Some thoughts for all the newbies & pre ops

Courtney -- Thank you for sharing your experiences.  It is so helpful to those of us still going through the process post op to hear what those of you who are further out have gone through.  :)

I agree.  I think that by sharing it all, we make the opportunity to completely suceed that much better.

Courtney, Thanks for sharing.  I remember a couple years ago when I was trying to decide and floundering on having surgery, you were very positive and helpful!   I agree with everything you said, and I think its very valuable to mention that there are ups and downs.  I had a couple of very very low days after surgery where I felt that I would never enjoy anything again because I was so very different now.   As time goes on, I feel more and more normal, and this way of eating is starting to become second nature.  I still have to WORK at getting in enough fluids. I'm fortunate to have the support of my coworkers and my family.  My kids even ask "mommy, can you eat that?" as they don't want me to feel left out.  I assure them I've had enough in my forty years such that its not such a loss for me.   This is such a huge learning process......I'm still learning, doubt if I will ever stop. I think we hear a lot about the great things, and not as much about the other things we struggle with, like still feeling like the fat person on the inside, and lets face it, some spouses have some real issues with fear once wifey or husband-dear starts to look pretty hot! 

Courtney, Thank you for posting. I have been reading everything I get my hands on. My poor husband has told me a few times he gets alittle overwelmed hearing about the surgery so I try hard not to talk so much about it to him. But it is hard. It has been a big decision of mine and I am very ready to have the surgery. I started this process back in 2004 and then decided to try  lose it on my own one more time.  But  I failed once again. I really feel it is my time now to do the surgery. Back in 2004 I didn't have support  like I do now and I am so very grateful for this family here and all the new friends that I have met. Have a great night. Hugs to ya, Gwen

Gwen, it can all be overwhelming.  Hopefully your hubby will understand that you will need his support too and the more he knows, the easier it will be to help him.  I know my dad has pulled aside my hubby (and an ex I was seeing when I started my surgery journey) and spoke to them about his experiences with my stepmom and the importance of being supportive & knowing the rules.

It is a daily struggle.  It takes a lot of work to fix our minds.  I still talk with my stepmom about a lot of things, being several years ahead of me surgery wise & life wise, she is such a great help to me.

What powerful honesty on this message board.  I LOVE it!  Thank you so much Courtney...you are an inspiration, its nice to be able to come here and see the truth, I dont want someone to paint me a rose garden, I want to know the real deal, and YOU, my friend seem to be that!   Thanks so much Christine

Thanks Christine!  I like to admit I am not perfect, I don't always follow the rules, and I am not always this happy go lucky woman with a wonderful life.  It takes work and by sharing, I get help I need to make it through.