Losing my mind??

Ok I understand why people get nervous right before surgery due, but this is ridiculous. I am nervous about the consult with the surgeon, psychologist, and nut. Its this question on my paperwork that really haunts me "what will you do to fill the time that you used to fill with eating?" I simply have no idea. i put some stuff in the blank, but I even have to give up diet dr pepper so I really am unsure. I have a history of depression too and I am worried I will say the wrong thing or mark the wrong oval on a test.. Supposedly the University of chicago hospital turns down 20% of the people who seek surgery. Should I just chill- I mean its a week till I go and at this rate I might just drive myself crazy before I get there!!! Please pray for the peace of God to help me through this, Thank you so much-Amy

Amy....think about it this way....WHEN not if you are thinner...what would you rather do with the time and health you have than eat? Maybe walk, go places with family that had been restrictive before, walk in the mall and not worry about looking for a bench to sit every 10 minutes. These are very realistic goals and believe me at 290lbs and 5'1" I did all these things before surgery...I searched for bench search for ways to make excuses why I couldn't go where family wanted to go. Not anymore..I am the instagator of where to go and things to do. As far as Diet Dr. Pepper...girlfriend you probably wouldn't like it after surgery anyway. Think on what you can have and what you will be able to do and not the I can't's. It is kind of like our relationship with Christ. Before we are saved we are soooo worried about missing getting drunk, missing the partying and so forth but after we are saved nothing compared to our relationship with Christ. Well, far cry from that relationship but get my drift...it is worth giving up some things...food...soda for new life and that more abundantly!!! God is able to do that exceedingly,abundantly more good work in you! Love in Christ, Joan M

Amy, my psychologist had me do this assignment before surgery too. Here is a short list I made: gardening, crafts, painting, drawing, ironing (yuk), taking a walk, playing with my granddaughter, cleaning, taking a bubble bath, walking the dog, studying my bible more, having people over, playing solitar, joining a gym, riding my bike, and going for a drive. When ever I feel like I am bored or head hunger I pull this out. Hope it was helpful. I went crazy before my surgery too LOL and I still am a little crazy. Hugs, Sandyd

Amy, I was a wreck most of the time before I got the green light from the surgeon. I have been on antidepressants since 1989, and had my own psychiatrist do the psych eval. He spoke with my therapist, who knows all my self-defeating behaviors, prior to writing up the eval. I was terrified that they said something to indicate I was too unstable to get the surgery. I was wrong. The surgeon needs to rule out really unstable people who would not be compliant with the rigors of post-op diet and exercise plan. I was a Diet Coke addict that drank a gallon a day, and then some, prior to my surgery. I was certain that I would miss it terribly. Now, I have had a few, but can't really stand the gas, and really don't enjoy it much to begin with. Find an alternative drink. I love homebrewed iced tea with lemon juice and Splenda. I also love homemade iced green tea with Splenda. It is a treat for me. Most important thing to do is trust God for the outcome of all of these visits. He is in charge, and His will is going to happen in the end. Give your anxiety to Him and see what happens. I will honestly say that this past summer I had the most perfect peace, as promised in Scriptures. I kept giving all the details to the Lord, and He did not let me down one time. Hugs, Trish

Now I'm crying-you all know what to say and thank you for reminding me what is truly important. hugs-amy