Weight loss surgery survivor needing support

manthaftw

So the subject sort of explains it all. But long story short when I was 18-20 (I am 27 now) I had 3 WLS related surgeries. 1 for a gastric banding, 1 emergency surgery to fix a "mechanical" problem (I'll spare the details), 1 emergency surgery to remove/reverse the banding caused by complications from the first emergency surgery. Which for me and I think many people is the end of the line option at weight loss when you have to resort to surgical intervention. Because the integrity of my stomach was extremely compromised the option of other/future bariatric surgery was off the table. And I think understandably once you've gone through all I had to go through during that time you wouldn't want to mess with any similar options. So while I have tried to lose weight since and have had many a "this time feels different" feeling; weight loss was never going to happen because I felt like if I already faced my last chance option and it failed so I never believed in myself. This is something I have not expressed to anyone until typing this.

Yet somehow, this time does feel different. But the biggest problem I have is: I am lacking in support. 5 months ago I moved 2.5 hours away from family and friends because of a great job opportunity my boyfriend got. I work from home and he's gone 10-12 hours a day and I know no one here. Which does not help me beeeeeecause, I am also depressive and agoraphobic. These are managed and very much under control right now but I know when I feel realllllly down (largely about my self and mainly being my weight) these two illnesses start to take over and can last for weeks on end. And I am just not ok with that. Since supposedly when you have a support system you are more inclined to stay on a path of weight loss I think more so for me it would give a means to think outside of myself and not internalize everything which just vomits up negative feelings then I fall down into the rabbit hole.

So WHY does this feel different? I don't know.
Do I still hold fear about the WLS and failing myself and my health? Yes.
Do I need to get the heck over it? Yes.

But I am calling this venture "The 165 Project" as I have decided I'd like to lose 165 pounds. For me every single pound down is an achievement worth celebrating and every 10th digital that I go down on the scale is a larger goal attained. I am 14 of 165 down, and 1.1 pound away to reaching a new 10th digit on the scale. In September, I've lost 10 pounds. Well, thats a lie, as of right now I've lost 9.8 pounds in the month but hey, it's the last day of the month so I am crossing my fingers for a little something on the scale tomorrow morning so I can say I closed out the month in double digits. If not, it'll happen at some point so I wont be by any sense of the word upset by it.

Edit: How I have gone about losing the 14 incase anyone wants to know. It's mainly been diet, I am just more mindful of what I am eating. I am a vegetarian so supplement my protein occasionally with a shake. But for the most part protein is not a concern in my diet. But if I REALLY want something thats unhealthy I am not shying from it I am just aware that I need to work harder to get it off. Which is where exercise is starting to come in. I am mainly doing cardio/strength intervals but it varies as does how often I exercise. I am aiming for 5 days a week, hoping for 6, but getting in at least 4.

LabAgility

I'm in! Feel free to add me for support. :-)

MoochieRama

I drink shakes too & on a medical diet. Add me too.

ewhip17

I actually love your "165 Project" idea. When I got serious about this in January I actually had T-shirts printed with a little sweaty exercising guy on them and the words "100 in 1" printed underneath him. I got 4 different sizes and I've worn them to the gym all year - moving to smaller ones when I could. It really helped remind me of the goal which was slow and maintainable weight loss.

JoseCastaneda

You get a sense of community when you add friends in MFP that will cheer with you with every success and will be with you with all your struggles. Welcome! You got this!

And, feel free to add me if you want to your friend list

rjoffe09

Is there a way to talk off line? I get your story, I really understand it and would like to talk more.

CoolestNecessity

Hi! Feel free to add me if you'd like another friend!

asia1967

I actually love your "165 Project" idea. When I got serious about this in January I actually had T-shirts printed with a little sweaty exercising guy on them and the words "100 in 1" printed underneath him. I got 4 different sizes and I've worn them to the gym all year - moving to smaller ones when I could. It really helped remind me of the goal which was slow and maintainable weight loss.

^ What an awesome idea!!! Good for you.
(Sorry for the hijack)

dbanks80

I actually love your "165 Project" idea. When I got serious about this in January I actually had T-shirts printed with a little sweaty exercising guy on them and the words "100 in 1" printed underneath him. I got 4 different sizes and I've worn them to the gym all year - moving to smaller ones when I could. It really helped remind me of the goal which was slow and maintainable weight loss.

I like your T-Shirt idea. I have 30 - -40 lbs to lose and wearing a T-Shirt as I go along will help to motivate. I just to get the "100 in 1" What does that mean?

asia1967

So the subject sort of explains it all. But long story short when I was 18-20 (I am 27 now) I had 3 WLS related surgeries. 1 for a gastric banding, 1 emergency surgery to fix a "mechanical" problem (I'll spare the details), 1 emergency surgery to remove/reverse the banding caused by complications from the first emergency surgery. Which for me and I think many people is the end of the line option at weight loss when you have to resort to surgical intervention. Because the integrity of my stomach was extremely compromised the option of other/future bariatric surgery was off the table. And I think understandably once you've gone through all I had to go through during that time you wouldn't want to mess with any similar options. So while I have tried to lose weight since and have had many a "this time feels different" feeling; weight loss was never going to happen because I felt like if I already faced my last chance option and it failed so I never believed in myself. This is something I have not expressed to anyone until typing this.

Yet somehow, this time does feel different. But the biggest problem I have is: I am lacking in support. 5 months ago I moved 2.5 hours away from family and friends because of a great job opportunity my boyfriend got. I work from home and he's gone 10-12 hours a day and I know no one here. Which does not help me beeeeeecause, I am also depressive and agoraphobic. These are managed and very much under control right now but I know when I feel realllllly down (largely about my self and mainly being my weight) these two illnesses start to take over and can last for weeks on end. And I am just not ok with that. Since supposedly when you have a support system you are more inclined to stay on a path of weight loss I think more so for me it would give a means to think outside of myself and not internalize everything which just vomits up negative feelings then I fall down into the rabbit hole.

So WHY does this feel different? I don't know.
Do I still hold fear about the WLS and failing myself and my health? Yes.
Do I need to get the heck over it? Yes.

But I am calling this venture "The 165 Project" as I have decided I'd like to lose 165 pounds. For me every single pound down is an achievement worth celebrating and every 10th digital that I go down on the scale is a larger goal attained. I am 14 of 165 down, and 1.1 pound away to reaching a new 10th digit on the scale. In September, I've lost 10 pounds. Well, thats a lie, as of right now I've lost 9.8 pounds in the month but hey, it's the last day of the month so I am crossing my fingers for a little something on the scale tomorrow morning so I can say I closed out the month in double digits. If not, it'll happen at some point so I wont be by any sense of the word upset by it.

Edit: How I have gone about losing the 14 incase anyone wants to know. It's mainly been diet, I am just more mindful of what I am eating. I am a vegetarian so supplement my protein occasionally with a shake. But for the most part protein is not a concern in my diet. But if I REALLY want something thats unhealthy I am not shying from it I am just aware that I need to work harder to get it off. Which is where exercise is starting to come in. I am mainly doing cardio/strength intervals but it varies as does how often I exercise. I am aiming for 5 days a week, hoping for 6, but getting in at least 4.

There are groups are here as well that as WLS more oriented. VSG or VSG/lapband, check them out. I will also FR you. There is hope and you are in the right place heading in the right direction.

ewhip17

I actually love your "165 Project" idea. When I got serious about this in January I actually had T-shirts printed with a little sweaty exercising guy on them and the words "100 in 1" printed underneath him. I got 4 different sizes and I've worn them to the gym all year - moving to smaller ones when I could. It really helped remind me of the goal which was slow and maintainable weight loss.

I like your T-Shirt idea. I have 30 - -40 lbs to lose and wearing a T-Shirt as I go along will help to motivate. I just to get the "100 in 1" What does that mean?

100lbs in 1 year.... :-)

BiggyFuzz

there are awesome people on here with a common goal of getting healthier.

feel free to add me...more support is always a good thing

kt_simms

I'm newly rededicated to my weight loss journey. I've considered weight loss surgery, but my insurance doesn't cover it, nor do they cover any care that's needed as a result of the surgery. So, it's not an option for me at this time. I live about 1.5 hours from any family and I don't have many friends (I'm likable but the weight has caused me to isolate myself over the past few years).

I've been seeing a counselor to help me work through some of the emotional reasons that I hold onto this weight. She reiterates each time that I need to build a support system to help me on my journey. So, I would love to be part of your support system if you'll be part of mine! Just friend me and I'll help how I can!

gothchiq

You are welcome to add me. I see a nutritionist and am happy to pass along the things she teaches me to anyone who is interested. My insurance pays for the nutritionist... so you don't have to! XD One of the best things she taught me is that if you are going out to a restaurant or fattening family dinner, such as holiday obligations, have a healthy snack first... and it matters what that snack is. Don't choose fruit, because it passes through too fast and leaves you hungry again. I used to eat an apple for that and wonder why it didn't work.... but now I know. A piece of whole wheat bread and a stick of string cheese is perfect for this because it provides complex carbs and protein. This will give you immediate satisfaction *and* lasting nutrients to take the edge off your appetite for the duration, and make you able to choose something healthy and take small portions at the meal because you aren't so hungry that your judgment is compromised.

dbanks80

I actually love your "165 Project" idea. When I got serious about this in January I actually had T-shirts printed with a little sweaty exercising guy on them and the words "100 in 1" printed underneath him. I got 4 different sizes and I've worn them to the gym all year - moving to smaller ones when I could. It really helped remind me of the goal which was slow and maintainable weight loss.

I like your T-Shirt idea. I have 30 - -40 lbs to lose and wearing a T-Shirt as I go along will help to motivate. I just to get the "100 in 1" What does that mean?

100lbs in 1 year.... :-)

Ahhh Gotcha