Question:
Is it normal to feel burned out a bit after a month or so of research and reading?

I've been coming here several times daily for the past 6 weeks, since deciding to have this surgery. I am still completely committed to having the procedure done, but find myself checking in to read any new messages or questions, but not usually feeling like going into the chatroom or looking at profiles and old posts like I used to obsessively. Does this show a lack of dedication on my part?    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 15, 2001)

July 14, 2001
I thought of two things when I read your question, because I experienced those same feelings pre-operatively. It could be that your brain is simply on "overload" from all the information that you've been exposed to over the past weeks, and you just need a break to allow some time for all this to be absorbed. There is just so much involved in the initial decision-making process....which surgeon, which procedure is right for you, all the differing approaches to post-op diet and after-care, etc...it can simply feel overwhelming at first. Once I had sorted through the initial information (after hours and hours on this site and others) and decided on the surgeon and the procedure that met my needs, I suddenly felt less frantic about the whole thing...much more at peace and more mentally settled. I didn't have that urgent need to "read everything and talk to everybody". Perhaps that's where you are now. Either way, just give yourself some quiet time to reflect on your commitment and your choices. If WLS is the "right" thing for you, then you will still find that this site can be one of your most valuable resources for information and support. In time, you may find yourself in the position of helping others find the answers that you so anxiously searched for :-)
   — Diana T.

July 14, 2001
I remember having the same feelings as you not so long ago. I think it is because you are so committed to having the surgery and it gets to be too much to get so much input after a while. I was reading everything I could, talking to anyone who had the surgery, getting tons of input. Once I made the absolute final decision to go ahead with the surgery, I didn't do much of that anymore. My husband had a work acquaintance who had the surgery and he kept telling me to call him and I didn't until after my surgery. I didn't know why but I felt resistant to wanting any more input. I now realize that once I made that commitment in my head, I didn't want to confuse myself or get any information which would make me second guess my decision. I certainly don't think you are suffering from a lack of committment, I just think that now that you are committed to having the surgery you need to look at it from your own point of view and not the rest of the world's. Now that I am 7 weeks post-op, I can't stay off this and other web sites to find out as much as I can about life after surgery! I may go through another period of time where I need a break from it. Take it one day at a time and accept any stage you are in as okay, this is a huge decision you have made and your emotions are going to go in many directions. Best of luck to you!
   — Vicki K.

July 15, 2001
I feel the same way. But I think it's because of the waiting , waiting and more waiting, and not really know what going to happen. That is,if you will or will not get approved by the insurance company; then it's the date that the surgeon has available, that might me a month or more away. Also After you have made the decision to have WLS, you only become more anxious. In addition, you read profiles and comments and don't know if your experience will be exactly like theirs. My solution has been to just update my profile about my feelings and news about my case as develops and to start reading again after surgery. Good Luck.
   — Wendy M.

July 15, 2001
Oh my goodness I'm in EXACTLY the same spot.. I had an emotional meltdown last Tuesday after coming home from a support meeting.. It came out of no where and I could not for the life of me figure out why all of a sudden everything just seemed to fall on me like a ton of bricks! After a long email to a couple of close friends, one pointed out the obvious.. there is a LOT of stress involved in doing the research to make your decision..so many factors to consider, physical and emotional. I'm finding that I still come here everyday, but I'm not as involved in the library as I was.. praise God I've found my surgeon.. but the decision as to which procedure is still to come. Thanks so much for posting this, it couldn't have come at a better time for me. ~Peace..
   — Joscelin

July 15, 2001
Im so gland you shared how you are feeling!I had the same feeling's.I had to just take a break form the internet for awhile.What i did was get 3 books about WLS.It help to read them,because all the info was organized in one spot.I took about 3 week break form the computer.I felt all the same feelings you are talking about.But now Im back at it:)I know for me that i have had the same thing happen when doing research on other topics,I think it is called "Imformation Overload"Don't feel quilty.If you need and email friend or would like the names of the books,you can read my profile,and email me direct! Thanx for Sharing! Wendy
   — Wendy M.