Another installment

Wow! It amazes me how this journey continues. I had been feeling great and positive until the weekend, then Saturday my attitude turned downward just a bit. Just felt a little cranky and stressed the entire weekend. I realize that having a cold and not getting ample rest and over doing it can really wreak havoc on one’s outlook! Duh! Right? Still a great week overall. I’m down 6.3 pounds for the week and am okay with that. I say “okay” because on Friday I was down 7.3, but over the weekend I gained back a pound of fluids, I suppose. No reason for the gain. Just a fluctuation and hallelujah, I’m okay with that.

 I met with shrink #2 on Friday. She’s the one. I can already tell. She has lots of experience working with disordered eating and has a working relationship with my new RDN. After 1 hour with her I already knew that there was some great work we could do together to delve into these eating issues. She thought that adding the medication would be a good idea in the sense that it would “even the playing field” or be another tool in the arsenal. She also mentioned that the particular med they all want me to use is also an appetite suppressant, so that will be an added benefit. My PCP is on board and has sent the prescription into the pharmacy. All that is left is for me to pick it up. Sigh…. That may take a little mental kick in the butt, but I have promised myself I will begin by Wednesday.

 My homework remains the same for the new psychologist as with the RDN. I am keeping a meal by meal journal of what I eat (along with tracking on Livestrong.com), noting my hunger levels, before, during, and after and also emotions connected with eating. Staying aware of my physical and emotional connections to eating is giving me a glimpse into just how profound the connection between daily emotional fluctuations and eating can be, at least in my case.

 I mentioned to the psychologist on Friday that I thought I will always have these issues and I am okay with that, really. What I’m seeking is the tools that will help me be at peace with my issues. So, not a cure, but a working relationship.

 I am continually grateful for the gifts this sleeve has given me. I know without the journey WLS has put me on I would not be where I am today - which is a far more aware and accepting place than it used to be. I’m looking forward to the continued work.

Sounds like you are going in the right direction Kairk.  So happy for you!!  Thanks for sharing your journey with the rest of us, as I know we can all learn from it as well.

This sounds very promising Devon.  Good to hear

So happy that you have found a good shrink. Been there done that and its so helpful. I find i am most happy when i have a "project" and working through these issues is an excellent one. Just getting started is empowering.

Dog Chip is the proud father of two fat and sassy ***** puppies who are growing like weeds.  Can't wait to go "meet" them.   diane

Congrats on the babies! What is Chip's kennel name? His breeder? (You've probably told me, but I can't remember....)

Chip is CH Royal Oaks Highfire Blue Chip. Royal Oaks  (Dahnstrom's) is an AKC breeder of merrit. Chip was their 25th Champion.  Ardith Dahlstrom is now an AKC breed judge and husband Eric is an earthdog judge. Fun people. I am grateful they live near me. diane

Thank you so much for sharing your journey here, Kairk!  I am following along because I know I will be where you are at some point and I want to remember that when I get there.  That is wonderful that you found a shrink that fits you - that is an accomplishment sometimes in and of itself!