Regrets/Unsure - Scared

ANY LAST MIN ADVISE

Hello everyone, I'm new to the board even though I've been lurking around for a few months reading about WLS and the life-after. I was so excited about starting my new life and getting rid of this weight that I've been carrying around for so many years up to the day of my surgery (March 1st) and even a couple of days after. I knew my life would change and what I could and couldn't eat anymore would change - the thing is I've always been a very, very picky eater (mainly meat/potatoes). I mean I can count on my two hands, just about, what foods I like. The first couple of weeks after surgery I was able to do the protein shakes - I can't handle them now, the taste, thickness - yuck. I'm trying to find new ways of getting in my protein but has not been easy. I feel I'm not losing fast enough. I'm down only 38 pounds. I try to walk most evenings for excerise, but after being at work for 9 hours and with a 1 1/2 hour commute to and from work - I'm exhausted. I have Restless Legs and Fibromyalgia and just feel like I'm not making any progress in the energy department. Wow - what a way to introduce myself. I'm sorry. But hopefully there is someone out there that understands. I'm constantly thinking 'did I do the right thing by having this surgery done?" There's so much more going through my mind, but I can't pour it all out. Still nervous, Kristin

Awww Kristin!!! (((( Hugs)))) First off---- list what kind of foods you do LIKE and we will all try help some up with some ideas for you. You are down ONLY 38lbs???? SAY IT AFTER ME!!! "I am Kristin, I have lost an amazing 38lbs since March 1st." Don't ever compare yourself to anyone else... you are doing so wonderful! Sweety the energy will come... I haven't had any energy increases either.... lacking in the protein department doesn't help either. It's also very common to go through post-op depression around this time. As the energy comes back, as the sizes drop, the scale goes down, and you begin to recognize the health benefits... you won't regret your decision... Hang in there... things will get better... Darlene 338/290/170

Hi Kristin, I can totally relate to everything except wondering if you did the right thing. I know I did. You have to keep remembering in the long run how much healthier and better your life will be. We are still just in the beginning of our weight loss journey.(3/6). I saw the nutritionist on Monday and I am also only down 36 pounds. She assured me that by 1 year everyone loses about 70% of their excess weight. I was 243 when I started they predict that I will be down to 170 just from the surgery any other weight I lose from that point will be strictly from the tools we learned along the road. Avoid carbs,fats, sugars and start with the proteins. I also haven't been able to fit in the execise. I started off with a bang and was up to walking 3 miles a day. Then I went back to work last wk.I haven't walked since. I work nights and also commute an hour each way. I have to work on this. I did just get back from the grocery store and stocked up on protein bars. Have you tried any of them yet? Hang in, and keep in touch if you need some support. Toni

Hi Kristin Its always nice to hear from someone new. I can relate about the meat and potatoes thats what I lived on for years but once I started the 6 month monitored weightloss I've been slowly introducing veggies and most I hate but I figure as long as I get a few bites in thats good enough. If you hate the shakes try drinking milk to get protein in. chocolate Hood CarbCountdown milk is pretty good I think its alittle thick so I add alittle of skim milk to it. As far as the weightloss I'm a slower loser too I had surgery 6 days after you and have lost 31 lbs since surgery but at least were still losing right! I'm sorry your having a hard time right now depression is pretty normal at this stage i'm glad you found this place so you can voice your feelings anytime, but I would also suggest a support group maybe if you have a chance to talk with others that are having the same issues it will help you feel better about your surgery. Heather

Welcome Kristin, I'm going through a bit of a depression myself, when I feel like that it also means I have little to no energy. I can empathize with your commute, I used to do the same, 160 miles round trip, I didin't realize how much it took out of me until I started working closer to home. If 3 miles isn't doable, just try 1, I'm sure you've heard the cliche "it takes energy to make energy", but it does work, the exercise also helps with the depression. Darlene is as I'm sure you noticed a whizz with the recipies, let her know what you do like and I'm sure she can come up with some things for you. I'm finding that once again it is just plain difficult to eat and that I have little or no appetite, perhaps we go through phases of this just as we seem to go through phases of losing weight then stalling. Again welcome, glad to have you here. BTW, I have only lost 20lbs since surgery and a total of 33 since pre-surgery, I think your doing pretty good. Ingrid

I know how you feel because it was scary for me before and after the sugery because i knew i wouldn't be able to eat the same anymore but everyday it gets easier especially as i see myself shrinking i have no regrets,and sweets where my best friend but i'm adjusting and i'm glad i had this surgery because it saved my life,you'll be fine

Hi Kristin. I just wanted to say hello and welcome. Also, I know that you will figure it all out! So much of this journey is trying different combinations of food and exercise while maintaining jobs and family responsibilities. Wow! That sounds like several full time jobs, doesn't it?! It can definitely feel overwhelming. When I feel overwhelmed, it's usually because I think I can't manage everything. So I try to tell myself that I can do this. I won't be perfect at every piece of the process everyday. But I will succeed and I will lose weight. I had surgery 6 days after you did and you've lost far more weight than I have. Congratulations on your success thus far! Believe in yourself. I know we believe in you! - Stephanie

Kristin, Welcome to our Marchers board! I hope you feel reassured that we are all feeling the same way, we are all struggling with this new diet and wondering why we aren't losing more weight Don't be so hard on yourself about exercising and # of pounds lost. *hugs* Rebecca M. 252? day of surgery/229/150

Hi Kristin (((((((HUGS))))))) Guess what? Your feelings are totally normal. Sounds like you might be experiencing a little food grieving and old lifestyle grieving. I didn't think I'd go through this at all. I knew all about it and was ready for it to just blow right by me. WRONG!!! It hit me but it only lasted about a week of so for me. But it might come back again later as well. If it just gets too much. Try an appt with your psych. Maybe the one that did your evaluation. Make sure that you're extremely comfortable with the one you get. I happen to have been blessed with a great psych. He is gentle and nonjudgmental and helpful. I will continue to see him for as long as my ins will pay for it or for as long as I need. And you might try looking into a sublingual B-12 vitamin if you haven't started. They really helped me. I was told that I could take them every day if I needed. Very helpful. And for easy protein you might try Profect. Its a 3 oz protein drink in a cute looking testube like package that has 25 grams of protein in it. Tastes a bit like SF Kool-Aid that hasn't had enough sweetner in it. There are also "tasteless" proteins that you can add to alot of foods. Some people say they have a taste and some say no. I haven't had them so I can't say yet. My mom and a good friend have Fibromailagia. I understand about the whole low energy and pain thing. My mom began walking lately to help her diabetes. Her sugars were up too high and she finally got scared. SHe says that the exercise has really helped both things. She is not hurting now. And she is 50 and cleans house for a living. And for all those things you can't pour out yet. Journal. Maybe even here on OH (Obesityhelp). What you are going through now may help someone else later when they read your profile and see that you have come out on the other side. And girl you will!!!!!! And this Darlene gal sounds marvelous in the kitchen dept. Maybe we'll all learn a thing or two form her! You've come this far girl and you are going to get through this part too. We'll be here to help. (((((HUGS))))) Jen