Need help

[Guest guest]

I am almost 13 months post-op from open RNY (proximal, I think).

Starting weight was 348.5, am stuck now at 204.5. I'm having some

problems, and a friend recommended I join this group. I have a

couple of questions:

1. As per the norm, I notice I can eat more. Even though I know this

is normal, it's still scary sometimes. I know I'm not eating too

much, because I probably wouldn't even be able to finish a kid's meal.

I can eat pretty often if I let myself, though, which is something I

really try to watch. My question is this: At one year post-op, has my

pouch reached full capacity, or will it continue to stretch? I know

some do, but what is the norm? Is there any danger of stretching the

stoma at this point?

2. Have any of you ever developed bumulic-like symptoms after WLS? In

the past month, I've been going through some emotional stuff and I

have realized that I'm still self-medicating with food. A couple of

times a week, I have eaten to the point of being physically

ill, thrown up, and continued to eat. To say I'm scared by this

behavior is an understatement. I immediately went back to my

counselor, which I know is exactly where I need to be. She wanted me

to notify my surgeon, which I have done. I feel like such a

failure--being the perfectionist that I am, this is SOOOOOOOOOO hard

for me. She's also got me keeping a food journal outlining what I'm

eating, the time of day, and how I feel when I eat. Even telling the

counselor about all of this was hard for me--I am scared that any

complications post-op will prevent others from getting approval.

That's the way I am, I take the weight of the world on my shoulders,

but I KNOW that I have to do what's necessary to take care of

myself and am trying to do just that.

Didn't mean to get so long here, but would love to hear from others

who have been through similar things. Thanks.

=====

Gates

MSN: inala

AIM: kareninalb

Open RNY 10/8/02,

Dr. Mora, Prattville, AL

348.5/200.5/proud & healthy!