Delinquent

I confess... I'm a delinquent.  Haven't posted in awhile.  So, I am making my contribution to end the lull.

I still don't have a surgery date but, progress has been made.  I've met with the surgeon and further defined insurance requirements.  All my testing is scheduled (labs, xrays, etc.) and will be completed on 9/1. 

I've fulfilled the 2 support group meeting requirement and will be continuing to go though.  I had hoped that they would more interactive but, they are good just the same.  These groups are more presentation/informational.  There is the opportunity to meet and talk afterward but it is not a structured exchange session.  I will have to find that elsewhere and I am hoping that, in my psych eval on the 22nd, I will get more information I was looking to get something specifically focused on WLS people.  I'll take what's available.

I have decided to join LA Fitness as they have an Aqua Fit program in the mornings that will provide my needed exercise without aggravating my knee and back issues.

I continue to hear good things about my surgeon, Dr. Smith, from doctors and patients and that certainly is encouraging.

I also continue to discover my demons and try to face my fears.  These are the more difficult aspects of this journey.  I laid some cards on the table to my mother last week and, as expected, she pretty much swept them under the rug and responded in anger.  It helped me to realize one of my triggers and why I now have difficulty talking to people about my feelings.  It's awareness and understanding, at least a step in that direction, and I hope another step on the road to recovery from food addiction.  My issues are with talking face to face; I don't have much problem writing about them.  Of course, I'm writing to people who are not family and have the same issues as I do.  I'm pretty much afraid of people so I have trouble trusting and it takes me a long time to get to know people and let them in, if at all.  I hope to change that with God's help.

So, that's where I'm at right now... moving forward one baby step at a time.

Good to have you back. I too don't have a surgery date as of yet. Ihave done all the testing including the phych thinggie and now have to finish my 6 supervised visits.  The support group I attend was interactive. I would suggest asking your doc of ongoing support groups in your area. Also check here under your state...post a thinggie about meetings in your town. You would be surprised..I found one here in Knoxville.

You are facing your demons persay and that is a good thing I think. Facing my fears even something as simple as walking up a steep hill. (Did I say I thought I was gonna die?) I always feared I would pass out. I didn't. It felt good. The more I challage myself the better I feel about myself. I am learning to live!
Hope this helps a little.

Thanks, TNgal.  I appreciate the support.  You are right, when we challenge ourselves and meet or exceed the challenge, we gain confidence and better self esteem. 

I have checked under my state and area for support groups and there is one that meets regularly in my metro area but it's about and hour and a half away and that distance is more than I'd like but, I haven't ruled it out.  Overeaters Anonymous is close by and meets once a week and I'm considering that, as well.  I do intend to ask the psychologist about others, too.  Then I'll make a choice.

Of course, this medium is helpful, too, and I will continue to tap it.

Thanks again!

I think OverEaters Anon would work for now. So in the mean time you could possibly get a PenPal from here. There is a section for that as well. I have one and it is great.
You are more than welcome!

Hi, My name is Wendy and I am kind of new to here.... well actually old I had my surgery way back in 2001 but when I tried to log back into my account I couldn't remember by username, password or even the email I signed up with way back then so I decided to sign up again.  I can tell you that when I first got into this years ago (my profile is still active under Wendy H) that my local support group was wonderful.  We had monthly meetings and clothing swaps and a yahoo group which was wonderful.  It was so awesome to have other people going through things at the same time.  Someone that hasn't been there and hasn't gone through simialar things with weight just don't get it.  Also you will find that relationships change as you gain confidence.  If you want to know more about me you can also find a small part of my recent life at my blog at http;//www:healthy-wealthy-n-wise.com/blog.  It deals more with the struggles in my recent life ten years after bypass.  Hope you find the support that you need.  It is an amazing journey.

Wendy

Great to read your post Diane.  Baby, you are movin' one step at a time. 

Keep working on the requirements for surgery, you seem to be getting pretty close to having things done.  Continue to face your demons, put them in the past if you can.  Tame them to be able to live life.  Trust is a big issue.  The one that we need to trust the most is ourself.  Be there for yourself, understand that you are human, with all the issues that come with humanity.  Do what is best for Diane and you will have the energy to face the rest.  Read the post above on feeding wolves.  Love to know your opinion.  Hang in there.