Question:
Where is my will power? Why can't I get it back after WLS?

Sorry, this is going to be long! About 2 years ago I went on Meridia (the weight loss drug). I was one of the few people who it worked for & lost 90 LBS. on it. I was so happy with myself, had such a good attitude towards my diet ,exercise & everything else for that matter. I was almost like a differnt person! Believe it or not, I was the one trying to convince people to come exercise with me. When I went out to dinner with my friends, they were all ordering things that weren't so good for them. I was always the one ordering fish, make sure there is no butter on it, salads, hold the dressing, at birthday parties, no thanks on the cake, making sure I get the water in, etc. My friends were so impressed on how much control & will power I had over this. Obviously, I built up a resistance to Meridia (as they report does happen) & gained ALL of the weight back & then some. I am a little over one week post-op RNY & cannot seem to find that same motivation I had before with the Meridia! You would think I would be thrilled to have this opportunity to lose the weight AGAIN. I've all ready lost about 11 LBS. It's almost like a gaurentee to lose it! Some people say that Meridia is very similar to an anti-depressant is that maybe why I was so motivated? This is really starting to make me upset I can't seem to bring the old me back. I keep saying I'm going to take a little walk just to start out & never end up doing it. I can't seem to stand water now & wake up every morning saying I will do my best to try to get all the water in for that day. I never end up doing it. What is the problem? Do you think I will get it back once I start losing the weight more? Anyone else had a similar experience? Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!    — Allison T. (posted on April 21, 2002)

April 21, 2002
Hi, Alison, first off let me say 11 lbs in one week, You go girl. Now, as for your motivation, well at one week I had little will power to even get out of bed. I had to have help with my showers somewhat at this time also. You will get stronger every day. The more weight comes off the more motivated you become. Trust me, I once was like you six months ago. Thinking what have I done? I feel no different except for alot of pain at first. Now I am down 85 lbs and feel so MUCH better. And that is only with six months behind me, I still have 12-18 months for my window of opportunity. Don't beat yourself up. Heck, at three months I still didnt have much motivation. And at 6 months it just comes and goes. I bought a bike and I ride it when I am not doing my heavy spring cleaning. So therefore I do get in some exercise. Good luck and god speed. -85lbs and counting!! OPEN RNY Oct 4-2001, BTC Columbus Ohio, Dr. Christopher Kaczmarski, you go doc!!!!!!!1
   — TONYA B.

April 21, 2002
Allison - stop beating yourself up! You just had major surgery and are recovering, so even a small walk would be a big accomplishment. Your body, most likely, is tired and trying to figure out what happened to it - don't sweat it! Your motivation will come back, believe me. I'm sure of it! You're already 10+ lbs down, and more will be going too. That alone is a motivator. Add in that your clothes will loosen, you'll feel better, etc., etc. and some of that natural motivation will come back. Have you talked to your Dr. about Meridia functioning as an anti-depressant? Is there any chance you might need an anti-depressant? It might help you to refocus. I've been off/on them for the past 10 years (both slimmer and obese) and they really help me to find the "real me" inside. Hang in there, and I hope you will be feelign better soon. If you'd like to talk or email, feel free. GOOD LUCK!!!
   — Sarah C.

April 21, 2002
At one week post op, I certainly did not feel motivated to exercise. You will definitely feel way better in a couple of weeks. Add the results (weight loss) that you're going to see, and that will totally motivate you; I can guarantee it. Right now, you are still recuperating and haven't had any significant loss to make you feel better (Pre op, I couldnt even walk up the stairs). Don't worry about getting in a gallon of water. Just try your best sip as much as you can in between meals ad you'll be fine. With the Meridia, your insides weren't ripped opened and rearranged; no wonder you felt so much better! Give yourself a break and don't fret, you're doing great!
   — Jeannet

April 21, 2002
Allison, give it time. The anesthesia alone is a depressant and can keep you in a depression for a month or so. After that, the real you should emerge again. You're doing great right now and with your attitude, I am sure you will succeed.
   — Barbara H.