Feeling discouraged...

Hi everyone, I've been seeing a nutritionist for 2 weeks now and she's got me writing down everything I eat. Wow....it really makes you aware of your choices and bad habits, huh? After I had gone to Dr. Pohl's seminar, I had decided that I was going to focus more on what I can do to start changing behaviors before I have the surgery. I am still eating emotionally. The only difference now is that while I am eating, I'm kicking myself in the rear for doing it! I am so out of control. I hate this. So, why haven't I called Dr. Pohl and made my first appointment with him? I'm on 5 different types of meds because of my weight....I just turned 34 last week and I feel like I'm 84. I can't figure out why I'm waiting to make the first move. I have support from family and friends. I'm not afraid of the surgery. I just haven't gotten the nerve to pick up the phone and call Dr. Pohl! I'm sure this is related to fear of change.... Just looking for some words of encouragement.... Thanks Meg

HI Megan, Just make the phone call. You will have a while to think about it, because it takes so long to get in to see him. I have had the surgery 15 months ago, it was best thing I did for my self and my mom is having it done next Wednesday. It took me just about a year to make my final decision to have it done and make the appt. The morning I went to the hospital for the surgery, I looked at my husband and said I am not going, he encouraged me because I had gone this far with all the tests and it was time. I am 29 years old and I can not remember the last time I wore a size 18. I just had a breast reduction last monday, and that was another good thing. I am hoping to jump start my weight loss again, especially being out of work for a while and I can concentrate on my excercising more. Its a big step to have to make when you are used to eating and doing things one way. But look at it this way you will live a longer healthier and happier life and your family and friends will be there to support you no matter what. Make the decision based on your heart and your feelings, no one can make you do this, you have to want to do it! Melissa

Well I have to say that I was at the oppisite end of some of that. While I think I ate for emmotional reasons I was also ready to do something about it. For me it is all about being healthy and being able to watch my baby grow up and have children of her own someday. I also want more children and my weight has created fertility issues as well as so many others. I think that if your commited to doing something about it then why not give him a call. The ladies at his office are great and they never make you feel like you shouldn't be calling them. Even if you call them ever single day. Once you call him then you can slowly start making the necessary appointments. You can do it all at your own leisure. When your ready to make the next move you can do it. Maybe your not as ready as you think. You can always come to the support meetings and listen to what everyone is saying. It helps alot to see others in your position and to also see others who've been there. I wish you all the luck with what ever path you take. Shannon

Hi Meg, I can completely relate to how you are feeling. I made the initial appointment with Dr. Pohl, but had to wait from July 'til April. I had the same sort of mindset as you do. I was apprehensive, I wasn't sure if I was ready for such a drastic change in my life. I spent a bit of time in counseling, just to help me get a handle on the reasons I turned to food when I was stressed. When I figured out the reasons, and could handle making the behavior changes, I still had time before I saw Dr.Pohl. Getting counseling was the solution for me to be ready for the next step. Most importantly, the process has given me the tools to take my life back. I am 5 weeks postop, and for the full length of it, have been grateful for the option of having the surgery, and for going through with it. Go ahead and make the appointment, if you decide not to go with it, you can cancel it, or reschedule it. Good luck with everything! Keep us posted, and don't hesitate to reach out when you need support. Kristen

You know what? If you could have lost weight by keeping a food journal and trying to change your eating habits, you would have done it by now. This surgery is for us because nothing else works. Make the appt. Try Dr. Roye or Dr. Harrington too - perhaps you can get in earlier. It's SOOO worth it.

Thanks everyone.... I'm having a real hard time because I'm stressing out over work, and family problems. I'm like a leech....where ever there's a problem, I attatch myself to it and make it my problem! I hate it when I do that! And when I do that....I eat more! I know I have to just make the call. This insanity has to end. I totally agree with what everyone has said. Thanks for all of your support! Meg

Hi Meg, Prior to my surgery and even sometimes to this day as a post op I often battle with what your going through. Being a nurse, I often take on other peoples heartaches and burdens,and I found myself eating for comfort. I was also always on the go so I found I was skipping meals then I was so starving I was overeating. I think one of the things you have to consider is this, and this is sometimes very hard for me, but since I've been post op, it's been better: You are an awesome human being, a one of kind individual that even if you've made one person smile on this earth, you've had a positive influence. No one else can replace you or fill your shoes. You deserve to have happiness in your life and you deserve to live your life healthy. If you were a luxury car, you would buy the best gas, get the best tune ups, the best treatments for your exterior, everything to keep it running in pristine shape now and well into the future. You as a person are more priceless than a luxury car or anything material for that matter. Change is very scary, and facing fears without a comfortable security blanket, in this instance food, is even more scary. But you are strong, and you can overcome those things. You deserve the best in life. Now that you've heard all of that, one of the most important components is a psych exam pre op. And in that exam, they can help you with some of these issues and work with you to fix them. I would agree in taking the plunge and calling Dr Pohl to make an appointment. One thing I can say about him is he never makes you feel inadequate or foolish for whatever feelings you may have or fears. He really tries to work with you to make things work out for you whatever you decide. He is very serious about the nature of the surgery but he is a very sweet man who truly cares about people like us. I hope all is well and works out to benefit You !!!! Take care Meg, Stephanie

Meg, just pick up the phone you will have a seven or eight month wait. Just get in line. I wish I had to opportunity to have this surgery done when I was your age. You are wasting time girl! You could be on the beach next summer!

You guys are awesome! Reading your posts was exactly what I needed to wake up to this morning! You're right...I AM a good person! In fact, I just tried calling Dr. Pohl and.....oops! the office is closed at 8 in the morning,huh? lol... I'll try back! Thanks for your wonderful words of encouragement..

It is a HUGE decision that you are about to make. You are wise to be so apprehensive. If you are considering the surgery, make the call. You will have plenty of time between now & the surgery. You don't have to "decide" right now, but you will at least be on the "way". I had the surgery back in June. I would be lying if I didn't tell you that it hasn't been easy... but you (& I both )need to look at "the BIG picture" This surgery isn't a "short-term" project. It will be worth it in the "long term". Good luck to you... Be Well... Marianne