A healthy good morning on this fine Wednesday

Hello to all. I don't post very often, am mostly a lurker. I am finding though that I feel I need some support from those who understand, my fellow WLS pals. Does anyone ever feel like they're happy that they've had surgery, happy with their results and feel blessed and fortunate...there are so many folks out there who can't have this surgery for whatever reasons (health, financial, etc.) but have a hard time with the fact that they had to have surgery for something that they've done to theirself? I feel upset with myself, especially after I've eaten a donut or something that is not healthy for me, that I had to surgically fix something that I caused myself and I'm not giving it 100%. I don't allow myself to overeat, really, and don't gain more than 4 pounds before doing something about it....but does anyone feel like this? It's a bit depressing, really. I see people when I'm out and know that I do not ever want to be that big again. I'm rambling, sorry. I guess I'm just a bit depressed with things in my life right now and don't really know what I'm doing. Kim P.

Kim, there's probably not a handful, if any people out there who have had wLS and don't eat carbs/sugar/etc at times. It sounds like you're watching and limiting them, so that's the main thing. We can't deny ourselves food we like at times. You may find there's certain things you can't tolerate well and so you avoid them (mine's fried chicken...doesn't go down at all). It's OKAY to eat sweets, breads at times, just don't go overboard. It sounds like you have it under control. Hope you get happier! Karla

I am nine months pregnant and currently the queen of pouch rule breaking. I have gained over 30 pounds with the pregnancy. Obviously, I am eating - A LOT! All that being said, I had surgery to help me. I did think it would cure me. I also did not think that the surgery would be a diet for a lifetime. I saw the surgery as a tool to help me lose weight by making better choices, eating smaller quantities, restricting types of food (or at least punishing me when I make a bad choice). I did see myself eating all types of food, in controlled amounts. Even being pregnant, I cannot sit down and eat a whole pizza, bag of chips, pint of ice cream like before surgery. Also, this surgery rearranges the anatomy of your stomach and intestines. It does nothing for your brain. This is my biggest struggle, the head hunger - I have always been a night time snacker and continue to find myself searching for that nighttime snack. Good luck with your continuing journey... God Bless, Jen

Kim, there are many of us that feel the same way. I can say that you shouldn't DENY yourself. Sometimes, having a treat here and there IS taking part in a healthy diet. I certainly allow a donut, some chips, cake, ice cream.....but in moderation. Now, I will say that I've been overdoing it lately. So I certainly need to make some changes...BIG TIME. But I'd like to get back to my healthy way of eating. This surgery have certainly taught me just that...eating healthy. I too am battling with a little bit of depression right now. So I think that's why my eating has been outta control, which makes me even more depressed because i'm outta control. Thank you so much for sharing, and know that you are not alone, girl! April

Hey there Kim Nice to see you on the board. Well you know my story (post below). I am not sorry I had the surgery. I probably would be dead or close to it by now if I didn't. I haven't gained any wait but I am not losing (staying within the same 5 pounds for months now). I do have to get back to the "rules" and stop being a dope. I know what I need to do and I just need to whip myself back into shape and do it. I have been under so much stress lately. I am looking for a job and I hate this. I am close on 3 now and waiting is just agony so I eat "crap". I know that I am just hurting myself but still I do it. Yesterday I ate a whole bag of Chex Mix trail mix sweet and salty. Then walked calmly to the bathroom and All gone chex mix. I knew it would happen but I finished the whole darn thing anyway. Don't know why I bought it in the first place. But hang out here with us....we can get through this together Sending hugs, Ronna

Hi Kim, glad you posted.. I think we all struggle with decisions we make with our food. I did not have this surgery to be forever on a diet but I do feel guilt when I eat something that i should be more careful of putting in my mouth. I guess for me I will always feel the guilt.... Good luck! Hugs Chris