Psychological Evaluation

I had my psychological evaluation this morning.  I’m not sure what I was expecting.  I didn’t know if there would be an actual test, or if we would talk about things.

The psychologist was incredibly laid-back.  He was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, and his full-sized poodle came to hang out with us while we talked.  I liked him--he was definitely not what I was expecting.  He had had the sleeve done five years ago and has kept nearly all of it off.  He mentioned that he had gained back a little because he let carbs back into his diet, but that he has gone back to being strict about the carbs and has lost back a good bit of what he had regained.

He just went over a few things with me--like what eating would be like and meals and portions.  He talked about how I would have to change my eating behaviors and that if I overate, it could make me feel bad or nauseous.  He also said that it’s possible to regain a good bit of weight if you eat carbs, especially bread, rice, pasta and potatoes.

It’s all things I knew before, so I felt good about the appointment.  He told me I did fine and that I wasn’t crazy--or at least that I hid the crazy pretty well.  He was funny.  So there’s a hurdle out of the way!  Now I’m waiting to hear from the hospital to set my pre-op testing date, which is usually about 1-2 weeks before the surgery...

Last Pre-Op Travel

This is my last physical journey before my surgery.   My last flight.  My last time trying to squeeze in airplane seats, trying not to allow my fat to ooze over onto the person sitting next to me.  My last time trying to walk to the airplane lavatory while squeezing down the narrow aisle and into the tiny restroom.  My last time to feel guilty that my weight and physical issues are keeping my family from being able to enjoy the trip.  My last time to burst into tears because I have to stop moving and just rest because I’m too overweight to keep going.  My last trip as a morbidly obese woman.

I will stay positive.  I will remind myself that I am moving in a direction of health, happiness, and freedom.  I will not regret what I cannot do this time around; instead I will embrace that I am beginning an even more exciting journey to my good health.

Counting Down: Four Weeks + One Day

I know it seems like an odd count down--4 weeks + 1 day until my surgery.  Although my surgery is in 4 weeks & a day, I will begin my pre-op diet in two weeks!  My pre-op diet lasts for two weeks and then I have a day of liquids before my surgery :)

The big day is coming!!!  So how am I feeling?  I’m feeling good.  I’ve actually noticed that I am getting so sick of food.  I get angry when my husband asks what I want to eat…  I don’t want to even think about food.  I just want to get it out of the way.  

Otherwise, I’m feeling pretty good.  I’ve been cleaning up the house and organizing things.  I feel better when I come home to a clean house, so that will be a help.  I’ve also been cleaning out my fridge/freezer and pantry.

I created my little help book with positive messages and reminders.  I have read and re-read my instructions and other notes I’ve made about bariatric surgery and recovery.  I am as prepared as I feel I can be.  All-in-all, I feel good.  Four weeks and one day.