquatherapy. I want this so so so badly! I keep asking myself the what if's too! I'm glad you posted this subject.  Thank you! Jules

Don't get me wrong- I do want this REALLY BADLY!!  I have been researching, testing, etc for about probably about 3 years now.  I think reality has just realy kicked in hard core and it scares me.  All these changes scare me and I need to know I am strong enough- with no doubts.  This is wayyy too big a deal for any doubts.