I do thank all of you for your kind words. I have printed the pouch rules for dummies out but haven't had time to read any of it yet. I do have good news to add to my depressing story..
After college I was a PE teacher and coach for two years before moving back to South Dakota and getting married. I couldn't get a teaching job, so started working at a property management firm. We have 500 units in South Dakota. Now, my husband and I are in the process of purchasing the business from my boss. They are retiring and selling. Talk about stress!
I went to school to be a PE teacher not a business owner! I am very confident in the business, just not myself and how the business end of it works.
One of my biggest motivations for having wls was my children. I wanted to spend a long life and see all of their achievements throughout the years. I wanted to take them to ball practice, dance class, etc. and not have the other kids make fun of them because of their fat mother! I think this feeling increased after my son was born.
If I were to give anyone advise about the surgery, I would say "stay off of the scale!" I found it so fun to get on the scale every morning and watch it go down 2 pounds a day. But it didn't last. I am now lucky if it goes down 2 pounds in 2 weeks! Recently I took the scale and put it in the closet. I don't want to see that thing for a month or two! The fear of regaining is so real and I think others feel the same.
Once again, thanks for this wonderful place to share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences with such good people!