Just posting some thoughts, lottle over 2 years post op

[Numbers]

Something that does not get talked about enough, or at least to me seems like it does not. I really did not hear much of this conversation pre-op.

A clinical definition of trauma is "too much, too fast, too soon".

When we consider weight loss surgery consider the changes to the body, I would say that losing 2/3 of your stomach, over the course of a few minutes would be considered "too fast". It's a big change to your body, and it happens in practically an instant.

Consider the impact on the body, radical changes as your body flushes toxins held in the stored fat your body is consuming for energy over the weeks after surgery. I would say it's "too much".

And the weight loss, throwing out old clothes (I still have size 44 leather motorcycle pants from Harley Davidson I paid like $500 for, and just now can let go of), the radical bodily transformation that took me from size 44" pants to size 32", from XXL underwear to size M. Consider the transition on family, friends, relationships when literally, you lose the weight of an entire person in the course of months. I think that can be called "too soon".

As such, this can, and likely will, cause trauma.

Trauma is defined as "a deeply distressing or disturbing experience", or a "physical injury to the body". We get a lot of counseling and talk here often about the physical part of the trauma from this surgery, but there is a very real mental/emotional trauma for many, myself included.

So I suggest you really do talk to the therapist recommended by your doctor, find one who you can work through the roller coaster emotions you are likely to experience, the loss of a truly close friend (food), the strains it may put on your relationships, etc. The world will not change after surgery, but you will. And in that, your old ways of coping and dealing with the world may not work the same after surgery.

I am glad I have had this done, I am proud of my, and your, accomplishments, but it's a lot more than just getting surgery. There was a reason we needed the surgery, and food was not the reason. That reason will likely remain after surgery. To ME, that is a really important issue to address.

[Alynn]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, somethings to think about!

[Christie13]

Definitely something to consider. I think this need for therapy varies from person to person. I think some people can get by with having a good support network while others need professional therapy. It is as individual as each persons sleeve journey.

[Ann2]

I gotta say, Numbers -- you are singing a very different tune these days. Good on you for pushing so hard on the edges.

[Kindle]

There was a reason we needed the surgery, and food was not the reason. That reason will likely remain after surgery........that is a really important issue to address.

....just want to make sure everyone reads this part and realizes how important it really is to long term success.

[Shirl]

Aho!!!

It always circles around to how much self awareness one is willing to embrace/embark/undertake. Those that don't are like those folks who are drowning and praying for a miracle, and every time a lifeboat comes by to rescue them they don't go on board in hopes for their miracle.

[RHDB]

My biggest problem or complaint was not so much that I changed -- my personality, how I viewed myself and how I felt about myself -- but that everybody else's around me did. They would make stupid comments like "I bet you feel more confident now, huh?" to which I really wanted to reply, "No, not really. Confident was walking into a room at 325 and acting like I wasn't that big, was beautiful and had something to contribute to the world. No a days I walk into a room and I have people automatically gravatating to me because I'm a size 8-10 and more beautiful now in their eyes." People who I had known forever changed in how they treated me -- wanted to come up and talk, wanted to include me and wanted to be my friend now. I know some reading this will say that I probably had an attitude change but I can honestly say not that much -- it was them changing to like me better now that I look so much different and more what they like. You really start to see who people can be and it's not always pretty.