I was bummed about social work and dietitian appointment

I had my second social work appointment and first Dietian appointment one on one, earlier this week. I was so stressed about the dietitian appointment and I did expect to most likely have another follow up, but I guess I took the for granted I'd be okay in the Social Worker appointment. Well that was a mistake. Not that I didn't know deep down that anything was a possibility in terms of getting approved or not getting approved. I was hoping that I'd get approval by Social Worker and if I had to do a follow up with dietitian that was my expectation. If I got approval by both it would have been awesome, but that is not what happened.

I didn't get approval for either. I had my social worker appointment first. She was very nice, different person from my first appointment. It seemed in my eyes as the appointment progressed that I thought it was going good. In the beginning she asked me out of 10 how compliant she thought I had been. I said a 7. At the end she agreed with my assessment said she felt I was high 70s in the way of percentage in compliance. Apparently that is not good enough. I didn't think I had to be absolutely perfect, because everyone was saying we don't expect you to be 100 percent perfect, but I guess you have to do better than a B+ effort. I was upset after my appointment. I had an hour to kill before my next appointment.

A small part of me wanted to leave. I was upset, maybe more dissappointed than anything. At this point I felt for sure I wasn't getting approved by the dietitian. I felt defeated.

I met with the dietitian and she was again very nice (they all seem to be). It seemed to be going well too, but I wasn't expecting anything. At the end she admitted she was torn what to do with me. In the end I didn't get approval that day, but I don't have a follow up with her either. She just wanted me to work on healthier protein choices in regards to my snacks. When I come for my follow up with the doctor and social worker in December I just have to give the receptionist a a few days of food journalling, and the dietitian will seek me about while I'm there and let me know if she approves me or not.

I don't want to take anything for granted, especially after this last appointment, but I do think I have a very good shot at getting approved by the dietitian in December. Social worker, who knows I will work on those areas to the best of my ability and hope for the best.

After a good nights sleep, I work up the next day not as dissappointed/upset as I was. I totally understand people who don't get approved the first time around and feeling bummed, and all the mixed emotions. Even if you put in a good effort.

I reflected on the whole day, and you know I've always said to people, that everything they do is in your best interest, and I believe that, even though you may want a different outcome. I look at the fact that yes I gave a B+ effort for my social worker, but perhaps that 20 plus percent I have to work on is more important than some of the other things on the list, because I don't want to give anyone the impression, that my experience will be yours. I know I gave a good effort, but still need to work on things, so that is what I'll have to do.

For the people who don't get approved there first go around. It's okay to be dissappointed, bummed, upset whatever it is you feel. But don't get stuck in that, and please don't give up!!! It won't do you any good. And at the end of the day, maybe I won't get to surgery quicker than what I would have been liked, but I will get there. It's not a race (and yes I do have to remind myself that fom time to time).

Good luck to everyone out there going through this! And it's not the end of the world if you still have to work on things!

Letter Grade Percentage Points

A+ 100 - 97

A 96.9 - 93

A- 92.9 - 90

B+ 89.9 - 87

B 86.9 - 83

B- 82.9 - 80

C+ 79.9 - 77

C 76.9 - 73

C- 72.9 - 70

D+ 69.9 - 67

D 66.9 - 63

D- 62.9 - 60

F Below 60

We do not even give D's any more in my school district so anything below a 70 is a failing grade.

Those scores aren't true for all institutions. My previous school had A+ as 90-100, B+ was 75-79. The current school I am at doesn't use letter grades but a 12-point scale instead. 

not sure this is the point she was trying to make...i think she was just using "grades" to illustrate a point...

Thank you!

I can imagine how disappointing that was for you.

The Social Worker must have some concerns about your support system or ability to comply after surgery.  Was she able to give you any advice or homework to help you focus on what to work on?  I've found getting myself into therapy to work through some food issues proactively was a very helpful part of the journey for me.  Maybe that is a possibility?

Hang in there and do the work...you will get there.  Hugs.

Preplanning meals/time management, and skipping meals where her concerns. I admit, going into this I was never a breakfast eater, so now I am, but I was truthful to her and sometimes, my lunch suffers  from time to time, so that was one thing I definitely have to work on. The preplanning meals/time management didn't realize that was so important. I have been planning my meals out more, but she seemed like she wanted me to make food that would last for days at a time...I"m not a left over lover. I don't like most things reheated, so for me I'm not sure how to go about this. I don't mind cooking my meals daily. Like I said I do plan out for a couple days at a time meal wise, what I"m going to make which is helpful then me getting up and oh lets see what I feel like on the day.

I actually do see a therapist.

I did lose 6.5lbs to from my last visit as well, so I was happy about that.

I know we've exchanged replies in the past. What hospital did you choose I see your having your surgical class this month? I'm likely picking Guelph.

Thanks for your kind words.

First of all you have a great attitude!  I am glad she gave you tips!

Skipping meals is a concern pre-op because statistically people that skip meals overeat later.  It is not disastrous necessarily, but it is a concern post-op because for a long time we must consistently get protein and eat over extended periods of time until our stomach heals.  For instance, you have to sip constantly for a while right after for most of the day in some cases. 

I hated left overs and I retrained myself to utilize them.  A lot of nutrition studies show that preplanning and eating the same thing daily helps stay compliant to a diet.  People who eat the same daily tend to have more weight loss and lower BMIs, WLS or no.  (Sorry, I don't have the study handy).  

I also don't eat breakfast.  If you can't eat, start having a protein shake or low carb smoothie.  I actually make one with chilled coffee, as well as tea, sometimes.  That's a great way to have a "meal" and also shows you are making progress.  

One thing you can do if you dislike leftovers is to prepare components, freeze, then toss together quick.  For example, I freeze 4oz of raw meat in packets to make daily.  This is how I transitioned into leftovers.  I also found I liked leftovers more post-op.  Why?  Because I was buying higher quality food, and also higher quality storage containers.  The food tasted better because, well, it was better.

Manda I chose St Michaels for my surgery. I need another procedure at the sme time and that was the only place I could have both.

As far as meal planning, I have a chalkboard in my kitchen and every Sunday I plan meals for the week, write them on the board to remind me, and do my groceries.  I cook every day but because I have a plan I am better able to stay on track.  Maybe something like that could help you?

Feel free to message me anytime if you need a friend.