Need Encouragement

Shock and disbelief rang true in my past efforts, as well.  I remember the day my doctor told me to either start planning my funeral or start losing weight in preparation for gastric bypass surgery.  Knowing surgery would prevent the dreaded regain, losing weight seemed to take on a whole new meaning.  There was HOPE.  There was a GOAL.  There was a second chance at LIFE.    

:)  Thank you for letting me know that you have been there emotionally too, it really helps not to feel alone in this. 

My doctor was very sweet when I returned to the center after a year of thinking I could do it alone.  He said he understood why I was where I was at and that most of the weight is in direct correlation to my stress level. He said he would set up supports to help me with that which I am looking forward to. I am out of the "funk" that inspired this post and I am back to being my more normal self that is grateful for what God has given me and that is the opportunity of a second chance.  I thank you for your kind words of support, it has really meant so much to me to have so many people reach out in a loving and concerned manner~ perfect strangers extending a lifeline...quite the blessing!!

Thank you :)

Hi .... I just came across your .post and wanted to reply. (My computer is broken and I am using a pad - cannot break post down into paragraphs, so please bear with me!) .... ..... First - Hello neighbor - I live nearby, in Webster. Are you going to U-Mass? They have a great program. ........ I hope your spirits have lifted since your original post; you certainly have a lot going on. ...... I had been having some problems recently and just got back on track. I had been using Myfitnesspal, but it was a bit overwhelming, so for now I'm keeping an 8x10 notebook, using one page per day. Tracking food, water, vitamins, thoughts and emotions. ........ I weigh and measure everything, and try to pre-plan. ......... ...... I had to stop working a few years ago due to pain and mobility problems; I do "chair exercises" that I found on YouTube. ........ You sound like you are totally committed to having surgery - I'm sure your next weigh-in will reflect your efforts!! ..... I'll say some prayers for you. Feel free to PM any time. Best wishes for success.

Thank you! yes, I am going through UMASS, for the third time, I also did the full deal over at Fallon and they were going to clear me for surgery back in 09 but I had radiation at that time and my health hit the skids.  I then decided against bypass and I keep trying to lose but it wasn't until last year until I heard about the sleeve which is what I am going for now. 

Dr. Gitkin is super supportive and kind which is great.  I have a NUT appointment soon, so hoping it will go well. .  This past week my mom was diagnosed with bladder cancer which just freaked us all out, but I am trying to stay on track.  I am also using my fitness pal...Looking forward to success. :)

I checked out Fallon several years ago too, and went through most of their pre-op requirements - then my insurance changed at work and I no longer had coverage. Took me a long time to get the coverage. ...... Sorry about your Mom - hope they caught it early. My husband was diagnosed with it many years ago, and he did fine - he didn't even have to undergo radiation. ....... Good luck, and keep posting. Feel free to PM me any time.

As far as my mom goes she has a cat scan on Wed and we will find out the results on Friday.  So far I have kept the emotional eating under control but its not easy.  The food journaling is SO keeping me honest and I refuse to skip over anything even if I think it will push me over on calories.

I added you as a friend, its nice to have people that understand what you are going through!! :)

Who is buying / making your food? I think weighing and measuring is the way to go. When I 'dieted ' I measured and OMG what I thought was a small portion was twice what I should eat. You said they don't want you to do shakes but yet mention having Atkins shakes . I am telling you, portion control is the answer. We gain weight by eating too much for our body. I pray you will get support because I know you can do this.  1 pound d time. Hugs

Thank you for replying :)  As to the shakes I simply meant I knew the dr. didn't want me on a liquid diet as of yet, however if it was getting later in the evening say 7 and I hadn't had supper instead of eating something heavy I would have a shake to keep the metabolism going. My husband is my sole caregiver at the moment and its hard as he works 60+ a week, tries to run all the errands, keep the house, and he also has a job on the side then trying to fit me in too.  This is where we run into trouble as I may have breakfast but then he is gone on a job and I have no lunch.  Sometimes I have one meal a day and that gets frustrating.

But we recently set up a small kitchen in the living room where I am and I can walk that short distance to healthy snacks or reheating a meal that we made previously in the microwave.  My primary care doctor also is helping as she knows I am a stress eater and has put me on a anti anxiety/ antidepressant.  I need that help right now as my hair has been falling out, I sleep only a few hours a night, headaches and the like so I think now that I have a support team that is really watching out for me things will run a little more smoothly!!! :)

 

I certainly am looking forward to more pounds down in the near future!! :)