Welcome to new members

I"m so pleased to see a few new people join the group and I encourage you to either respond to either of the previous discussions or to raise any issues you would like devote some time to.  The holidays present all sorts of challenges to all of us - some food related - many related to family expectations, loneliness, the stress of providing a holiday experience when money is tight etc.   Since any stress can impact our ability to care optimally for ourselves what are the holiday struggles you are facing.  My own is dealing with the fact that I no longer have a family.   In reality I had stopped spending holidays with my parents/sister many years ago but now that they are all gone I feel a level of lonliness that can be overwhelming at times.  We all seem to want to recapture the magic of the holidays we may have experienced as children and it is elusive.   How are each of you doing?    Susan

Hi Susan,

I am 9 days away from my surgery date and am having alot of anxiety.  Not as much because of the surgery but because I have been of the pre op liquid diet.  I know that second thoughts are natural and those dont really bother me it's more the wait.  I am trying to keep busy but there seems to be too many hours in the day and work is not help.  When I am at work all I want to do is run out screaming, plus I want to eat even more.  Now I'm at the point where I feel like crying alot and that's just not me.  I am more the type that I brush things off and keep on going.  I seem to have a constant headache and lately I have been getting cramps in my calves.  Any suggestions. 

 Take a deep breath......if you weren't feeling a  lot of emotions that would strike me as odd.   I know I was overwhelmed and full of positive anticipation - and inpatient!  I can only say I took it one day at a time......read a lot of profiles on here to stay focused and learn both the good and the challenging and prayed..a lot!   The headache and cramps are likely related to fluid loss and perhaps electrolyte imbalance.  Liquid diets cause a pretty intense flushing of the system and loss of retained water ......and that can throw off your body's chemistry.  Try some gatorade (sugar free) to replace electrolytes......and make sure you're drinking a lot of fluids.  As to crying a lot - I cry all the time - and I've learned not to brush things off anymore.....I used to eat my feelings - and I've had to learn to deal with them - which has been a process in and of itself.   Keep breathing.....and as the date approaches please stay in touch.......let me know how you're doing.......my WLS saved my life.  Will be thinking of you.    Susan

We're here for you!  Nothing worth doing is very easy.  Good for you for making a committment to yourself.  I so look forward to greeting you on the other side of your procedure.  I have faith that you can get through this.  Just remember it's always darkest before the dawn!

I had gotten away from the boards and have recently started reading at least a little each day. Almost 4 years ago my daughter left my grandchildren at the daycare and we had to go pick them up. They are still with us. I can't seem to stay focused on myself. I struggle to get in my water. I think a tub of protein lasted over a year. I am staring to try harder after gaining back about 18 pounds. I did the 5 day pouch test and lost 8 pounds but am stuck there again. I used to go to the gym and work out 3 times a week. But now that I am working days I just can't seem to get there. So much to do in the evenings, so little time. I just recently came to the decision that I have to accept thal my daughter is never going to be responsible for the kids. I think that has helped. just to not be hoping and waiting for her to get her s*** together for them. Every time she has seemed like she wanted to it just was long enough for them and me to get our hopes up an mess up our routines. So I can't wait for my life to straighten out to get back to me. I just got to deal with what I have. I have 3 healthy grandchildren who drive me to the edge of exaustion (and beyond at times). They also bring light to my life. They were 1, 3, and 5 when we got them. their Daddy was in jail he has been out since January and has seen them 2 times. I get to experience Christmas magic again thru them. Can't wait til Santa comes!!!