two weeks post op -self doubt

Hello all- I had been a lurker before surgery and this is the first day I have logged on since my surgery. I had a lap rny on the third of January. I am officially two weeks post op! I was scared the morning of surgery, holding my three year old - I didn't want to leave her! The surgery went very smoothly - three hours for surgery, four post-op waiting for a room. My pain was very well managed with the PCA pump. I was discharged about 48 hours after surgery since I was doing so well. Home I have been getting better and better each day - more energy, fewer twinges in my abdomen. The question I have for the post op folks - how scared are you that you will go back to your old habits?? That it might not work as it is supposed to? While I wasn't hungry the first week, by week two I have been craving foods. Mainly when I see my family eating pizza or chips, etc. I am just dying to have some (I guess that is what they refer to as head hunger). I have tried a small bite of some things not on my list and a bite was enough, but it makes me worry that I will blow this too. I also seem to be able to eat more than a couple of tablespoons of food, which again worries me. On the other hand, I lost 13 pounds in 6 days according to my doctor's scale. Guess I need to make a follow up appt. with the psychologist at the weight center before I play any more head games on myself. I really am pretty together in every other area of my life, but the food has always been an issue and it seems will still be even if I can't really eat it anymore. Good luck to all of you who are coming up. The surgery really was far more manageable than i thought it would be. The hospitalization was uneventful and I thought I would be horrified being in a hospital gown walking around (I work at the hospital by the way) and I could have cared less! The nurses were kind and they really cared for their patients! Good luck!! Eileen

Hi Eileen!!! Congrats on the weight loss! I have the same feelings, you are not alone. I read all the time how some can only eat 1 spoonful of this and that and then are full... I can eat 1.5 oz of something and then feel a satisfying feeling. I don't know if the ounces are the same as spoonfuls... it does scare me. I am one week and four days post-op and have been on pureed/soft food since Saturday. I'm following my doctor's guidelines and rules so I'm hoping all is ok! Good luck! This ride is going to rock! *~*Jaci*~*

Definately turn to the counseling and support groups. This is much more than just changing the amount of food we eat, its about why we eat what we did and the quantities. Obesity is a disease of isolation and insulation. Those issues need to be addresssed. Reach out and allow those who can help to come into your life. Its all about change and change is good. There's another post by Cyndi and a group that's following the Dr Phil approach to the emotional issues. Look at all these options and go with what sticks and works for your life. You've already made the biggest steps and are well on your way to success. Its in you to finish the task and know we're here going thru this with you and offering lots of friendship and support. ~Tiffany

Tiffany, You posted, "There's another post by Cyndi and a group that's following the Dr Phil approach to the emotional issues. Look at all these options and go with what sticks and works for your life." Where did you see this post, and was is the Dr. Phill approach? btw... I copied and save the line, "Obesity is a disease of isolation and insulation. " That is SSSSSssssoOOOOooooo very true and well-put. Thanks, Sandy L

I am completely horrified that I will go back to old habits and fail at this too just like you are. If you have a psychologist you can talk to at the weight center I would say don't hesitate, call now. Do whatever you have to do, ask for help whereever you need to ask for it in order to help yourself stay on track. I think the one thing that we have all learned here is that we can't do this alone and that we need all the help we can get. That being said we are all here to help encourage you too and to remind you how wonderful it is going to feel when you are through this and wearing Victoria Secret lingerie.I think it's safe to say that we have all tried and failed many times and are here to support you through this. For me I have to remind myself, I am not going to be perfect at this, but one bite of the wrong thing isn't cause for it to be a complete disaster. Just a little speed bump, and the fact that you only had one bite..that's great!!! That's the part that we all need to learn the most isn't it? Portion size. Good luck, we are all here cheering you on for continued success.

Hi Eileen and All, I feel exactly the same way!! I think we are so conditioned to work hard and still fail- somewhat conditioned. But now we have this great tool to help us establish better habits and recondition our relationship with food. Dwell on the taste once back to regular food- slow and taste seems to work for me. and- Seek out the counselor and all of us here. One step- one day - at atime. cj

Here's the original post by Cyndi with details about the emotional support group: 1/16/06 2:08 PM Emotional Help! Cyndi S. 6 The group is working thru Dr Phil's Weight Loss Strategies. I picked up the book and find myself capitvated with it. It parallels the path my therapist outlined for me and I highly recommend it, it may be the best $10 you've spent (on Amazon) or $15 in the stores. Good luck, everyone!!