Question:
Has anyone read 'The Hunger Within' book. Was it helpful?
Hi all- I am still pre-op, but some of my co-workers are taking a 12 week series based off of the book, "The Hunger Within". I am considering taking the series too. Has anyone read this book to deal with emotional issues post-op? Did it help you? I know that I am going to need some mental health support of some kind after surgery and am looking for the best avenue to do it in. Just wondering what everyone is thinking. Thanks!--Amy — amysocko (posted on April 3, 2006)
April 3, 2006
Are you sure you are ready for WLS?? Why do you think you will need help
with emotional issues? Have you ever been to a support group meeting within
your town? This is best way to deal with questions, and get honest
answers. Have you been seen by the Shrink yet. They are there to evaluate
your situation. This is going to be the biggest journey of your life you
ever have been on. You should take time to research out just what we have
been through and how everyone handles the situations. If at this time you
are depressed etc, it is only going to get worse, and I know some doctors
will NOT perform the surgery. Before you get to far you really need to
visit the shrink who is experienced in WLS
Good Luck
— Steve Cohen
April 3, 2006
Amy,
Its good you recognize issues and I think the class would be a good coping
skill for you. Especially post op. There are so many things that come up
that we have buried in our fat that to have a skill to help us not eat our
way back to where we came helps alot. I think I will look this book up on
Amazon and check it out. I appreciate you bringing this up! I wish you
lots of luck with your new journey. You will do well.
— dcox94
April 3, 2006
Hi Steve-
With all do respect, anyone who has been obese since the age of 9 is going
to have an adjustment period after surgery. I never said that I was majorly
depressed, only that this is a total and complete life change. I expect to
have all kinds of emotions while I go through this process. I am very ready
for surgery and psychologically sound. This is probably the most thought
out decision that I have ever made.
— amysocko
April 4, 2006
Hi Amy,
I think that you should do the series. I am 3 1/2 years post-op and I know
from myself and other support group members that old eating issues do
surface the further out from surgery you get. I believe any steps you take
to make yourself healthy and happy both physically and mentally are worth
taking. By you being a part of this site and asking such good questions to
gain all the information possible, will help ensure your success with WLS.
Please do not let other comments made by some posters discourage you. You
deserve support and I wish you the best. It sounds like you have a great
group of co-workers and I definitely suggest you take the series. Best of
luck to you.
— [Deactivated Member]
April 4, 2006
Hi Amy, I have not read the book your a talking about in your question.
But I do know that most or all of us that have had WLS has food/ emotional
issues or we wouldn't have needed surgery to lose weight. Prior to surgery
and soon after surgery, I faced my issues which were emotional eating and
boredom eating. Any book that will help us grow, learn, and develop to
become healthier people is a great book. I would say read it!!! One
really big thing that helped me 'change' my way of thinking about food is
the fact that I truly wanted this surgery very much. I knew the pro's and
con's to it and I accepted it all. I went in (to surgery) knowing that I
would have to change my eating habits, I went in knowing I would have to
take supplements/ vitamins everyday for the rest of my life, I went into
surgery knowing I would have to make sure I got at least 70 grams of
protein a day, I went in knowing that this was life altering; FOREVER...
I feel that has helped me reframe my feelings regarding food and accepting
this life long alteration. I wanted this surgery to get my health back and
to be able to be part of life again. I just wanted to share what I think
helped me the most dealing with the emotional part of the surgery. My best
to you on this life changing journey. There is nothing I would change
about it for me. Smiles, Jenna RNY 8/2/05 start weight- 260 current
weight- 142. Feeling great and loving it!!!
— jstatkus
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