Weight Loss Surgery

Today was my last visit with the Psychologist at the Weight Center. I have been going through the long process of preparing for gastric by pass surgery at the local Weight Loss Center. I began this process back in June with two mandatory orientation sessions, then off to see the Dr. for an initial consultation and physical in September. He requested records and past medical information from my Primary Dr., the sleep center (I have sleep apnea) and the cardiologist where I had some tests done recently. While he waited for all of those records I was told to see the Psychologist (Oct.) then the Nutritionist (November) and then to the Pre surgical skills classes that were held for four weeks during December. I enjoyed meeting both the psychologist and the nutritionist; they were wonderful in explaining how important being prepared for all of the changes would be. Everyone has been so encouraging and helpful; they really want you to succeed at this. The pre surgical classes were great. I met some of the nicest people who have struggled, like me, with weight issues for a long time. I think that some of us formed a bond that will keep us connected through the process. We still keep in touch via e-mail and will see each other at the monthly post surgery support group that meets once a month.

I began the exercise physiology classes (there are 5 of them) in December, the last one will be next week. That class has been informative and fun. It's not really an exercise class but more a class to teach you how to exercise and to help you stay motivated and to teach you how to begin a program and stick with it by making it as enjoyable as possible. I guess I had my doubts about this class but I did learn a great deal and have put lots of new things into practice. So I guess it is doing what it is intended to do.

Today was my last visit with the Psychologist and she has made the decision to send me on to the surgeon’s office for the initial consultation with him. I am on my way!!! I should know in a week or two when that appointment will be and I am hopeful that I will be able to have the surgery before the end of April. Keep your fingers crossed.

As I mentioned in my last post I am having some issues with a teenager at my house. I did have a discussion with him last night and laid it all out on the table. He knows what I expect of him and what the requirements are. I asked him to just listen to what I had to say and not to respond. I wanted him to go and think about what he was going to say. I didn’t want him to get real defensive and fly off the handle. He did listen, and he did tell me that nothing I was asking for was unreasonable. He did tell me that he would sit down with me over the weekend and talk about all of this again. So I am hopeful, but not very confident that he will make the changes I have requested. I love him and I want the best for him. It is such a hard thing when you want more for your child then they want for themselves. I have to have faith that someday this will all work itself out and he will be fine.