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I have not heard that the suicide rate is higher, but it would not surprise me. I think many people believe that when they lose the weight, all their problems will disappear.
I think as a group, we (morbidly obese people) do have some serious issues we are dealing with. We need to seek help as needed so that we can live healthy lives- mentally and physically. Surgery doesn't "fix" anything.
If you are worried, talk to your counselor about it.
Laura in Texas
53 years old; 5'7" tall; HW: 339 (BMI=53); GW: 140 CW: 170 (BMI=27)
RNY: 09-17-08 Dr. Garth Davis
brachioplasty: 12-18-09 Dr. Wainwright; lbl/bl: 06-28-11 Dr. LoMonaco
"May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears."
"Fat is stubborn, but eventually it has to let go."
I saw this quote just now in regards to weight loss stalls and plateaus. I will take this quote with me and hold VERY tight to it.
Trying my best to stick with the plan and trust the process.
Even though you are starting at a low BMI, it will take you the full 12-18 months to reach your goal weight. I was a little bummed when I heard this too. My starting bmi was 37.5, now it's 27.0 8 months post-op. Staying hydrated, measuring food, and exercise will help you reach your goal. Just need to be patient, you'll get there :)
I still use baby spoons after almost five years post-op! I LOVE my baby spoons!
I lost 16 lbs the first month and started at over 300 lbs. You are doing fine.
I think a lot of people's expectations come from watching "My 600 lb Life". Don't forget those people all started off at over 600 lbs. Starting BMI makes a huge difference in your rate of weight loss the first few months. Like Grim said, at just over 200 lbs, you're what we in the bariatric community call a "light weight". Your 12 lb loss is about what would be expected given your starting weight.
The incisions probably won't bother you, especially because they'll be covered with some sort of plaster/bandage. As long as your pants aren't too snug you'll be fine.
You will want to have something that you feel comfortable walking up and down the corridors of the hospital in.
You'll love the liver shrinking diet... NOT! I found that the second day was the worst, and after that it got easier.
Some chapstick/lip balm might be helpful.
Also, don't bother buying special food before you go into the hospital. After surgery, your tastes will probably change, at least in the short term, so those protein shakes you liked before may taste yucky! By the time you have an appetite, you'll be feeling well enough for a short shopping trip, and you can get what you want then.
Of all the things I bought in preparation for surgery, the only ones that were useful were the small plates (saucer-sized) and bowls. I still use them.
One of the biggest challenges for me after surgery was figuring out what hunger felt like with my new stomach. Everyone's experience is a bit different, but I'll tell you mine.
In the beginning, I often felt what appeared to be hunger pangs. Despite that, I didn't want to eat much. Often I would stop eating simply because it seemed like too much trouble or I got bored! Like you, I was disappointed that I still felt what appeared to be hunger, but I needn't have worried.
Over the next six months or so, the "hunger" pangs diminished considerably. Instead, I began to notice that if it was time to eat, I wouldn't feel any physical changes. Instead, I just would suddenly realise that I needed to eat. I know that sounds vague, but it's hard to describe.
Eventually I hit on a system that works well for me. When I feel the "hunger" pangs and it's not my regular mealtime (or planned snacktime), I drink 500 ml of fluid. That makes the "hunger" pangs go away. But if they come back in, say, a half hour, then I do go ahead and eat something. So I've come to regard the "hunger" pangs as a bit of tummy trouble rather than a sign that I need food. On the other hand, if I feel that vague awareness that I mentioned earlier, and I feel a little weak, then I would definitely eat even if it's not mealtime.
Before surgery, if I wanted something to eat, I usually had a craving for something specific (OMG I need a pint of chocolate ice cream NOW). After surgery, I found I simply wanted, say, something savoury, or something sweet. It's pretty easy for me to find a healthy option in either case. For example, if I want something sweet I might have a piece of fruit, or a hot drink with artificial sweetener.
Thank you for your response. I guess I need to pay attention to see if it is acid.
I am only 5'3
I am hoping I have success long term. I am sure this is my brain playing the comparison game. I have a relative and her experience was so different the first month. I am going to be patient and do the head work to make sure I am making good decisions.
I think my brain didn't expect to still have similar feelings to prior to surgery. But this is a tool not a cure all.
Best!
The ghrelin thing is a myth. Hunger is soooooo much more complicated than just one hormone.
Are you on a PPI? Early on, a lot of "hunger" is just excess acid. Sometimes folks have to switch to different acid reducers and dosages before they find something that controls the acid.
How tall are you? 203 is a lightweight, and 12 pounds in one month is a very good percentage for your starting weight. I lost twice that much, but I was also twice as heavy.
Stick to the plan and you'll do fine.
6'3" tall, male.
Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.
M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.
