Pre surgery setback

Need to vent....... my band surgery is scheduled for 11/23/09 and I just had a meeting with the psychologist to review his findings and (Yuck)  he is concerned that depression will get in the way of me being successful with the weight loss.

Of course he did the evaluation before I had received my C-pap machine 4 weeks ago which has made a tremendous improvement in my overall energy level and outlook.  So much so that I started the required 2 week pre-op 4 weeks early.

The psychologist was very receptive to the attitude changes and overall outlook I now have about the surgery and the effort that will be required to be successful but he wants to err on the safe side and his recommendation to the surgeon is to postpone.

This will play all kinds of havoc with the scheduling at work etc, I can't believe I'm less than three weeks to surgery and this happens.  It's taking lots of deep breaths to get over the anxiety this is causing.  It's hard to accept but I guess in his opinion it's the right thing to do and after all I do want the surgery to work long term.  Maybe this is a higher power's test to be sure that I am committed enough to endure this setback as there will probably be many along the weight loss journey.

It's comforting to know that I can come to OH and vent and hopefully get encouragement.

Thanks in advance,

FatGuyinNC

 

ahhhhhh the Roller-coaster continues .. OK .. this is a minor set back .. so let's sit down and think .. what are your options?

 

GET A SECOND OPINION. Yes it may cost more money, but in the long run may be worth it.

 

Look for either a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist

 

Here is some leg work I did for you

 

Psychiatrist: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/NC/a,list/type,35/

 

Psychologist:            http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/NC/a,list/type,2/

 

Did you ask the Psychologist is he can re-evaluate you at a later date? .. Sure the surgery may be postponed, but I firmly believe when you have the operation is WHEN YOUR SUPPOSE TO HAVE IT!!

 

Speak to your Bariatric Doctor for their recommendations.

 

Ok .. that’s all I can think of off the top of my head.

 

Know I am here to help ya !!

Thanks,

Follow-up with psych is in two weeks, two days later is the  pre op meeting with the surgeon and the banding is scheduled to take place five days from that on 11/23 if the surgeon moves forward. 

I really think the Psych doctor is trying to be supportive, just wants to make sure that my head is in the right place for this adventure.  I can't really fault him because so much I have read on these OH forums is that the folks who fall off and don't follow the Dr's plan have not yet come to grips with the non-food issues that drive them to eat unhealthy and unreasonably.

I'm resigned to take whatever comes, right now my focus is on getting my 500 minutes of excercise for the november lightweights challenge and staying on this low carb food plan.  Tonight the nutritionist is meeting our support group at the grocery store to educate us about food labels, etc.  My list of questions is extensive.

Thanks again to all *****sponded, I love the ability to vent on this site and the opportunity to put things in prospective with everyone's help.

FatGuyinNC

I think you sound really informed and you are preparing for this and the changes, which is the biggest key.  I think some people do go into with issues unhandled or they think the band is just gonna do all the work.  I commend you on the efforts you are taking.  I think you will get your band and I think you will do great.

Is it possible you could make a deal with the psych about maybe coming in once a month for an appt to help you emotionally through this journey.  I think that would be a positive thing for all of us. 

Boo

I am so proud to see you have a sensible reason why the Doctor has some hesitation, and ythat you understand how a person can fail if they don't comprehend what is involved. 

It is this kind of post, and insight, that I know you will not only be successful in your re-evaluation, but on your entire journey !!

Best of luck, and know we're here for you.

On yeah .. one other thing .. You gotta change your "signature" to ..GUYinNC

Hey Tom,

Like me, your brain moves faster than your fingers because your reply was a little jumbled but I got the jist of it.  Thanks

As for the signature change that will come after surgery when I get on the loser's bench.  Right now I'm still a "Fat Guy"  but working to get un-Fat.

I've been on the pre surgical food restriction plan (sounds better than diet, especially since diet has a connotation of failure with me) for 8 days and have not gotten on the scale.  Actually we don't have a scale in the house, that will probably change soon.

Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised on the day of surgery to see how far down I am from the start of 292.

Again,
Thanks

PS:  I am finding it hard to put some other food choices on my plate to go with the lean meats I am eating on this plan. Seems like everything has carbs and 1/2 of my 50/day is being consummed in the protein shakes which keep me full all day and taste delicious.   Got any good low carb items / recipies for side dishes pre surgery.

Hey "GUY" (that's what I am going to call you),

Thanks for your understanding, and comprehension, of my jumbled reply. I think I fixed it now so others can make heads and tails concerning it. In addition, I never want to be negative on any post. I don't believe in negativity. Rather say nothing then something negative.

If I am reading your post, are you only allowed 50 CARBS a day???? Some “low" carb choices would be “fiber" foods (vegetables, fruits, etc) – but little protein in them.

You may want to look into some protein drinks (in fact I recommend trying them now – before the operation. Some are great; others taste like sweatsock water). I recommend Muscle Milk LIGHT or CytoSport Complete Whey Low Fat protein drinks. Remember, any protein drink should be no more than 24 grams of protein per serving, with a carb count of no more than 5 (10 in some cases). It will take a lot of research, so DO IT NOW (or how I may write it IT NOW DO :D )

Know I am here if you need anything else !!

Tom,

Already got the unjury protein powders in the kitchen and have had to place second order.  I love these things and they keep me full all day till dinner.

Can you be specific in some of the veggies & prep methods, (made mashed potatoes one night from califlower but a cup of cauliflower had like 6g carbs.)
I'm looking for things to replace bread rice potatoes etc, got 2/3 of plate covered with meat and vegies, need just a bit more to be full otherwise I am craving salt by around 9-9:30 pm and reaching for the V-8 or a cup of cashews / peanuts. 

Guy,

First, I am no nutritionists or Doctor, so don't take what I say as gospel. Please check with your nutritionists/Doctor or on-line (web search).

I need to know what kind of "eating" plan on you on? I interpreted your one message stating you're on 50 grams of carbs daily? Is this correct? Because (IMHO) there is a difference in CARBS. There are good cards and bad carbs. Good carbs are stuff that is "naturally" found in veggies and fruits. Bad carbs are stuff made by process foods (example white bread). Again, IMHO there is a major difference between getting 100 grams of a good carb (say cauliflower) compared getting 40 grams of a bad card (like Wonder bread)

Tom,

I interpreted my nutritionists instructions for the pre surgery 2 week restricted food plan to limit total carbs to 50g / day while eating low fat/high protein meats, poultry and seafood. 

I never thought to ask about good / bad carbs.  The good news is that I'll be seeing my nutritionist later this evening as she is conducting a support group meeting at the local grocery store for post op wls patients.  Even though I am not yet banded I am allowed to go and this will be my first meeting.  I'm optimistic that I will meet many locals who can also share advice.  

Who knows, I might even find an exercise partner (important because that is the one area that I am going to find really hard as I have knee / heel and back problems.) It also doesn't help that I think exercise is on of the most boring things on the face of the earth.   

As always,thanks
FatGuyinNC