Question:
How do I wrap my brain arond the posibilty of being "thin"?
I am starting my process for the RNY. People keep asking me if I am scared and the only thing I can think of is being scared of the the unknown-BEING THIN! I have been overweight since I was about 8yrs old. I can't seem to wrap my brain around it. Do I need to see a psych? — KarenML (posted on October 3, 2009)
October 3, 2009
If your surgeon is anything like most of the others in this country, you'll
HAVE to see a psych, at least for an initial workup....to make sure that
you don't have any issues that would absolutely sabotage the surgery. I'm
56 years old, and I've been obese since my second child was born, 34 years
ago. I've been trying to lose the weight all this time with only varying
success, as I'm sure you've probably experienced, also. I began the WLS
journey a year ago, weighing 307 pounds, and I'm 5 foot seven and a half
inches. I lost about 27 pounds before surgery, then I had my surgery on
March 2nd. I'm now down to 190 and only have 20 pounds to go to meet my
surgeon's goal. I have experience nothing but euphoria and giddiness,
wishing I'd done this a long, long time ago. It's amazing to look in the
mirror and see the angles and curves that I haven't seen since I was a
teenager. I actually have not only collar bones, but ribs and hipbones, as
well!! The only thing I'm not finding all that enjoyable is re-discovering
my tailbone. Sometimes it's just not comfortable at all trying to exercise
without the padding that WAS in that area of me! <grin> But,
truthfully...your psych eval should indicate to you whether or not you need
to be seeing a therapist to help you deal with the "idea" of
being thin. Lucky for me, I confronted the issues keeping me heavy a few
years ago, and with the help of my therapist, was able to heal from them in
a remarkable amount of time. Then, it was just a matter of getting the
weight off. And that's not necessarily a psycological issue as much as it
is a physical issue.... with problems with metabolism and the body having
it's own "set-points", etc.
— Erica Alikchihoo
October 3, 2009
I'm almost 2 yrs out and still wrapping :)
— lesleigh07
October 4, 2009
In some ways you will never think like a "thin person" After a
year at a size 14 (after a size 32) in many ways I still see the same me
& think of myself as fat. I know others who have had surgery several
years ago & still say the same thing.
— Donna O.
October 4, 2009
I spoke with Mary Jo Rapini from Big Medicine and she told me it takes
about three years to get your brain to process the fact that you are no
longer fat/obese. She said with time that will happen.
— rkurquhart
October 4, 2009
I am 5 and a half years out. Bob was right it took 3 years to wrap my head
around being thin. Now I can't remember being that obese. I look back in
awe. I still have one pair of fat jeans and a few t shirts I wear to sleep
in. I keep them for reminders. I am 5'3 and 125 lbs from a size 22 247 Pds.
It is awesome to look for clothes now I can go anywhere (except walmart
there clothes are to big, Imagine that!)
— Kimberly Ten Kate
October 4, 2009
Thank you to all of you for your answers, It has really helped. I look
forward to calling on you for more advice.
— KarenML
October 4, 2009
I think the answer to that question is different for all of us. I am 5
years post-op. I remember feeling excited about my weight loss and found
great joy just from feeling healthier. By 18 months to 2 years I started
realizing that I felt 20 years younger. I could do the things I used to
do, I felt good, and I had plenty of energy. All of those uncomfortable
seats and humiliating moments of feeling fat (and unworthy) were a thing of
the past. As I reached my goal weight, over the next couple of years, I
began to enjoy shopping for clothes. Believe it or not, this last year I
actually look at myself in the mirror when I try on new clothes and think,
"I look as cute as a bug."
I was happy with my body after the first 2 years, simply because of the
return to good health I enjoyed. The rest of my weight loss has been
"gravy". For me, the weight loss is just a way to ensure that my
health never gets that bad again! I wish you the best as you begin your
journey toward better health. God Bless.
— KimM
October 4, 2009
I don't have an answer for you..but rather a tid bit...I am almost 16
months post op and I went from a size 24 and weight of 237 to a size 4 and
weight of 118 and I still turn sideways to get thru a "tight"
spot. It will take time to adjust , but thank God we all took the
initiative to do this and get healthy! Best of luck to you! Hugs , Kim
— gpcmist
October 5, 2009
being thin is a hard concept when you have not been there. I have been
there for several months now and still have trouble seeing myself this way.
It is a big image adjustment and you should not feel bashful about asking
for professional help to adjust to the new life. Start now and begin to
work on your self image.
— trible
October 5, 2009
I read you question and laughed to myself. I am going on three years (RNY)
on Feb. 15, 2010. Although I have come to terms with being "thin"
it's still not something I have overcome. Yes. I started out before surgery
wearing a size 26/28 bottom. Now I wear a size 4 /6 or an 8/10 depending on
the clothing manufacturer. I used to wear a size 18/20 top. Now... I wear a
small or medium depending on the cut and manufacturer. When I go shopping,
of course I do not reach for the plus sizes, but I do often pick up a size
12 or 10 by habit and then have to remind myself that it will be too big
for me. I have been graced with the smaller body and have been blessed with
the ability to keep the weight off for almost 3 years - do I still feel
fat? somedays I do. I was fat for 35 years. it doesn't just "go
away" over night. Have I come along way since surgery? You bet'cha.
As with working on my weight for the rest of my life, portion control,
living within my boundries, taking my supplements, etc. I will also be
working on the mental side of things. I am sure people out there can turn
the light switch off with ease - but I think for the most of us - we will
continually have to work on the physical and mental aspects of our weight
control and management for the rest of our lives. It's OK by me. Would I
rather be "thin" and have to think about food, exercise and what
I put in my body vs. being "fat" trying to do the same. I will
take the thin side every time. If you do struggle with your thin/fat issues
once you start losing and loving life again, sure see a therapist. Talk to
your PCP and see who you have to see. There is no shame (at all) in seeking
help to keep you healthy, sane and happy. Good luck. See you on the loser's
bench. Batter' up.
— jammerz
October 5, 2009
I'm glad someone posted this question. I am 2 months RNY post op and have
lost 68lbs. I've went from a 34/36 to a 26/28 and I know I have a long way
to go, but sometimes I look in the mirror and I wonder if I'll continue
losing. Is it really possible for me to be THIN?! I've been overweight my
entire life! I passed my psychiatrist exam, but those thoughts still sit
in the back of my mind. RNY is not a cure, it's a tool and that scares me.
— C. Barnes
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