Last Supper Syndrome

I was telling my therapist I'm afraid as my surgery date approaches I'm going to get the "last supper" syndrome and have a last supper at all of my favorite restaurants and gain extra pounds before surgery which would equal more weight to lose. So she had me do this writing therapy that worked for me and hopefully can help someone else. She had me make a list of my favorite restaurants that I had eaten at in the last month in one column. She had me write down in the second column what I ordered. We then went over the list I realized that as a post-op, I'm still going to be able to have most of the things I order at my favorite restaurants, just in much smaller portions! Like grilled chicken salad... I can have vegetables and chicken, as a post-op, just not for a few weeks or months. I will be able to drink tea post-op! I can still eat the inside of a taco from Taco Bell and the pintos and cheese post-op. It's not going to be so bad! It will be bad for a while with bland food choices, but it won't be that way forever. I know I won't know what food sensitivities I might have as a post-op, and I may or may not have dumping syndrome. But the point of the exercise is to start building health eating habits now as a pre-op, and avoid falling into the 'last-supper' syndrome. How has everyone else been avoiding Last Supper Syndrome?

Hey there. I totally know what you are going through. I have been going through the 'last supper' phase for almost a month. A few days ago I went to the doc and learned that I gained 10 lbs. 10 lbs that is going to add more stress on my aching spine. I have become disgusted with myself and tomorrow I am going to a physical therapy center to work out. The last supper phase ends after a few weeks, now it is just kind of depression. I just can't wait to get my date. The writing therapy sounds like a good idea. I majored in psychology in college and that sounds like a reasonable approach. See- that's the problem with majoring in psychology- we can identify all of our issues- but we still have them =) I just wanted to let you know I know how you feel; you are not alone! =) take care, kim

The writing exercise sounds like a great idea! I, too, have a Psychology degee but it hasn't done me much good with my weight issues. I tell people that I know just enough to be dangerous I think I'll try it. I hope it can help me keep from totally pigging out while I wait for insurance approval & a date. Vickie J.

My Last Supper Syndrome lasted 6 months, (the time I decided to have surgery till I was able to travel and do it)... I gained +- 20 lbs. I do not recomend doing so, but I think it did get a lot out of my system and helped me cope with the grieving process, everyone is different and we all have complex issues and relationships with food. Good Luck, don't over do it. Say good-bye in a nice way, but don't hurt yourself. -Flávia