Pre-Op Mental Crisis

Hi guys. I know here lately I've been totally up-beat and happy since I got approved and a date set and all. And don't get me wrong, I am still VERY happy and looking forward to my WLS. I am having a big problem and I'm not sure if it's normal, I DO however think it's destructive Ever since I got approved I've been eating...more and more, like it's my last meal or something. And the snacking is out of control. I am ready to except the life changes and all, but this wait time is playing with my head I've bought the Slim Fast Low-Carb shakes to try in prep for the Pre-Op diet...I'm almost thinking I need to start it early to "tame myself". What do I do? As much as I love my shrink, I don't think it's that big of a problem since my Pre-Op diet starts in a couple of weeks anyway. I am planning my last big meal at a restaurant and a last big meal at home before the Pre-Op diet but has anyone else had this problem? Please Danielle

Danielle, I was going through the same thing. It was what I called "The Last Supper!". As I saw the scales going up I realized I had to stop this or it would just be more to lose and harder to make the adjustment. I worked on changing just one thing a week. First week no more sodas, next week I elimnated all sugar. I have rid myself now of snack foods and feel better control over myself for the surgery. Try to focus on one change rather than all of them. It seemed to help me stay focused....at least for now. Laurie

I know how you feel. I have been the same way. I have being 'last suppering" it plus over eatingdue to my quitting smoking as well as worrying about surgery!! I haven't gained any weight from it yet. I try to up my activity level on days I eat more to make up for it, but that is a bad way to deal with it to. I don't know how to help, I just wanted to say I understand what you are going through!! Kim

Danielle, this is normal, so don't beat yourself up too bad. Food is such a part of our lives, that when we think we will never eat our favorite foods again, we panic and binge eat. First, you will be amazed at what you can eat post-op, not day one, but soon enough. So don't feel you have to eat everything one last time, because it isn't for the last time. Second, there is a lot of stress going into this surgery, between doctor appointments, waiting for approval, waiting for the surgery, worrying about the surgery, and a hundred other things, and we have learned to treat stress with food. How you deal with stress is something you will have to eventually change. You need to remember that dealing with this surgery is as big of a challange mentally as it is physically, so be prepared for that. As far as binge eating before surgery, I was lucky, my surgeon dosen't require us to lose weight before surgery, so if we gain a couple of pounds, it's no big deal. I know that some do require a weight loss before hand, you may want to make sure what your surgeon requires, you don't want to have to postpone your surgery because you gained weight. Good luck, and try to be, stress free.

Thanks for posting this...I'm doing the same thing. Since the request for surgery went out until the day I was approved (monday) I have been eathing like a crazy person...yes, just like binging! I have slowed down. But not enough. I'm hoping as the date comes near I won't start the same thing...This bout has been good for about 8 pounds! I do think it is the last supper...I keep saying, "let's go for pizza, you know I won't be able to have this for a long time"!

Thanks for making me realize I'm not just a nutter I know it's all psychological and I'm doing the best I can. Everyone's surgeon is different too. My surgeon doesn't want us to necessarily lose weight, he wants us to shrink out livers some so they are not enlarged and therefore get in the way during surgery. The month before my surgery I will have to start a VERY high protein diet, VERY low (almost NO carb) diet. That isn't until Sept. 12 that I'll have to start that. Thanks you guys for reassuring me. I'll just do what I can to maintain control until Sept.12. I have every intention of getting serious then. I've even started cutting down on my smoking. I WILL do this Danielle