I'm new...

I'm new....

I think that's become my new motto of late.  I'm 30 years old and my RNY surgery is coming up in 9 days.  I'm currently consuming Optifast and suplementing that with broth, jello and gum.  My dog is starting to look like a very yummy food source LOL.  In all honesty, I do I am struggling with the Optifast - not just with the feelings of hunger and general lack of energy, but what I find difficult are people's response to the Optifast and how uncomfortable they are with my new lifestyle.  It truly surprises me how much socialization revolves around food and when someone is not able to participate in that socialization, it becomes an issue.

I am nervous about the surgery.  I worry about the impact it will have on my life.  I worry that my diabetes will not be cured (which is my primary reason for the surgery).  I think today may be an off day in general.  I've been told this is fairly normal before the surgery.  I hope so.  LOL. 

Thanks for telling us a little about yourself. All you are feeling is so normal. Fear, excitement, peoples reaction. It IS amazing how much food is a part of almost everything we do. Not having food be the center or a very important part of what we do does change things not just for us but others as well. It does get better. I had RNY 12-21-09. It was the best choice for me. I've lost 75 pounds, 30+ inches. I feel so much better. My diabetes is gone, arthritis is better, sleep apnea better, not taking cholesterol med any longer.
Do you have good family/friend support? Have you gotten your protein fluid choices at home ready to go? Your taste buds/smell  changes and things you like now you may not like after surgery. Don't buy a whole bunch of anything til after the surgery and you know you'll like it.
Your emotions will go all over the place. You will wonder "what have I done to myself?" I asked that daily up to about week 9-10. You may cry, be depressed or angry? I had to grieve my connection to food. It has gotten so much better.
I will pray for you, if that okay.
Hugs new friend,
Annie

Hi Annie;

I will gladly accept your prayers.  I am buying the vitamins and protein shakes etc tomorrow.  I have emptied my fridge to reduce any temptation of cheating.  My family and friends support is mixed.  I do have a strong support system overall, however there are a few that are worried about and for me. 

My sister is fearful that something might happen and I could die from this procedure.  Since both of our parents have died in the last 3 years from diabetes, this fear is normal.  I honestly thought that this process would be fairly smooth.  i had been researching this for 10 years and really evaluated if I wanted to actually do this surgery.  Every time I met with a specialist, social worker, nurse, I asked myself the question "Is this truly what I want?"  My answer was always yes.

I did not anticipate the emotional rollar coaster this journey would be.  I have been caught in the crosshairs of poltiical nonsense from the program study I am involved with that is studying the results of bariatric surgery on patients and the obesity related diseases - specifically diabetes in my case.  My work environment has not been the most supportive - which has caused a great deal of stress.  Added to all of this is the emotional journey of changing my lifestyle and starting a "new" life.  I am just starting to realize the full impact of this and believe that I will not truly understand this until well after the surgery. 

So for today, i am taking things a step at a time.  For today, I will appreciate each moment of my journey as a necessary piece to my evolvement and growth on this path I have chosen.  =)

Take care,
Michelle

Hey Annie,

Just wanted to first welcome u into the group, so glad to have u.  Know like the other post ops in the room mentioned, everything you are experiencing is normal.  But instead looking at all the negative entries, look at the positives instead.  Doing the negatives is too easy and its more challenging to pull out the good than the bad of any situation.  By doing this you will bring a better piece of mind to you and after all is said and done you will be so much better in the end.

Wishing you much success with your upcoming surgery!

Hey there ! Welcome to LifeStarts! 

I can so relate to the socialization with regards to our surgery and to our new way of life . But you need to do what is right for you , and sometimes just letting people know you respect their comments , but this is your life now and your health depends on YOU ...

Now in saying that .. I too had diabetes prior to my RNY . I was so bad , that I was having to have my feet scrubbed , I had a diabetic nurse .. I was on glucophage 2 x a day and 3 shots a day. I even went into a diabetic coma when my sugar reached 500 . SO I know ..
I had the surgery 6 years ago . and the night of surgery is the last time I had any diabetes meds , shots of insulin or anything related to diabetes .
Now do I stil watch my diet ? You bet I do as close as I can .. Once a diabetic always a diabetic . Will the surgery cure your symptoms , yes most times it does . But you will always need to be on top of where you are with your numbers and how you are feeling . The surgery saved my life . I am 225 pounds down .. and I do not have any regrets ., The only regret is that I did not  do it any sooner than 6 years ago .

Being nervous prior to surgery is so normal sweety .. I went through all kinds of emotions right up to the time they wheeled me into the operating room . But I woke up .. and it has been the best journey I could ask for . Just know or try to remember to stay positive and rely on those around you for support when you need it .

Know that we are here for you when you need us .
I am here if you would like to talk more.... I am so glad you joined.

Take care ,

Tink

Meeshimo,

I am happy to add you as a friend!  It is amazing how much of our socializing does revolve around food; it is a shame really.  I comtemplated surgery for years and part of the reason why I didn't do it sooner was that I had the mindset that I wouldn't "fit in" at parties and when my family or groups of friends went out to dinner.  But I came to the realization that my life should not revolve around whether or not I choose to eat what everyone else eats.  The surgery was something that I did for myself and not others and I think that had a large impact on my recovery as well. Fortunately, my friends and family have been very encouraging and supportive along the way.  It is normal to have the thoughts you are having; but you will be fine.  The impact this surgery has had on my life has been unbelievable and I am only 17 weeks out.  I am sure that things will continue to improve as I am sure it will for you as well.  I will be sure to keep you in my prayers.