Question:
WhWhy do so many post-ops resort to fast food within a few weeks of surgery?
I've read hundreds of profiles and belong to several e-groups...I have read of many people that eat chili from Wendy's, pizza, theatre popcorn, drink colas, eat candy, etc...I thought the whole point of having this major surgery was to use it as a tool for health and wellness? I do not mean to offend anyone but I can't have my stomach opened up, rearranged and cut out only to destroy it with unhealthy foods!!!!! I can't even tolerate foods like that now!!!!! I am pre-op (obviously) and really want to know if the post-op food issues are those I need to prepare myself for--I'm terrified that I will be able to eat anything I want and not get sick, therefor, overeat and defeat the purpose of the surgery! Help--I just want to understand!!!!! — [Anonymous] (posted on November 27, 2001)
November 26, 2001
I know what you mean. I am post op 2 years, lost about 65%
of the amount I was over weight and still struggle to lose
the last 30 pounds. And I haven't set foot in a fast food
place one time since my surgery. I will confess in the last
6 months I have had popcorn at the movies a couple times. But
I am so scared of going back to square one that I just don't
want to take the risks. Maybe some of these folks have had
distal surgeries and have a lot of malabsorption to help
them out. I don't and I don't ever what to repeat this
surgery as I'm not getting any younger. Just stick to the foods your
surgeon allows
and leave the fast foods in the past. It wasn't good for
you then and even if you never gain an ounce because of eating fast
food in the future it still isn't good for you.
— [Anonymous]
November 26, 2001
I am 6 months post op and often ask myself the same thing. I also read and
hear about alot of people that eat fast food and do fine. I am not one of
them. The only thing I have eaten at a fast food restaraunt is a chef or
grilled chicken salad at McDonald's with fat free Herb Vinnagrette dressing
(which is surprisingly good!) I know that for myself, I have changed my
eating habits completely and have no desire for anything that is loaded
with fat or isn't going to do my body good. I just know myself
psychologically and that I am not ready for that. I may never be and I am
fine about that. I look at this surgery as the tool it took to get me to a
healthy lifestyle, and I don't want to ever get away from that again.
Everyone keeps asking me if I will ever have a piece of cake again, and my
answer is "if the urge ever becomes so strong that nothing will
substitue, then I may allow myself one bite, but for today I haven't had
that overwhelming urge, so why bother?" For me, The surgery not only
changed me physically, but also mentally. If I crave something sweet I eat
Fat free sugar free stuff, there is some good stuff out there. If I go to a
restearaunt I order things I know are good for me. Last night we went to a
chinese buffet and I ate the fresh shrimp, a bit of sushi and some green
beans. I was full and satisfied,and for dessert I had some melon. I sipped
my tea while evryone had ice cream and went home feeling very satisfied.
Just go into this knowing what your personal goals are, stick to them
without going so far as to make yourself feel deprived, and think of how
healthy you will be. Make sure you exercise as I think that is my main
motivation for really eating healthy, and you will do great. Best of luck
to you on your journey...
— Vicki K.
November 26, 2001
My surgery is scheduled for November 29 and I often wonder the same things
about the fast food - especially the mashed potatos and gravy from KFC. I
can't imagine eating that now, much less after major surgery. As for
Wendy's chili - it is very low fat. I have a very good friend who has a
severe cholesterol problem and Wendy's chili is the ONLY fast food her
doctor allows her to eat. She does get the side salad (with no dressing)
and the baked potato with no toppings from Wendy's too.
I think the problem may be that so many people just don't cook. We, as a
society, are so used to grabbing food on the run that it is a very hard
habit to break.
I am having open RNY and I pray that I dump. I also pray that I have the
strength and fortitude not to test to see if I dump. I can't even imagine
having one of the procedures that allows you to eat anything - I NEED the
negative reinforcement to make sure I leave the sweets and high fats
alone.
Sorry if I rambled.
Patty
— Patty_Butler
November 26, 2001
I hope my answer makes sense and doesn't upset anyone ... I am 9 months
post-op and have lost 150+ lbs. I am way ahead of my doctor's projections.
Secrets to my success? I don't deny myself ANYTHING. I've learned from
years of dieting that constantly telling yourself "NO" makes you
want something even more. Then you eventually end up having way more of it
than you should. I have really tried to work on the premise that no foods
are bad, as long as they're eaten in moderation. So, yes, I'm one of those
people who occasionally enjoys fast food, popcorn, candy, coffee, soda pop,
etc. I don't consider these foods bad, because I no longer abuse them.
For example, pre-op, I would order a super value meal from McDonald's which
included a Big Mac, super-size fries, a super-size coke and then I'd get a
cheese danish for dessert. Now, I occasionally visit McDonald's and order
a single cheeseburger. (2000 calories vs. 300 calories) Pre-op, I would
order a large popcorn with butter everytime I went to the movies. Now, I
occasionally eat the top layer off my husband's small unbuttered popcorn.
(1800 calories vs. 150 calories) I used to be able to down an entire bag
of M&Ms myself in one sitting. Now, post-op, I will have a small
serving of candy, eating it over the course of a few days. (2500 calories
vs. 200 calories) Pre-op, I could easily down a 32 oz. vanilla double
latte (caffeinated). Now, I have an 8 oz. decaf with Sweet 'n Low
approximately once a month. Pre-op, I drank 4-5 Mountain Dews a day. Now,
I enjoy 8 oz. of ginger ale only when we're eating out. Do you see the
difference? I am still making moderate choices, but I haven't deprived
myself of the foods that make life fun. I hope this helps you understand.
Just because you have this surgery doesn't mean you will stop desiring
stuff that is "bad" for you, but in moderation, nothing is really
that bad for you. Every single thing I listed was less than 300 calories,
which is not going to set you back much in the long run, unless you make an
everyday habit of these small indulgences. I agree that some people could
never have these "bad" foods, because their metabolisms would
rebel and make them gain weight. Fortunately, I am a young person (28) who
works out 4 times a week for 2 hours a shot. I have a good metabolism and
have never had trouble losing weight; just keeping it off! I got fat
because I went crazy with food. I don't do that anymore. For me, I haven't
found that "cheating" a little bit has slowed me down in the
slightest, but I know this isn't the case for everyone. I wish you all
luck and hope you find an eating plan that works for YOU.
— [Anonymous]
November 26, 2001
I just wanted to say that I totally agree with the last poster that said
she doesn't deny herself. Makes sense. I'm 2 months post-op and I used to
wonder the same thing about why people were eating food from fast food
restraunts. But, now, I understand that such foods as Wendy's chili, Taco
Bell refried beans etc. are great, hearty foods post-op (that is if your
tummy can handle it). As for mashed potatoes and gravy from KFC...all I
can say is YUM! No matter how much you think you are committed, there will
come a time after surgery where you are weak, tired, run down, dehydrated
and just craving "somethng"--wether it's pickled pigs feet, steak
or KFC mashed potatoes. For me, the mashed potatoes and gravy from KFC
came at a time that I needed substinance--I hadn't had anything to eat,
barely anything to drink and I was falling asleep standing up. I've had
Wendy's chili (without any cheese) and it was wonderfully satisfying. Gave
me the energy to actually do something that day. Just know that post-op
you will learn so much more about your diet than you could ever know pre-op
because you just don't know what you're going to be able to handle. Maybe
you'll be the one that can't tolerate beef--hence no chili.
But, I don't deprive myself either. I stay away from sugar totally. I
have little to no carbs. I eat foods low in fats and calories. I've lost
70 lbs in 2 months and I feel like a million $$$$$$ Good Luck to
you
— Kristin R.
November 26, 2001
First of all let me begin by saying my surgeon does not have us
"diet" anymore. His patients are encouraged to live a normal
lifestyle. Most of those that answered are pre-op and haven't actually
faced the post op food "dilemma". That being not being able to
eat more than a couple bites of something. I wasn't able to eat what I had
prepared for the family, so I would go and find something that someone else
had prepared-KFC mashed potatoes and beans from Taco Bell. I would then
enjoy my 2-3 bites. These items are very inexpensive and made me feel that
I was again part of the human race and able to eat somewhat normal foods.
Early post op you will feel that you will never eat normally again and it
is very disconcerting. So, to be able to eat what appears to be what others
can eat is reassuring that this stage won't last forever. About 3 months
post op, the only thing that I wanted was a crunchy taco from Taco Bell. I
broke off the extra shell and had about 1/2 of the rest and I was
completely satisfied. I went on vacation with my family and it was a
"game" to them to find mom a taco bell so she could get her taco.
It helped them feel like they were participating with me. I would have
these tacos about 5 times a week. My surgeon said they were a good choice
and satisfied that need for flavor. Since then I have enjoyed other items
from taco bell several times a week without guilt. I am not into burgers or
fries, but will occasionally have a salad or soup. Here where I live chili
and spaghetti are big items and I will have those occasionally. The need to
feel normal and enjoy life are more important to me than worrying about my
diet all of the time. I will not deprive myself anymore. Deprivation and
guilt are what led me to be MO. I'm not going back. Fortunately, with this
surgery, the things that I want are so different than pre-op. It isn't that
I tell myself that since I had surgery I shouldn't have high sugar or fat
foods. I physically do not want them. They no longer appeal to me at all. I
don't want cakes, cookies, etc. so I'm not feeling deprived. If I ever do
want them, I will have a little and be done. Feeling guilty and avoiding
"bad" foods is why I became fat. In my book, there is no such
thing as a bad food anymore. Enjoying select fast food items has kept my
sanity and I am thankful I was able to have it. BTW-Surgery 1/8/01- 263 now
128. So, these occasional treats have not hindered my weight loss at all.
Shelley
— Shelley.
November 26, 2001
I dieted myself right up to 410 lbs by eating weird food, cutting out all
carbs or all protien or dancing under a full moon chanting out out bad fat.
I didn't get myself cut open and rearranged to continue the insanity. I see
this as an opportunity to establish a realistic relationship with food, one
that will carry me through the rest of my life. Very few naturally thin
people have taboos for weight reasons (they might for religious or personal
beliefs) they just eat until they are full, then stop. I find now a bite of
something satisfies me, instead of having to eat the entire supersize meal,
a small hamburger usually picked out of the bun and two of Jim's fries and
I've had my burger king fix for weeks. As to why I eat out sometimes,
because we are out shopping and I'm actually hungry, gut rumbling feels
like my backbone is touching my ribs hungry, something I hardly ever got
before surgery when I ate whenever, hungry or not, and it seems normal to
go to wendy's and get a small chili. Personally I love to cook, still do,
and we don't eat out that much, fast food or not, but I'm in this for
weight loss, for health, and for sanity.
Good luck on your journey, whichever path you decide is right for you.
— Becky K.
November 26, 2001
Anything in moderation is my motto. As others have said some of the foods
you mentioned are really healthy choices. NONE of us were able to stick to
a strict diet pre op so what did the surgeon do to our brains that will
make us perfect? We are just human..... Given that I TRY to make good
choices, and feel so much better since surgery, Down 94 pounds I have
surpased the 70% lost goal way ahead of schedule. The malabsorbtion of the
RNY will hopefully help me to keep the weight off.Now I may regain over 7
years and up. But the drug companies are working hard for a true safe
effective diet pill. It will make them rich. So I HOPE my oss lasts long
enough for a pill to be available.
— bob-haller
November 26, 2001
I think that one of the reason's diets failed for me was because they were
too restrictive. I always felt deprived! I never have been a huge fan of
fast food, but I have occasionally dined on the fare. In fact, I manage a
Pizza Hut, LOL! But, I agree with other posts, a little bit isn't going to
hurt you and most of us seem to be in agreement that we didn't have this
surgery so we could just turn around and resume our poor or excessive
eating habits. We learn control and to make better choices and our
downsized tummies help us realize signifcant weight lose as we adjust to
the changes. If you allow yourself to get out of control, you either reel
yourself back in and do better the next day or you'll find yourself gaining
weight back. But, if a trip to your favorite fast food restaurant is a
treat for you, don't deny yourself and enjoy it once in a while. If you're
out shopping or traveling, you have to eat and there are good food choices
available at most fast food restaurants, as other posts have pointed out.
— Susan M.
November 26, 2001
It is really simple....once again, our stomachs are operated on but not our
brains! You still want some of these things but not as much. Your body
won't let you eat very much of it. By the way, what's wrong with Wendy's
Chili? It is low fat, full of fiber and protein. I know it is hard to
understand if you are preop but you will understand after you are operated.
Don't worry the surgery
is 100% worth it and then some. You gain control from the surgery but you
don't have to become a "food monk" abstaining from everything you
once loved!
— [Anonymous]
November 26, 2001
I've heard people say they ate cheesburger two weeks after wls
also and it completely mystifies me! I didn't have any appetite
for food at all for 7 or 8 months, I had to force myself to eat
and balancing food with my water intake was a real challenge. Even
now...three years post-op....I can't eat bready foods like burger buns,
pizza, donuts because they fill me up too quickly and I can't take that
"stuffed" feeling. My friend who had her rny a year after I had
mine
actually ate a bag of Doritos one week after surgery! But, she went on to
lose 90lbs. and to get down to a size 8. So. no harm was done. If you
really
want to maximize your weight loss and to stay healthy, follow the advice of
your
surgeon and your nutritionist. But, remember that one one is pefect...we
are all
human and we're all going to treat or a snack or something that we
shouldn't have.
As long as it doesn't happen too often, it's ok.
— [Anonymous]
November 27, 2001
Hi, I occasionaly go to Taco Bell and eat the insides of the soft tacos.
Other than that I have not visited any other fast food places. Not that I
won't in the future, but just haven't had the desire. It's not really the
fast food places, it the choices. You can go to Burger King, and get a
salad, or a grilled chicken sandwich, or you can order the bad food, I.E.
Whopper with Heavy mayo. It's all about making smart choices, wherever you
eat at. I for one would have never got this surgery if I thought I could
never eat at a fast food place again. The main reason for this surgery is
to gain control, not deprive yourself. Your human, you gotta live a
little!
— [Anonymous]
November 27, 2001
Hey there. I too noticed the same thing you did when I was pre-op.
But...let me welcome you to the real world. Firstly chili...even from
Wendy's is high in protein so it is good! Now, so much of your recovery is
mental. You learned to eat 'your' way when you were a child. That is many
many many years of habit and coping mechanisms that you have engrained into
your brain. When you are post op, you may have all the best intentions to
eat a certain way, but your body will have other ideas. Sometimes, just to
be able to say you went to Burger King and ate 1/2 of a Whopper Junior will
be all it takes to get your mindset back to where it should be. When you
dieted in the past, you focused on salads and fruit and vegetables. Now
you will be focusing on protein, protein, and protein. I think that some
people do push the limits of their surgery, testing the limits, but I for
one have not gone thru all this to sabatage myself. Besides, the quantity
that you can eat is no where near what you ate before surgery. I think
things balance out after a few months and the 'thrill' of being able to eat
at McDonalds is past. Hope this helps! Judy*
— Judy N.
November 27, 2001
"Never go to excess, but let moderation be your guide." -
Cicero<br><br>"The secret of all success is to know how to
deny yourself. Prove that you can control yourself, and you are an educated
man; and without this all other education is good for nothing." -
Hitchcock
— [Anonymous]
November 27, 2001
I can already see it. It is 1 am, I am coming home from the library, the
grocery store is closed, the deli is closed, have no food at home, but am
hungry. The only thing open is Taco Bell, Mcdonalds, Burger King, and a
slew of other fast food places. What to do?
— Tara J.
May 21, 2002
This past weekend I ate fast food twice. I am 6 weeks post op. My 3 kids,
husband and I were traveling 7 hours from home to go to a long awaited
family reunion. I ate 2 chicken nuggets from McD's, and some taco bell
pinto's and cheese the other time. It was pretty handy to be able to stop
and eat with the rest of the family instead of digging through the pop up
camper to find the cooler with 'my' food in it. I felt kinda guilty for
eating it at the time though. Pre op, I had the mind set "If I'm
going to go and have my body mutilated to loose weight, then I'll be darned
if I'm gonna eat that way again" Well, it is also important to feel
normal. By the way, afer I got home from my camping trip I had broken a
2.5 week plateau by loosing 7 pounds! yay!
— A. S.
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