Diminishing Dawn
Still Here
Jul 08, 2015
I'm still here lingering, watching and reading. I still answer messages so if you need anything don't hesitate to message me!
Dawn
Support Groups As of May 2014
Aug 22, 2012
Ajax/Pickering/Whitby/Durham
Contact Nancy
Web Site: Durham Region WLS Support Group
Barrie
Third Saturday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
The Church of the Nazarene (in the chapel)
49 Ferris Lane, behind Ferris Lane Community Daycare
Contact Terry B: 705-890-0135; Sharrol: 705-722-0616
Belleville
Meeting is the last Sunday of the month from 1-3pm
Contact Stephanie at 613-242-5392 or [email protected]
http://bellevillewls.webs.com/
Brampton
Contact Cathacus
Burlington
Burlington Meeting takes place on the last Saturday of each month.
Meetings currently are run at 10:00 a.m. until noon, at the Police Services Buliding,
Community Room, 3800 Southampton Blvd. Burlington
For more info contact: [email protected]
Cornwall
We have a support group in Cornwall.....
We meet the second Monday of the month, Chateau Cornwall, 41 Amelia Street,
Meet in the basement in the chapel for 6pm.
Kingston
support group that meets once a month, on the second Tuesday of the month, in Kingston, Ontario.
We usually meet at the Ongwanada Resource Centre on Portsmouth Avenue in Kingston.
meetings are from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
contact: [email protected]
London
Group Leader - Linda Terrio (twins4meplus1 on OH)
Coffee night mid month
Formal meeting last Sunday of the month
e-mail [email protected]
website http://www.london-wls-support-group.com/
Mississauga
Mississauga Cawfee Talk
Monthly casual support meetings - everyone is welcome.
[email protected] or contact Karen M. here on OH
Northern Ontario Facebook Group (online only)
http://www.facebook.com/groups/272238326196707/
Orillia
Orillia - Informal Coffee Group
First Thursday of the month
7pm until about 8:30
Tim Hortons - Westmount Drive and Coldwater Road (Beside Shoppers Drug Mart and Zehrs)
Contact - Kristie Anderson 'KristieA' or [email protected]
Alternate Contact - jennifer_rpn at [email protected]
Ottawa
bytown Benchers will meet on the first Wednesday of the month.
at the Bronson Centre for us on those Wednesdays and have booked the rooms from now until February.
Accordingly, the next meetings of the Bytown Benchers will be from 7:30-9:00 p.m. on: oWednesday, October 3, 2012 oWednesday, November 7, 2012 oWednesday, December 5, 2012 oWednesday, January 9, 2013* oWednesday, February 6, 2013
Ottawa Coffee Nights
Held mostly once a month on Monday nights (check for postings)
Location: Starbucks on Hunt Club at Merivale Road
Contact: HeidiA on OH for details.
Owen Sound
Grey Bruce Weight Loss Support Group
A support group that meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month for people wanting to lose weight, or have had weight loss surgery. We meet at the United Way in Owen Sound, and the cost is $3.00 to help cover the cost of the meeting room.
Contact information:
Stephanie Fletcher-Jacobus: 519-378-8947
email: [email protected] or Tracy King: 519-371-7079 [email protected]
Peel Region
First Sunday of every month 1:30 pm
Georgetown
Contact Jean Tapley-Izadpanahi at (289) 891-9276 or [email protected]
Port Hope
Meets every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 pm.
Email: [email protected]
Sarnia
First and Third Wednesday of every month from 7-8:30
River City Vineyard (the old Y)
Contact Kara O.
Sault Ste. Marie
First Wednesday of each month
Contact Sue at [email protected] or (705) 254-3997
Scarborough
Thursday nights at 7:00 pm
Kennedy and 401 at 20 William Kitchen Rd, Starbucks.
Contact Chantelle at [email protected]
Stratford
Monday nights at 7 pm at Coffee Culture.
ContactAmy
Sudbury/Val Caron/Valley East
Val Caron Co-op, 1845 Main Street
Contact Wendy
Toronto East Enders
East End Toronto (Danforth). 2nd/4th Wednesday, 7:30
contact [email protected]
Toronto East Enders: [email protected]
Trenton
The 1st Monday of each and every month.
At Trenton Memorial Hospital.
The meeting begins at 7:00 pm.
Windsor
First Tuesday of the month 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County
6038 Empress Street
Contact Dawn at [email protected]
Please contact Dawn to advise you will be attending.
York Region
The following Sundays at 2:00 pm 1/17/10, 2/21/10, 3/21/10, 4/18/10, 5/16/10, 6/20/10, 7/18/10, 8/22/10, 9/19/10, 10/24/10, 11/21/10, 12/12/10.
Upstairs at Loblaws, 301 High Tech Road, Richmond Hill
Contact Andrea at 905-953-0135 or [email protected]
6 years
Jul 18, 2012
I had surgery on July 5th, 2006. Back then many of us went to Michigan My care there was great, after care really sucked. But my surgeon was wonderful and I had very few problems with my surgery itself. The only complication was a nicked artery. I lost a bit more blood than most patients but recovery was fairly easy. I was at the mall my second day home. It truly was easy breezy!
My first year out was GLORIOUS. I have no other word to describe it. It was so wonderful. Although I was a slow loser (my surgical centre gave us no guidelines on carbs and I do think that slowed me down compared to others) I did fairly well. I started at 290 lbs before surgery and ended up being less than half that by goal. My first year I followed the rules very well and made exercise a huge part of my life. I made a point of walking to and home from work every day 3 miles and then would jump on my treadmill at home for another 4 miles. I was pretty motivated, highly focused and felt so strong and powerful. I remember feeling so strong and powerful – I was now eating to live and not living to eat. I loved feeling that power over food! The first year is a CONSTANT high. We long timers wish we could bottle it and have it back. LOL It's purely magical!
Early deficiency of iron and osteopenia developed by the year mark. Started supplementing.
The second year was pretty good too. I still had that high...but the binges started to creep in now and again. Those of us who are binge eaters do tend to struggle post op. I'd binge and then cry about the binge. I hated myself for doing it. I was even planning binges in advance...and then feeling like a failure a half hour later when I felt like crap. I started to gain. It started to freak me out to be honest. Five pounds up. Feeling a bit daunted. People actually commented that I was too gaunt earlier and that I was looking better...but I did not feel that at all. The mental struggle was beginning and the feelings of being out of control and feelings of failure were terribly powerful. I was starting to feel powerless to food, no longer so powerful.
When I got to goal, no one really taught me what it meant to eat in moderation. I'd always been overweight. I always had a problem with food. I was never that person that could eat a small bag of chips and put half of it away for later. Not even as a teenager. It was a foreign concept. Portion sizes were starting to get larger. It started to get scary. I could eat more and binges were bigger. It was getting downright scary. Feeling out of control, feeling worthless.....up 10 lbs...
I ended up as a size 10 and eventually 12. I was devastated. People I worked with were size 0 and 2 after having children. I started to obsess and do the 5 day pouch test....then cut carbs completely, then bingeing. I'd repeat the cycle again and again only to have the same results. I'd work hard for a week and lose only 1 lb but then binge on a bad weekend and gain double that. The weight was no longer falling off like it once did. I felt like 10 lbs could have been 100. I know it sounds strange but that 10 lbs was totally overwhelming to me.
I started feeling like a failure because I didn't get to size 4 or 6. I was still “big”. I felt like a failure. I know that it seems so foreign that you'd consider yourself a failure being a size 10 or size 12 after being size 26/28 at your heaviest...but the mind is a strange thing. I became too obsessed with comparing myself to others. Not realizing how far I'd come. The reality is that some of us have bigger frames, some of us will be a size 2, some will be a size 10 or a size 18 or any size really. We are all so different. Again, the worst thing you can do is to compare yourself to others.
I decided I had better get into therapy. I went to our local eating disorder place for 6 months of therapy. They cater to binge eaters, over eaters, bullemics and anorexics. I learned a lot about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which many of us benefit from post op to deal with the head issues. I learned to try not to base my happiness on a size or number on a scale. I'm still not ready to throw out my scale like they suggest. A funny thing happened at therapy though – I also became obsessed with how skinny the anorexics look so while I made some progress, I think head issues were still skewed. Again head issues are a strange thing post op. More issues with anemia.
Year 2 was also when I discovered that I had Reactive Hypoglycemia. I never had diabetes or had issues with blood sugar so that required a lot of reading and learning on something new. I diagnosed myself, took the information to my doctor and yes, it was confirmed. I managed it fairly well. Sugar is the enemy. I wish I didn't have an issue with sugar – that I could keep it out of my life completely but sugar is my struggle always. Managed the RH fairly well this year. No problems with it other than a few lows.
Years 3 and 4, I continued the same skewed thinking while creeping up and up on the scale. I had a lot of issues going on in my personal life that lead to a lot of emotional eating. At one point, I ended up 27 lbs above my goal. I kid you not. SOOOO easy to do when your mind is skewed. I struggled. I had a few comments said to me that made me feel like giving up and running away. I would battle dark days of hating me, hating the scale and feeling like a total failure. It's very hard to run a support group for weight loss when you are going through the issues but I continued to do it. It was embarrassing to be up at the front when you were feeling like a failure. I lurked more on OH, poking my head in now and again, but feeling like a lost puppy. Didn't really fit in with the “rah rah” of the newbies and feeling like I couldn't offer any thing to anyone when I was struggling with myself. Up to size 12 and then closer to a 14.
Year 5 was better. Feeling like I started to make peace with my bounceback. Do I like it? No. But I managed to get off around 15 lbs of it and felt more in control. Still working on the self image and positive talk but feeling more like I'm a survivor in this thing called WLS rather than a failure. Realizing that I'm not the only person that struggles. I'm not alone in this journey. Back to size 12 but still working towards 10.
So here I stand at year 6, feeling more at peace. Again still a work in progress but trying to like myself more. In my head, I am still big and still relate to the large people in the room more than the “skinny minnies”. Constantly have the feeling that I'm still a size 26. Regain is all in my stomach and butt and makes me feel constantly bloated and feeling like I look pregnant. I never feel like clothes fit like they did when I got to goal. I can tell that my body composition has changed with regain. Lost a lot of muscle mass. More wobbly bits than before.
This year again, anemia is still kicking its ugly head. Some low vitamin d for the first time. RH is kicking my butt more this year than ever before. I've had two issues in the past 6 months of passing out from it. (One time I put off symptoms when I shouldn't have – the second one, I attributed the symptoms to being sick from the heat versus RH). That's been scary but both times I really should have known better.
Food issues are still there. I call it my FAT HEAD. I am constantly struggling with my fat head – emotional eating, boredom eating, stress eating and bingeing. It's a constant struggle not to give in and sometimes I do. I am one of the few that can honestly eat anything. There is nothing that disagrees with my pouch – nothing. And I can eat large amounts. It would scare most people how much I can eat. To this day, I've still never vomited once, had things stuck or had the foamies.
I've learned that I have to just keep picking myself up and dusting myself off and set new goals. I'm a work in progress – for the rest of my life. Surgery did not fix my head in any respect.
I still have around 10-12 of regain to get back off. I'm starting to make peace with that though. It's not the end of the world if I stay where I am at. I'm starting to strongly believe the issue of set point. My body is pretty resistant. So I'm trying to make peace with the fact that I may still carry some extra weight with me and that it's not the worst thing in the world if I do. It could be far worse. It could have easily slipped to 40, 50 pounds had I not caught it earlier when it started to spiral. Some days I feel in control of my eating and other days I still feel overwhelmed. For me, it's day to day...one day at a time.
I'm grateful for many things:
Other than the RH issues, I'm healthy. Anemic still but no other problems. Healthy is a good thing. I'm strong. I'm mobile. I'm active. Life doesn't pass me by unless I want it to. I've coached swimming, baseball, basketball. I've done walked three half marathons in Detroit. I've met many nice people in the WLS community. Running a support group has helped me be accountable to myself and others. I cannot put my head in the sand and ignore the creeping weight. I need the support group as much as others.
I see my parents struggling with their obesity and I'm so glad that I made the choice that I did to have surgery. Both of my parents can barely walk a block without being terribly winded, my Mom is at the point that soon she'll need a cane or a scooter. I'm not there. I'm not going to have a heart attack at a young age like my mother did. I still have my life and quality of life. It's really a wonderful thing.
My goal is to keep working on the head issues. I highly encourage newbies to examine these issues before surgery. The head stuff can be brutal for many of us. You will see me on this board talking about regain/bounceback quite frankly. I think we need to start taking the shame out of it. It happens and most surgeons do expect it. I think by beating ourselves up we are not doing ourselves any favours. I wish people had given me more of a heads up on it to be honest. Then maybe it wouldn't have been so devastating to me.
Anyway, there's the good, bad and ugly of my surgery and my life post op. I know that my experiences are not the same as everyone else's but I'm sure I'm also not the only one to go through such a range of emotional issues and head issues after surgery. So I thought I'd put this out there for anyone who may relate to my story or anyone that wants to chat about any of these issues. Sometimes feeling like we are not alone in this journey is a very powerful thing.
Newbies: WLS is an absolutely amazing gift. It's a wonderful gift but also a big responsibility to use it wisely. There may be MANY times that you struggle along this journey. Please don't waste the wonderful gift you've been given. Get to goal your first year, keep your triggers at bay and work towards getting off the most weight you can while you can.
Ontario Support Groups as of February 2012
Dec 23, 2009
Contact Nancy
Web Site: Durham Region WLS Support Group
Barrie
Third Saturday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
The Church of the Nazarene (in the chapel)
49 Ferris Lane, behind Ferris Lane Community Daycare
Contact Terry B: 705-890-0135; Sharrol: 705-722-0616
Belleville
Meeting is the last Sunday of the month from 1-3pm
Contact Stephanie at 613-242-5392 or [email protected]
http://bellevillewls.webs.com/
Brampton
Contact Cathacus
Burlington
Second Tuesday of the month
Contact Laural at (905) 635-7302 or [email protected]
Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo
Last Sunday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
160 Hillmer Road, Cambridge
Contact Sharon at (519) 489-0538 or [email protected]
For a long week-end, we meet the Sunday prior.
Please contact Sharon to advise you will be attending.
Cambridge
Meets weekly at 7:00 on Wednesdays
Location: Cambridge centre mall in the food court. At a long table by the ice rink.
On HWY 24 and Bishop Street.
Kingston
meetings are from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
contact: [email protected]
Mississauga
Mississauga Lap-Band Peer Support Group for Surgical Weight Loss Centre Patients
Third Thursday of the month 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Contact Wanda at http://www.obesitysurgery.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=4201
[email protected]
Mississauga coffee night in Mississauga, about once per month.
People can contact Karen via PM here or join the Mississauga Cawfee Talk group:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/MississaugaCawfeeTalk/welco me/
Newmarket
Newarket coffee group meets
every second Monday @ the Tim Hortons in the No Frills Plaza on Leslie.
PM Jan135 on OH for details.
Niagara
To be held at the New YMCA on Montrose Road.
North Bay
Contact Natasha
Ottawa
Last Sunday of the month 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Tanglewood Community Centre
30 Woodfield Drive, Ottawa
Contact Cindy at [email protected]
www.owsg.ca
Ottawa Bariatric Coffee Support Meeting
Held the first Tuesday of the Month at 7:30pm
Location: Margaret Rywak Community Building 68 Knoxdale Road Ottawa, Ontario
Contact: Terry45 on OH for details.
Owen Sound
Grey Bruce Weight Loss Support Group
A support group that meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month for people wanting to lose weight, or have had weight loss surgery. We meet at the United Way in Owen Sound, and the cost is $3.00 to help cover the cost of the meeting room.
Contact information:
Stephanie Fletcher-Jacobus: 519-378-8947
email: [email protected] or Tracy King: 519-371-7079 [email protected]
Peel Region
First Sunday of every month 1:30 pm
Georgetown
Contact Jean Tapley-Izadpanahi at (289) 891-9276 or [email protected]
Port Hope
Meets every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 pm.
Email: [email protected]
Sarnia
First and Third Wednesday of every month from 7-8:30
River City Vineyard (the old Y)
Contact Kara O.
Sault Ste. Marie
First Wednesday of each month
Contact Sue at [email protected] or (705) 254-3997
Scarborough
Thursday nights at 7:00 pm
Kennedy and 401 at 20 William Kitchen Rd, Starbucks.
Contact Chantelle at [email protected]
Stratford
Monday nights at 7 pm at Coffee Culture.
ContactAmy
Sudbury/Val Caron/Valley East
Val Caron Co-op, 1845 Main Street
Contact Wendy
Thunder Bay Bariatric Care centre Patients Support group ....
First Meeting
Confederation College room C240 in the Shuniah Building (main building) This
room is located on the second floor, south side of the building.
March 4th 1pm
contact: [email protected]
Trenton
The 1st Monday of each and every month.
At Trenton Memorial Hospital.
The meeting begins at 7:00 pm.
Windsor
First Tuesday of the month 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County
6038 Empress Street
Contact Dawn at [email protected]
Please contact Dawn to advise you will be attending.
York Region
The following Sundays at 2:00 pm 1/17/10, 2/21/10, 3/21/10, 4/18/10, 5/16/10, 6/20/10, 7/18/10, 8/22/10, 9/19/10, 10/24/10, 11/21/10, 12/12/10.
Upstairs at Loblaws, 301 High Tech Road, Richmond Hill
Contact Andrea at 905-953-0135 or [email protected]
Ontario support Groups
Dec 12, 2008
Updated: August 5th, 2009
Ajax/Pickering/Whitby/Durham
Contact [email protected]
Barrie (this is a new location effective Jan 17, 2009)
Third Saturday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Army Navy Club
Contact Terry at [email protected] or Kris 705-437-3430
Brampton
Contact Cathacus
Belleville
Contact Sandra at (613) 968-9849 or [email protected]
Burlington
Second Tuesday of the month
Contact Laural at (905) 635-7302 or [email protected]
Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo
Last Sunday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
160 Hillmer Road, Cambridge
Contact Sharon at (519) 489-0538 or [email protected]
For a long week-end, we meet the Sunday prior.
Please contact Sharon to advise you will be attending.
Chatham
Meets at the YMCA on the last Monday of the month at 7 pm.
Cornwall
Contact Carla at [email protected]
Hamilton
Last Sunday of the month 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Sir Allan MacNab Recreation Centre, Community Room
145 Magnolia Dr, Hamilton
Contact Erin at [email protected]
London
First Sunday of the month 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
St Paul's Presbyterian Church, Lower Hall (elevator available)
56 Thames St. South, Ingersoll
Contact Shirley at [email protected]
London and Area (Shapeshifter)
Third Sunday of the month 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Contact Tova at [email protected] or
Jenn at [email protected]
Milton
Third Sunday of the month 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Contact Tammy at [email protected]
Mississauga
Mississauga Lap-Band Peer Support Group for Surgical Weight Loss Centre Patients
Third Thursday of the month 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
For info, go to The Surgical Weight Loss Centre patient support forum and contact
Wanda under the section for support groups.
Niagara
Last Sunday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Dorchester and Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls
Contact Jen at (905) 328-4911 or [email protected]
Ottawa
Last Sunday of the month 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Tanglewood Community Centre
30 Woodfield Drive, Ottawa
Contact Cindy at [email protected]
www.owsg.ca
Ottawa - East
Second Sunday of the month 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Ottawa Public Library North Gloucester
2036 Olgilvie Road, near Blair and Olgilvie
Contact Angus
Owen Sound
Contact Alison at [email protected]
Sarnia
Sarnia Bariatric Support Group
meets : 1st and 3rd Wed of every month from 7pm-8:30 pm
@ River City Vineyard Mitton St Sarnia Ontario
For more information , contact :
Becky 519-332-4132 [email protected]
OR Sylvie 519-344-8959 [email protected]
Sault Ste. Marie
First Wednesday of each month
Contact Sue at [email protected] or (705) 254-3997
Sudbury/Val Caron/Valley East
Val Caron Co-op, 1845 Main Street
Contact Wendy
Sudbury/Minnow Lake
Every Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm
$10.00 per month
Morning meetings to begin in the New Year
Contact Betty at Bariatric Support & Natural Health
(705) 525-2225 or [email protected]
Toronto East
For info contact Joyce at [email protected] or (647) 669-5099
Thunder Bay
Second Saturday of the month 1:00 pm
Slovak Legion, off Pacific Avenue, Thunder Bay
Contact Verna at [email protected]
Windsor
First Tuesday of the month 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County
6038 Empress Street
Contact Dawn at [email protected]
Please contact Dawn to advise you will be attending.
The following Sundays at 2:00 pm 1/18, 2/8, 3/8, 4/19, 5/17, 6/14, 7/12, 8/9, 9/13, 10/18, 11/8, 12/3.
Upstairs at Loblaws, 301 High Tech Road, Richmond Hill
Contact Andrea at 905-953-0135 or [email protected]
*sigh*
Aug 01, 2008
There's a lady who I know and met once who has had this surgery. She was quite large as well - probably 350 lbs if I were to guess before surgery and when I met her the first time, I kind of had the feeling that she didn't seem to be in the know about the surgery. I didn't say anything of course because I have to have some understanding that not every one is as fact-oriented and as analytical as myself, right?
Well sure enough talking to a friend of hers, I hear that she is pretty much just ignoring the rules after surgery completely. One friend ran into her shopping and her cart was loaded with sugar crap, snacky foods and the like. She is not doing well and she is less than 6 months out. That's really scary to me. I've invited her out to the Windsor support group meeting and she has yet to come.
Today while reading the boards, I also came across a post from a 3 week post op who decided to binge last night and ate popcorn, fruit loops and an ice cream sandwich within the course of a half an hour - and is questioning "Gee, how come I don't dump?", "Did I stretch my pouch?". etc. Okay, I am TRYING to be understanding as I can but I mean REALLY what the HELL is she thinking?
We are talking THREE WEEKS OUT.
She doesn't seem to have a clue about the permanent damage she could do to herself. There is the story of course about the lady who cheated and had steak and killed herself a few days out of surgery (Theoretically it could be not much more than an urban legend...but I suspect that it is also a possiblity that one could easily stretch out and burst the pouch very early out). I mean I was TERRIFIED to even eat and drink early out and here is someone who is ready not only to undo everything but to possibly kill herself in the process. I'm horrified for her. I'm appalled at her. I'm trying not to judge but it is very, very difficult because this action is beyond stupid to me.
Again, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR HEAD IS IN THIS SURGERY.
Dawn
Don't Stretch the Pouch
Jul 30, 2008
#1. At others have said, do not overeat. I am one who never ever vomits if I eat too much, but I will get an uncomfortable feeling. I'm pretty sure that's the part where stretching the pouch comes in. If I try to stuff too much in there and it's waaaaay uncomfortable/bordering on painfulness. It happens rarely as I usually know my limits.
#2. Eat slowly. I've talked in our weight loss group how sometimes if you eat too fast - say cereal with milk, after a while that uncomfortable feeling comes in which I *think* would probably be the stretching. What happens with certain foods - especially grains, pastas and so forth, is that once they get wet, they expand right? Well, if you eat too fast, you'll eat more than you probably should thinking it fits...once it starts expanding you'll get that *very* uncomfortable feeling of having eaten too much. Of course, you might also just be one of those people that vomits too if you eat too much.
#3. Some people are hard core measurers. There are guidelines typically from your surgeon (or available from the internet) about roughly what you should be eating at certain points. I know of people that measure their portions like crazy. I know that at two years out, I am getting back into that "clean your plate" club -- so I highly suggest that people measure their foods- not so much early out, but just watching that they don't eat too much, too soon.
#4. Always remember in your head "EAT TIL SATIATED, NOT STUFFED". This is huge as we are stuffers. You need to always eat til you feel satisfied, not stuffed. Do not expect to get that "full" feeling for quite some time, so when you are eating, eat til you feel that you are not hungry anymore (if you have physical hunger) and not til you feel that "I'm going to explode" stuffed kind of feeling.
Just my two cents,
Dawn
My OH Philosophy
Jul 10, 2008
1) I would never tell you what surgery to have. I believe that everyone must make their own decision based on their needs, lifestyle and level of comfort. I don't think there is a "one size fits all" when it comes to surgery. You might feel comfortable with a surgery that has little reconfiguration of your body parts, you might not want to permanently change your body parts, you might not want to worry about this or that. So I would never even remotely tell you what to consider. This is YOUR body and you need to make your own decision. There is no perfect surgery. What we choose and what we put into the surgery (following rules, being compliant with supplementation etc) is what matters. OHIP currently covers roux en y, duodenal switch, vertical sleeve gastrectomy and mini gastric bypass. I know success people who have had all these surgeries. Another option is Lapband (and other surgeries too) but you will have to pay totally out of your pocket.
2) I would always encourage you to do your research. If you have done lots of research and you are still not convinced, then to me you haven't done enough research. Until you are 100% comfortable with your choice and even with having surgery in the first place, do not enter into a surgical intervention. This is a procedure of last resort. People that go in with blinders on, not having done their research or not having researched life post op enough are often given into moods of depression after surgery. Your head must be ready for surgery as well.
3) I suggest that you pick your surgeon well. I know that I was very, very picky about picking my surgeon. I read the stats about a doctor not being proficient with this surgery until they had 150+ surgeries under his belt. I am a worry wart and was very, very adamant that since I could choose whatever surgeon that I wanted, that I was going to pick someone with a crapload of experience. My surgeon was not the closest one to my house. In fact out of the 5 or so different places I was looking at, my surgeon was the furthest of all three. Well worth the extra time. Remember you are honestly putting your life into this surgeon's hands. Make sure you have done your research! Oh and if you don't feel really satisfied with your surgeon at a consult, how do you think you will feel the day before surgery? Honestly, be sure about this. Be comfortable on who you pick and never let anyone else (your own doctor included) pick your surgeon - you have the choice. Use it well.
4) I don't believe in drama. I am here to support people on OH and on the boards I visit frequently. If you notice, whenever drama comes up on the board (it does from time to time) or there is a "surgery battle", I am not there. I believe in freedom of choice. I believe in giving people information, pointing them to different sources of information but letting them choose for themselves. We make decisions for us and no one else about our religion, our lifestyle etc. so no one else should even attempt to make decisions for us (not even your surgeon!). If I can help you in anyway, let me know...but as for the drama...I won't be there continuing the thread. I believe in moving on as quick as possible and not putting time and energy into fights, name calling or drama of any kind. I think there is enough negative in the world that we don't need to fight about our surgeries. I believe in support.
Email me anytime if you wish to chat!
Dawn
Getting Your *head* into this Surgery
Jul 09, 2008
I think a big part of this surgery is wrapping your head around your new way of eating. Information, information, information has always been my mantra and I prepared and read like crazy before this surgery. I was absolutely steadfast and determined that I was not going to whine, bitch, cheat, or complain throughout my post op eating no matter what. This is again what I mean by wrapping your head around this surgery - building up your positive attitude, being determined that you are going to eat properly and in stages so as not to upset your pouch and knowing full well that life is going to be different as a post op.
I see way too many people who have the surgery and afterwards are already headed down the path within a week or two. It scares me quite honestly. I know that there may be some that suffer a post op kind of depression (post gastric depression?! ) but I think a lot of people don't do their research and set themselves up mentally for the eating afterwards.
I think one way to get yourself prepared before surgery is to start eating healthfully as possible avoiding that "last supper syndrome". I have seen people that were a few weeks away from surgery and eating junkfood to the hilt because they think it will be their last time eating things. The reality is that most things you will be eventually able to eat again down the road. It's now time to start committing yourself to healthy habits to prepare and make your liver shrink.
I do still think that it can be done without going as extreme as optifast...but I can see why probably so many surgeons demand it now as some people seem to have a really slow learning curve. I saw someone a few weeks out eating steak! Goodness, it makes me want to just slap someone! Be good to yourself, be kind. Start adjusting to your new way of eating before surgery. Count the protein, work on sipping and eating slowly, try the shakes -- don't go too crazy but at least start the small steps so that when you are a brand new post op, you won't be completely overwhelmed!!
Please always do your research!
Dawn
Happy Surgiversary to Me!
Jun 30, 2008
Today is my celebration of my 2 years post op. It's been quite the trip let me tell you. Would I do it again? In a heart beat. I feel good, I look pretty good and I'm definitely healthy. Mobility is not an issue at all like it used to be. I no longer am winded going up and down stairs, I no longer worry about fitting in the back seat of someones car, or having to squeeze down aisles in a store or on bleachers to fit anywhere. I am far more active than I used to be. In fact, I logged 25,000 steps on my pedometer the other day. I get bored and I just go and walk halfway across the city now!
All you newbies that are starting out - you have such wonderful "wow"s ahead of you. Write them down. Keep the awful before pictures - you'll be proud of them once you are an "after". Write everything down when you do it for the first time, keep track of your measurements and don't forget to ask others for help and support when you needed. That's why many of us long timers stay around.
If you don't have a support group in your area, start one. Seriously. I started a group with just one person named Teresa. Then Faye joined us and now we range anywhere from 25-50 people at our meetings. The more support you have the better. Support is one of the main predictors of success when it comes to any kind of weight loss. When you shut yourself off from others, the journey can be harder. Reach out to those around you - that's why we are all here.
Am I happy with my results?Totally. I have lost 140+ lbs and am in the best shape since I was in high school. I am a normal person now and its great to be normal. I started off bigger than many others in this surgery at a high of 288 lbs on my 5 foot 3 frame - a bmi of 51. I'm playing with a few pounds here and there trying to figure out this maintenance thing.... but it's great to be normal and not stand out in a crowd any longer.
I think everyone will have a struggle - either with approval, eating or as a post op. My surgery recovery was the easy part, now I struggle with most things in my head. I struggle with seeing myself as a normal person, with some moments of binging (old habits do die hard) and with confidence at times. While I am more confident, the same issues are there whether I am fat or thin so I still battle in my own way at times. I still try to fight eating out of boredom especially in the summer when I'm off of work -- I swear I need to find a second job to keep me busy.
The surgery has done me well - but I have also done well for this surgery. I have been pretty good with exercising although the last year I definitely have not been as good with my exercising as I was my first year. The motivation now waxes and wanes. I always say that Dr. Poplawski rearranged my organs but did not remove my lazy bone! LOL! But I'm definitely overall more active than I used to be. It's nothing for me to just pick up and walk 6 miles to a store. I walk to and home from work most days. I have energy for my students. I would not trade that for the world.
There is no magic potion with weight loss surgery - it seems people have different results with each and every surgery. We all have the things we go through and some of us will have more complications than others. You have to just accept that you will take whatever comes your way. I have been lucky - no complications and no major problems. A few bumps in the road but no major bumps that have thrown off my alignment. =)
My biggest regret? Well I firmly believe that exercising does a lot for us whether it is joining a gym, walking or just being more physically active. My biggest regret is not doing strength training religiously my first year out. For every pound of muscle you gain, it raises your metabolism and you'll always burn more calories even at rest.
Dawn
About Me
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
