8 Days Until Surgery. Counselling.

I have been spending a lot of time on Facebook Bariatric Support Group pages.  I'm finding that it is really common in the U.S. to just apply for the surgery and then just get it (if covered by insurance).  Often a 3-5 month wait.  Which is really different than Canada.  There is not really any counselling in many places in regards to this surgery.

In Manitoba we have been educated on all kinds of different aspects.  It was the first time I met with a psychologist.  Kinda fun.  I've really appreciated that!  I've learned a lot.  Most people that get this surgery have a food addiction.  When addictions are removed they are often replaced with other addictions.

I have been counselled over the last year by doctors, dieticians, a kinesiologist, and a psychologist from Winnipeg.  Also by psychologists request, I have been seeing a counselor locally.  My counsellor is amazing and has become a "secret friend".  We have laughed and cried at every session.  And my life has changed with the things I have worked out there.

I have learned everything from how to deal with emotional eating, and the diet plan and exercise plan, to why I have used my weight as a defence mechanism.  How to handle post-surgery jealousy of those that wish they could lose weight, and strengthening my marriage in order to make it through the changes.

Counselling is hard.  Yes, that is true.  But rewarding.  It strengthens you and helps you to overcome wounds from the past.  Personally, I know that my "life wounds" contributes to my weight problem.

I am a strong believer in forgiveness.  There is no one in my life that I have not forgiven.  But healing the wounds is the real work.  Everyone has wounds, but not everyone is willing to deal with them because it DOES put us though some pain.  If you have wounds, I encourage you to deal with them.  It will be so much more rewarding in the end.

Food and my over weight  body have been a coping mechanism.  But I truly believe that we, as beautiful creations of God, have been given the gift of healing and wholeness.  It won't always come easy.  So I will do everything that I know how to do to heal my wounds and take care of myself to the best of my ability.  I believe God wants us to work at being the best that we can be so that we can be a blessing to those around us.

Day 7 of the fast:  Feeling good!!  It DOES get easier!