Hello............and help

Hello everyone! I'm finally taking the time to send out my first post. I've met a few of you over the course of the last couple of months, but never posted about myself. So here's a step in the right direction for me! (sorry if this rambles a bit)

I had every intention of introducing myself months ago, and just never got around to it. And then enough time went by that I thought that I just shouldn't bother with the "newbie" intro. I know, that's just stupid! But I've never been terribly adept at making online connections so I always had a ready excuse to just not do it.

I am almost 7 months out. I've lost 87lbs, however my weight has gone up a couple of pounds and is fluctuating the past few weeks. (can you say "stall"?)

I lurk on these boards very regularly, and now find myself in a position to need support. While I totally hate the stall, I understand that it's normal. But I've been feeling very out of control with eating. I do pre-plan all of my meals and I eat what's on the plan. And then I eat more.

I'm well aware that it's coming from an emotional place. As we all know, surgery doesn't fix our heads. I know that I have old emotional attachments to food and how it makes me feel at the moment (loved, accepted, enough). I've gotten some leads on therapists because that is the direction that I need to go. But I'm so scared that I'm going to sabotage myself..........again. And yet, I'm finding it difficult to get back on track.

I don't want to be "that person" that everyone talks about that had surgery and gained it all back. I don't want to be a failure. I don't want to be a slave to my emotions and cravings. And yet I don't know how to stop. I'm feeling really lost and  very scared. I also know that fear only has power when it is suffered in silence. Verbalizing the fear diminishes its power.

And so I am taking this step of sharing my fears with people who understand. Because I can't let it drive me back to the place that brought me to WLS so begin with. Thank you all for listening.

Wendy

 

Fear is very normal - I think all of us have been or are terrified of gaining the weight back.  There are steps you can take to deal with the emotional eating.  There are many counselors that deal with disordered eating.  I went to the Emily Program and found that helpful.  There have been lots of others who have gone there or to other counselors - they'll post the info if you ask.  I also joined Overeaters Anonymous because I felt that my eating was an addiction.  That has also helped.  Keep posting on the board - people will offer their advice.  You are not alone in your fears or "falling off the wagon" by eating more than you plan to.  You can make the necessary changes, and you can deal with your emotional eating.  It will take work, but you have the success of losing 87 pounds in a really short time to help remind you of why you had surgery.  Keep looking for answers, and you will find the help you need.  You've done great so far!  Best of luck to you!

First, congratulations on your weight loss and for reaching out when you need help.  I am 4.5 months out and seeing the bariatric psychologist who did my psych evaluation.  I can PM you her contact information, if you want it.  I am planning to see her once a month or more until I am a year out from surgery.  With a history of depression and eating for emotional comfort, I felt like I needed professional help get me over those periods when I lost my way with regard to eating and not dealing with my emotions.  You know, it takes real courage to take the WLS journey, which you have obviously demonstrated.  If you need help understanding why you turn to food for comfort or in just getting through tough spots, by all means seek out someone who understands the issues that bariatric patients have.  You can do it and please let us know how you are doing.

Take care,

RP

Wendy, I know we've never met, but I can't help thinking you're gonna be fine.  Coming here to acknowledge your issue is a HUGE first step, and the fear of going back will be a great motivator for you to do the right things to get back on track and STAY successful!

We've all lost our best friend, our support through good times and bad.  COME HERE when you feel weak, SHARE your fears and frustrations!  We aren't always on task, but we're really QUICK to get on it when someone reaches out.  FIND a good therapist, 'cuz you didn't put yourself through WLS to do anything BUT be successful!

You're doing GREAT so far.  You care enough about YOU to step outside your comfort zone.  I see good in ALL of that!

Darla,

God, but you are eloquent.  Well said.

RP

WELCOME WENDY ~

So glad to see you posting!!  I totally understand how you feel and will say mostly everyone on this board will too.  The therapist idea is definately a good start as you are right... Surgery doesnt fix our heads.  Now with winter upon us and cabin fever, winter blues & the dreaded holidays we need all the support we can get..  

Congratulations on your weightloss so far!!  WooooHoooo!!

I believe everything has been said.    By the way you are doing awesome even with the stall.  Try to look at everything now as a positve.   I have not been on the message board awhile.   But I do like to come on just to read and see there are others just like me.   It makes it so much easier to walk through this journey.   Sweetie do know you are not alone!   I WAS not really a reach out person.  But by being on this site and meeting with people, that is walking the same path.  I have become this butterfly others seen, but I did not see it.   Keep posting run to the board even just to vent!.....   Everyone on here is AWESOME!   and will be there for you.    stay encourage.   God Bless you on your journey.  AND YOU ARE DOING GREAT!!  

Welcome HON!!  So glad you came out and shared!!  Your fears are soooo normal.  Those are the fears that kept me going, striving to do my best.  Those are the fears that keep me maintaining and not gaining. 
There are tons of wats you can get help.  Overeaters, therapy, ect.  Another to get ya back on the "plan" would be found at www.5daypouchtest.com they have the whole plan there and if followed to the tee will get ya back on track.  I found it refreshing to do it also!
AGAIN!!  CONGRATS!  You have done an AWESOME job thus far and stalls happen!  Just keep doing what you should and it will all fal into place!!
HUGS

Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement. I definitely need to post more! I wake up each morning with the intention that I will make better choices. And I guess I finally realized that I need help to do that.

Wendy