This week was my first support group. I was a little nervous and was majorly dreading it. After Group Processes and Practices class semester, I found a new-found disdain for group therapy. I'm not saying that it's not effective and not helpful because group therapy is probably one of the most successful therapies for many diagnoses. It's not just my bag...I need to be comfortable with someone before I share intimate details with people face to face. It was a new experience and I defintely learned some things not only about the group therapy process but about myself.
Anywho, Support Group was not like group class. I learned some things and came back inspired. First, we heard from a guest speaker who talked to use about B12. I did not know that once I have the surgery that my body will no longer be able to absorb B12 through the stomach by ingesting food or supplements. I will either have to have the shot or what he recommends is a mister. I'm fairly certain that I will choose the mister based on price and ease of use. I'm not big on shots.
Next, the facilitator shared information about Halloween candy that is quite the eye opener. The fattiest sugariest candy out there for Halloween is Twix. Because of the extra carbs from the cookie, it makes it the worst. I guessed Reese's but alas I was wrong. He opened up the floor for people who have had surgery to talk about Halloween and the impact that the holiday has on you after surgery. Most of the people in there stated that they stay far far far away from any sugar because of the sickness and such that comes from eating it and there were a few that can not resist certain items. There were some good ideas about how to keep on track during this holiday. One was to hand out pretzels or popcorn. Another idea is to hand out stickers, rulers, and my favorite idea is glow sticks. I may even start this year. Glow sticks are at the dollar tree and kids will LOVE them!
Then, he opened up the floor for updates for those who have had the surgery. There were several that were within 1 month to 1 year out each with his or her individual success. There really didn't seem to be any co-relations between any different items. One woman had surgery in August and had a pre-surgery loss of 42 and a total weight loss of 123 as of yesterday. To me, that is amazing! But my favorite story was a woman who had a pre-surgery loss of 64 pounds and another loss of 296 pounds! She's four years out and just had plastic surgery to remove another 20 pounds of skin! These are the stories we newbies need to hear. This encouragment and you can do it attitude is never more exemplified than by people who have done it/doing it. I loved this story and felt in my being that I have made the right decision because of the people around me during that meeting.
I can honestly say now that I see why they make you go. It's not to have you sit around to hear the sob stories of all those in the group. It's so that you can get all of your fears calmed, questions asked, and support from people who have been there, done that and I like that.
After group, it was almost 8:00pm and we had to drive the long stretch home from Edmond to McAlester. It's not exciting and thankfully I had the sense to download Django before we left so I could keep awake. We stopped at one my favorite restaurants (Cracker Barrel) and had a nice meal. I had grilled chicken which was a good choice; however, I did have mashed potatoes and gravy and hashbrown casserole. I don't feel bad about it. It's my goodbye to bad choices. I gave up pop, I can do this.
So for now, I'm going to enjoy my weekend and enjoy food and have a food funeral weekend. Starting Monday, it's Regime Change in the Muller household that includes 96oz of water, maybe some Powerade Zero, protein shakes, protein bars, lean protein and vegetables. Also, I'm going to walk a little on my lunch so that I'm not missing food at the time because I'm up moving around. It's time to start working on this 10%.
Next week, look forward to hearing about my psych visit, dietician and the plan for me, as well as the excercise plan for me. It's going to be a long hard road, but worth it in the end.
Thanks for listening! Love to hear your encouragment and prayers!
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