Recent Posts
I recommend you post any DS questions in the Duodenal Switch Forum. There are lots of vets that can help you with your research.
Somehow you need to get a grip on the anxiety before you can move forward.
Does anxiety prevent you from doing other things or is it just this process where it seems to rear its ugly head?
Are you seeing someone for your anxiety? There are medications that can help.
I had severe anxiety many years ago. I sought help. I did Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and it helped me immensely. One of the best things I ever did. Once I got a grip, I was able to do things that previously I was paralyzed to do.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy saved me. Literally.
BTW, you are not alone. Some of the most successful people have anxiety. You just need to figure out how to deal and cope with it.
Referral - May 31/17; Orientation - June 15/17; First Appt Nurse - June 26/17; Bloodwork and ECG - June 27/17; Sleep Study - July 5/17; Dietician Appt - July 10/17; Counsellor Appt - July 10/17; Abdominal Ultrasound - July 10/17: Endoscopy/Colonoscopy - July 25/17; Second Dietician Appt - September 14/17; Internist Appt - October 2/17; Meet the Surgeon - November 21/17; Pre Surgery Nutrition Class - January 12/18; Surgery - January 16/18
I had an appointment with the Dietician yesterday, and what told that only Dr. Hong (St. Joe's Hamilton) does them in the entire Province of Ontario (Dr. Hong is my original surgeon). Also, he told me that not everyone is approved/eligible for the switch surgery, so we also discussed other options (like Saxenda, Contrave or their weekly in-house program).
He told me that the surgery is done in 2 steps: re-attachment to 'close to normal', and then after that heals, the DS, and that it takes about a year to get to the end of the process (I already knew this).
In the end, he gave me a booklet (which I have yet to read), some paperwork and registered me for the DS seminar in March. In the meantime, he did suggest that I contact my GP and look at starting the Saxenda or Contrave to at least start some weight loss. The weekly in-house program isn't possible for me due to work.
I'm still not convinced it is or isn't a good path for me, which is why I'm investigating it.
Beth
Former RNY patient revising to Sleeve then DS.
Appts: Dietitian - January 21/19; July 16/19, August 13/19, September 17/19, October 15/19; Social Worker: August 23/19; DS Orientation: March 20/19; Internist: September 30/19; Surgeon: November 13/19 (signed consent).
Surgery Date: February 28/20.
MY RNY DIDN'T FAIL ME - I FAILED IT.
I used LorAnn Oils which are available at Bulk Barn. Unlike flavouring syrups, they have 0 calories, and you just need a little bit to get flavour. The bottles are usually found at the checkouts because they are small enough to steal off the shelf.
I would also make/buy decaf coffee, put it in the fridge overnight, and then add it to chocolate OptiFast for an Iced Coffee. Even freeze some coffee and use that instead of plain ice cubes.
But remember, the OptiFast is a PRESCRIPTION, so please treat it as such. Too many people don't use all of it because they don't like the taste. I don't care for Buckley's but I'll down it for a cold. It's just for a short time, so down the hatch!
Beth
Former RNY patient revising to Sleeve then DS.
Appts: Dietitian - January 21/19; July 16/19, August 13/19, September 17/19, October 15/19; Social Worker: August 23/19; DS Orientation: March 20/19; Internist: September 30/19; Surgeon: November 13/19 (signed consent).
Surgery Date: February 28/20.
MY RNY DIDN'T FAIL ME - I FAILED IT.
I think it would be awesome being near a river!!
Over 100 lbs lost! and 13 lbs below goal weight!
You should see if you can get a referral to the London bariatric program, it's at UH. I have a few friends who are going there.
I can totally relate to the Anxiety issue!! I have GAD and panic disorder and have had times where it's been debilitating - like to the point where I can't work, don't leave the house etc...
I was terrified of surgery, of complications, of failing, of change even of success (as ridiculous as that may seem!) but it all just boiled down to being scared of the unknown.
My appointments would not have been possible if I didn't get a ride to each and every one of them. My nerves were so bad that I could not drive myself. Even medicated, as a passenger, I still would have the occasional panic attack on the way. The appointments are scary and I have some social anxiety issues that make this hard as well... I'd also obsess over small things and work myself up ...
There came a point in the process though where I had to decide if this was what I really wanted and start putting the work in (both mentally and physically). I decided I did and am now 4 days post op!! My surgery went perfect, it was 46 minutes long (in total) and I was released from the hospital not even 24 hours later not needing anything more than regular strength Tylenol for the pain!!!
I built this up into something negative and scary when really it's been positive all around!! I'm already down close to 40 pounds since starting optifast on dec 28th!!
If I can do it ANYONE CAN! If this is what you want and you truly feel like this is the right decision for you then don't let fear and negative thoughts hold you back. Talk to your doctor about medication and seek out therapy!! You can get better!!!
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to update to let you know that I have finally been approved for the panniculectomy, and upgraded to an abdominoplasty.
My surgeon will be Dr. Michael Kriedstein in Toronto, and I can't say enough about him, and his office. They were positive and supportive and advocated for me until OHIP approved.
I'd also like to say thank you to everyone here that offered advice and words of wisdom. I appreciate every bit of it.
Maggie
Good afternoon :
Thanks for the review Ginnny ;) sounds like a more interesting way to get some exercise. I shoveled snow today and that just about killed me.
I also went to see a counselor and dietitian and they are going to give me some ideas for snacks and meals to start getting back on track more to where I want to be.
Tonight we are going to look at another house... This one needs less work than the last one and is closer to my family. It is also near a river which makes me a bit nervous.
Post-op three years and ten months.
Breakfast - protein bar
Snack - mixed nuts
Lunch - sausage and quinoa
Snack - Greek yogurt and blueberries
Dinner - sausage and quinoa leftovers
Snack - pudding
All water and vits.
I've been to orientation three different times. The first was in Hamilton and they changed me to Guelph, so I had to do a second one at Guelph. I progressed until the appointments with the nutritionist, then I had to quit the process. I gathered up my energy and went to an orientation in Hamilton again and again quit the process when I had appointments with the nutritionist.
My problem is that I have anxiety. It's mostly social anxiety but it's preventing me from proceeding with this procedure that I know I really want. I feel panicky driving to Hamilton and Guelph from London area (normally drives are OK for me). I took someone with me the first time through and it didn't help.
Any suggestions or encouragement to get me over this mental hump to get to the losers bench?
Thanks.
Freewheeler · 0 replies · 390 views
