The Woman Warrior Support Group

Recent Posts

franRN76
on 4/19/11 12:12 am - PA
Topic: RE: Spring......
I am finally working on some emotional well being this week.  Its gonna be a process, but spring and this WLS is about rebirth.  So I am ready!  It is high time to look the demon (my past) in the eye and say that it no longer has a hold on me.  I thought I had done that, but I think I just buried it.  So as the saying  "April  showers brings may's flowers" goes April will bring tears for me that will help my future blossom.

                

Susan S.
on 4/18/11 8:24 pm - Roselle, NJ
Topic: Spring......
 A few new people indicated interest in joining and one of them was named Cherry Blossoms.......I'm surrounded by cherry trees in bloom, have a tattoo of a cherry branch that was taken from a piece of antique textile I found in China years ago and it is the sign of feminine strength.   I've been quiet here and I'm sorry.   While I"ve been on OH daily as always and if there is anything I can tell you from my own experience as a postop with some years under her belt  - Don't wander away from OH!  These surgeries are remarkable in their effectiveness for a while......most of us will lose almost in spite of ourselves....but if you think you have anything 'licked' as a result of WLS you are wrong.    It is an opportunity and one that requires constant focus and nurturing.  The further out you get the harder it becomes.  Your physical capacities change (restriction still good here!!!) and the joys and complications of life will expand into your consciousness when you aren't completely consumed with day to day feeding.   Let's support each other wherever you are in your journey.  Spring.....renewal.......rebirth.   Our WLS was a seasonal shift in our own lives.    Now what is one thing you're going to do this glorious week to celebrate your new life?!?!?!?   Me - I got back on my bike and road yesterday.
Obesity Help Support Group Leader - The Woman Warrior
286/170/131 (starting/goal/current)
LBL - 10-30-08, brachioplasty/augmentation 2-26-09, medial thigh lift 3-16-09
Plastics - Dr. Joseph Fodero

 


286/170/140/131 (starting weight/goal/surgeons goal/current)

LBL 10-30-08 - Joseph Fodero
Brachioplasty/Breast Augmentation - 2=24-09


 

Tiffany W.
on 10/25/10 10:30 am - Newark, NJ
Topic: RE: The need to change it up!
Hi Susan,  I am struggling with excercise  - period. Once I get going, it's great but even getting to that point is such a chore! I go through bouts of  depression about where I am and where I want to be and the pressure takes it's toll.  I've been considering a  fun class of some sort to help. I figure if I can be around a group of women, laughing and all working towards that common goal that my help my mood.  Belly Dancing sounds like a great way to start, I will need to look into some classes in my area.
                                              
         
   
      
Susan S.
on 10/25/10 6:05 am - Roselle, NJ
Topic: The need to change it up!
No matter where you are on your journey - the body settles down and gets used to a certain diet and/or exercise routine and it's easy to get stuck!    I've been battling a stubborn durable gain of 8 pounds and have had to modify my workouts due to a shoulder injury (surgery in February!) that continues to plague me.   I recently took up bellydancing...and I'm thrilled with the challenge.   It's an amazing workout and is making me feel like a dancer!!!!!    What are you doing differently these days......and if you feel you need to change things......what are you struggling with.  Let's help each other!     Best, Susan
Obesity Help Support Group Leader - The Woman Warrior
286/170/131 (starting/goal/current)
LBL - 10-30-08, brachioplasty/augmentation 2-26-09, medial thigh lift 3-16-09
Plastics - Dr. Joseph Fodero

 


286/170/140/131 (starting weight/goal/surgeons goal/current)

LBL 10-30-08 - Joseph Fodero
Brachioplasty/Breast Augmentation - 2=24-09


 

dasie
on 9/24/10 2:01 am
Topic: RE: When the honeymoon is over......
My sentiments exactly.  My surgeon, a professor and associated with a medical school, was more than qualified to perform the DS.  However with my lower BMI, he said it was not an option for me.  Not because of his skill level, far from it.  I am thankful I listened to him.

You are right about surgical outcomes.  You quoted him almost verbatim.  The surgery gets us there, but it is up to us to stay there.

It serves no purpose whatsoever to denigrate any surgery.  I have seen remarkable long term success with all surgical types.  It depends upon the patient, in my opinion.




    
penn M.
on 9/22/10 8:08 am - Rochester, NY
Topic: RE: When the honeymoon is over......
I am new to your group. 

I agree that our surgeries gave us the opportunity to attain our desired weight goal.  Losing weight is a bit like going to college. I have had to be completely invested in maintaining and reaching my weight loss goal just as I had to stay committed to stay, complete, and graduate from college. 
The real work begins as you get down in weight and begin maintenance. If we stepped up to make an effort because we were uncomfortable in our own obese skins, then why wouldn't anyone want to modulate some self control to keep the weight off showing the same interest as when you were losing? If your weight is down isn't easier to watch and control it here, rather than gain it back only to have to lose excessive amounts again. Moreover, allowing your weight to yo-yo will be more stressful and harmful to your heart than just working  on where you are at.
Namaste',
         penn
Susan S.
on 9/22/10 6:37 am - Roselle, NJ
Topic: When the honeymoon is over......
 There have been a number of discussions on the main forum about RNY failures......described as regain when old behaviors are resumed.  They are contrasted with DS advocates who seem to universally claim that old behaviors aren't a problem......that the weight loss outcome is better regardless of adherence to nutritional guidelines.   There are far fewer DS outcomes to measure because few surgeons perform this procedure......and it is often touted because the procedure is more technically difficult to perform hence the outcome.   As someone who trains surgeons for a living I do not find that compelling.  Surgeons love a challenge....and if a procedure offers a better outcome they are quickly on board.   The lag of insurers being willing to fund the procedure still influences my thinking that the DS is still a very big operation with greater complications and is appropriate for a much smaller subset of patients.     There is no doubt that long term success with the RNY requires durable permanent change.    I get frustrated when people talk about surgical failure if they resume old eating patterns.   I feel like I'm like everybody else now....if I want to maintain a healthy weight I have to eat properly and exercise.   The surgery gave me a chance at that.    What are your thoughts.
Obesity Help Support Group Leader - The Woman Warrior
286/170/131 (starting/goal/current)
LBL - 10-30-08, brachioplasty/augmentation 2-26-09, medial thigh lift 3-16-09
Plastics - Dr. Joseph Fodero

 


286/170/140/131 (starting weight/goal/surgeons goal/current)

LBL 10-30-08 - Joseph Fodero
Brachioplasty/Breast Augmentation - 2=24-09


 

Susan S.
on 2/21/10 7:59 pm - Roselle, NJ
Topic: RE: Altered routine......
 It will become easier from a physical standpoint as your body settles down and you learn how to feed....it takes quite a while.....if protein shakes work - and you find yourself short at the end of the day....sipping them will help you hit the mark.   Barix Proti-Squares (available from Smart Forme online - recommended by Melting Mama  are the most palatable, easy to eat, no brainer way to get some in....

Your day of reflective thinking is key to this all.  Family of origin issues establish our view of the world...including the role food plays in our lives.  I heard about a woman who was climbing up to the counter and sneaking food at age 3....and her parents blamed her for her obesity.  A 3 year old seeking comfort from food is screaming something very important that is being missed by those who are responsible.   Day at a time.....and yes....OH has made this whole process....this very essential part of my life far more manageable than it might have been.  Be well.   Susan
Obesity Help Support Group Leader - The Woman Warrior
286/170/131 (starting/goal/current)
LBL - 10-30-08, brachioplasty/augmentation 2-26-09, medial thigh lift 3-16-09
Plastics - Dr. Joseph Fodero

 


286/170/140/131 (starting weight/goal/surgeons goal/current)

LBL 10-30-08 - Joseph Fodero
Brachioplasty/Breast Augmentation - 2=24-09


 

Ralph Z.
on 2/21/10 2:59 pm
Topic: RE: Altered routine......
I am still struggling with getting into a routine, but know I will get there. I have realised that  weekends are very frustrating for me mentally as I have to "entertain" my son, in which ever way I can. Which often leads to me being left as 2nd best.

I am learning that I have to be number one at the moment. I am also struggling with slight nausea, mainly in the evenings, which is leading me to be missing some protein. Again, I need to plan ahead - get my intake in early instead of feeling guilt and regret at the end of the day.

I plan to contact my mental health providers tomorrow - a big step for me and I am excited. All day I have been reflecting on my life, things that may be sub-conciously inked to my over-eating. There are so many to mention and I don't know if they are even "relevant" as they were simply part of my childhood/ life.


My current strategies at the moment are,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,unplanned and unsure. I will be creating more. OH is a great release/ help for me though.
Susan S.
on 2/21/10 12:29 am - Roselle, NJ
Topic: Altered routine......
I believe this is an issue for many of us....developing a strict routine to try to keep all the balls in the air and not allow anything to slip through the cracks.  My routine is challenged at present and I'm struggling quite a bit with aprehension about not being able to control the few things I've grown to believe were under my control. 

I have a torn bicep tendon.....how refreshing to have a jock injury.....quite the contrast from monthly visits to the PCP because my diabetes was out of control and I had MRSA infections.  I had to complete an online patient registration for the ambulatory surgical center and I listed all my co-morbid...former co-morbids that is ..and was able to say repeatedly...resolved due to RNY.    How lucky I am.

I haven't been able to work out to the same level for weeks now.   My weight stayed stable....bounced up and down a pound or so.....but I'm facing weeks of downtime....then rehab before I can resume anything rigorous.  It is an interesting lesson in balance....as I initially feared that I would immediately see gain....but I'm holding steady which tells me my body is happy where it is.

I'm more concerned about the mental health aspects of my routine being altered.  Being homebound and on pain meds makes me nervous.  I went through it several times last year recovering from plastics.....so I even know from practical experience that it's a doable thing, but I'm nonetheless dreading it.

How have your routines been forced or morphed into something else?  How have you coped.....as always we're not only talking about food.....and eating behaviors....but general strategies for managing our lives.  Hope you're all well.   Susan
Obesity Help Support Group Leader - The Woman Warrior
286/170/131 (starting/goal/current)
LBL - 10-30-08, brachioplasty/augmentation 2-26-09, medial thigh lift 3-16-09
Plastics - Dr. Joseph Fodero

 


286/170/140/131 (starting weight/goal/surgeons goal/current)

LBL 10-30-08 - Joseph Fodero
Brachioplasty/Breast Augmentation - 2=24-09


 

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