Question:
Emotional prep prior to surgery

I am early in the stages of researching and contemplating WLS. I, like everyone else here, have tried many diets and, like many, have a problem with binge eating. In making this decision, I am attempting to be brutally honest with myself about my motivations and intentions. I know that I always go into new diets or treatment regimins certain that "this will be the one that works" and am never completely able to stick to the program. The possible side effects of this surgery (lap rny) make self imposed failure unexceptable to me. I have scheduled an appointmet to begin working with a therapist on the psych preparation for the surgery and intend to continue with her should I have surgery. My question is about the exercise and diet behaviors I should begin to incorporate into my life. I figure if I can't do it now chances are I will have difficulty later. Any thoughts or suggestions? Am I overthinking this?    — Lisa S. (posted on March 27, 2001)

March 27, 2001
It sounds like you are being very smart in your decision making, but don't go over board. Remember, we aren't emotionally ready for a lot of what will happen to us anyway. That won't come until we see 30lbs then 50lbs then 70 lbs. melt away. When that energy and excitement comes pooring in our adrenalins, we will want to exercise. Trying to see if you have what it takes now to exercise, might make you feel like a failure and make an inaccurate decision. It is good that you want to be sure about this, but don't judge it solely on if you are able to keep up with the regimine now. It wouldn't be fair to yourself to expect that committment now. Just be careful that you are evaluating it with an open mind. Walking 10 minutes now may wear you out like 40 minutes will later. Does that make any sense? LOL
   — Dawn R.

March 27, 2001
Well..... here's my take on the situation. I began my research January 1st of this year. I had the EXACT same thoughts that you did. I WAS a smoker... (3 packs a day!), and the most exercise I ever got was from the couch to the kitchen. I thought long and hard about the risks and benefits of surgery. I've also been reminded of the risks a thousand times by my family. I made a decision to move forward with my life. Frankly, the final decision happened in an instant.... like a flash, I KNEW it was right for me. Since that day, I've just put one foot in front of the other and kept moving forward towards my goal of a healthy, wonderful future! I quit smoking 5 weeks ago, and I'm walking 2 miles EVERY DAY! My surgery is April 2nd..... 5 days from today, and while I do have an occasional second thought.... I figure that's normal at this stage. I refuse to overthink things. I made an educated decision after much research & I'm going to do what I know is right even if I'm scared to death Monday morning! :-) My advice to you is to make the decision FIRST, and the rest will fall into place. Your motivation will come from inside yourself. This tool can and WILL work for you if you work with it. Time to get started with your new life..... time to embrace yourself and your future. We only get one chance at life here on earth, don't waste another day. I wish you peace in your decision, whatever it is.
   — Laurie L.

March 28, 2001
Lisa, I applaud your forward-thinking about the psychology of wls. There ARE lifelong changes we must make to be successful, because surgery is <b>ONLY A TOOL</b>. I was an emotional wreck at the time of my surgery and was in therapy from the loss of my husband in a car accident. My therapist concurred with other medical professionals that surgery would be the best possible thing for me, and they all were right. It saved me from my physical and emotional problems. I want to eat right and exercise now that I am physically able, and it helps my mind to know that I am motivated and determined to be disciplined to do it.<br><br>In the early post-op days, binge eating is impossible; however, at nearly a year post-op, eating becomes easier, and some old habits are trying to creep up on me - snacking when I am stressed is one of them. I can't binge, but I can "graze", which is constant nibbling and snacking. I am human, and make mistakes from time to time, but I don't beat myself up over them, and I recognize them quickly and make appropriate changes. I no longer see my therapist regularly, but she is there for me if I need her, just like my surgeon and other medical professionals. I truly believe the ultimate formula for post-op success is a multi-disciplinary approach - medical, nutritional, physical, and psychological counseling with caring and educated professionals.<br><br>Good luck to you, and I wish you the best.
   — [Deactivated Member]