Question:
I am 2 months post op and am really fighting boredom....

Since my energy level has come back up, I find that I am getting bored. If I am at home, I want to go out and do something (not stay home and clean house ....) I already have an exercise program that I do 4 times a week and even on the days with no program, I will pull out my Taebo tape and go to it - even if it is 10 pm. I don't want to become an exercise-aholic. But since money is very very tight right now, I am having trouble coming up with ideas of things to do. Has anyone else had this problem and what is at the root of it? (My support group leader who is a psychologist says it has to do with anger.) Or does anyone have any low cost suggestions? Also, I am 2 months out and down 60 lbs - according to my doctor, I am right on track.    — Kirsten P. (posted on May 9, 2003)

May 9, 2003
Have you tried volunteering? It does not cost anything, will keep you busy, & gets you out of the house & in touch with other people.
   — PATRICIA S.

May 9, 2003
Kristen - The idea of volunteering is good. How about visiting other WLS patients in the hospital after surgery. It would be a morale booster for all. I know I have not told anyone about my surgery except my husband and daughter so if someone else dropped in with some "experience" I would be thrilled, as I am sure others would be too.
   — J G.

May 9, 2003
Kirsten, I am fighting the same problem! And at 1 year post-op it's harder b/c I am an appetite again, so i have to fight off the boredom eating thing, as well. I have many health problems, so I had to postpone my last semester at college and cannot work as well. So besides having 2 doc apptmts a day and the gym, I have alot of time on my hands! I have recently started reading, and once I'm engaged in a good book, I can kill a few hours. Have you thought of taking a class at a local college? Many community schools offer some great classes, like yoga, art or even basket weaving, things of a fun nature that you could take and have some fun with. Hope you find some things to do! :-) And congrats on your weight loss- that is wonderful!!
   — Lezlie Y.

May 9, 2003
I see you have a dog (do you take them to the park? Great for meeting people AND getting exercise) and a job (or two). You could go to school (for fun, enlightenment or intellectual pursuits) grants are available or are there weekend classes you can take through the cities parks and recreations department; etc.); join Big Brothers/Big Sisters and save a kid; You could volunteer an hour or so a week at a local school - they always need free labor! How about adopting a senior citizen to be a grand-daughter to? I do hear you on the boredom thing. I have to keep fairly busy myself or I go nuts now. How different things are post-op! Pre-op I could waste literal days in front of the TV and now I have to really REALLY like a show to watch it. I'd rather be in the backyard playing with the dog - I now crave human contact beyond just my in-house family. It's weird. Hey great time of year to hit the yard sales - or have one of your own. Get a bike and hit the roads...write a cook book for posties :>) Get involved in a local church or social group - do you play cards? If you try hard I'm sure you can come up with some very creative and innovative solutions. Oh and congrats on 60 pounds gone! Woohooo!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 10, 2003
you could go to the mall and walk around and "look" at all the new styles of clothes. seeing as how your body shape is going to be changing and you will be able to wear new styles. while you are there you could get a free makeover at one of the make-up counters. and if you had a couple of bucks saved for a rainy day.....get a complete hair makeover. just a thought!
   — franbvan

May 12, 2003
Hi there! First of all, things to do inside -- this site needs volunteers all the time to help with posting pictures, etc. They will instruct you how to do it so don't be nervous if you don't know how to do it already. Be an angel for someone having surgery, they can always use the support. Look on this site under Find Peers and locate people in your area that have had surgery. Contact them by email and get a support group started -- good for you, them and it will help you deal with issues. Outside? Go for a walk, start a dog-walking service so you will be obligated to get out of the house. Volunteer at a grade school. Volunteer at a nursing home -- I know firsthand there are some VERY lonely people in nursing homes who never get visitors, and they can always use people to visit the residents, help with day activites, etc. Look in your local paper or call your local chamber of commerce to get a listing of clubs/community activities you could join or participate in. Hope this helps!
   — beeda