The real test is beginning.....

Wow, I don't mean to sound negative but, looking back, the waiting for insurance, the pre-op testing, the surgery, the recovery, it seemed easier than now...the new life. Yes, I'm eating better, and I havn't stuck to walking for this long, and I have lost weight. Yes, I feel better, but saying "no" to foods I love is hard, and sad. This post-op stuff is harder than I thought it would be. It's hard to see a goal and know that is it is still far away. Reality is setting in that the "old way" of binging and having food as my primary coping mechinism isn't going to work anymore. I'm glad I'm in therapy, but on a daily basis, the sacrifices I'm making don't equal the number on the scale. Even though I know in my head that my body is benefitting....my heart is breaking over the loss of my favorite foods and large portions. I need some post-op support Deb Paul.....my husband and I have VERY different views on food...food was never his best friend

I know what you mean. Having WLS surgery sure takes the fun out of eating! And you're still freshly post op enough not to be able to see the REAL benefits. It took me along time to figure out food wasn't my best friend. Sure it's always there, but while eating it may feel good for awhile, eventually, it will turn on you. Food is a crutch. Feeling GOOD is so much better. Patience was never a virtue, but if you consider how long it took for you to get at your largest, and only a year to loose it- it kind of puts things into perspective. You'll get through this phase, and move on to finding other things to do besides eat. It just takes awhile. Just keep on keeping on, and it will sneak up on you when you least expect it! Jeri H. -70 7/11/03

Hi Deb, I am not yet post-op, but I have already been having anxiety about this very issue. My aunt whom is 2 months post-op is having this same problem as you. I wish I had some MAGICAL words to speak to you that would make you feel better. All's that I can do Deb is say this "I am thinking of you and willing to lend you an ear if you ever need a phone call or have someone to talk through this with". Take care of yourself and I pray things start to look a bit brighter for you soon! XXXOOO

Hi Deb- I'm sorry to hear that things emotionally have been difficult. We have a love/hate relationship with food, don't we? My idea of a great evening would be to rent a movie and sit in my livingroom with lots of munchies, or to go to a great restaurant, or to cook some of my favorite fattening comfort food. In our culture, food is everywhere we look- and we're also enticed to supersize everything- so much that it is economically a better deal if we do. We all have different reasons for overeating. For some, it is a comfort for things gone wrong in our lives, for others it is just plain that we love to eat! For many it is truly an addiction like any other vice. Probably for most of us, it is a combination of these things. So now that you have decided to do something about your battle with food, you have to change the focus of your life. You have already lost 40 lbs- that is awesome, and it will keep coming off, which will make it easier to figure out what your new focus will be. I haven't had the surgery yet, so I haven't faced these things yet, but I have thought about the fact that the role of food will have to change in my life. I know that there is a life out there for me where food doesn't have such a hold on me. I know you will get through this slump- and please know that your posts inspire us and that we are rooting for you! Take care, Deb. Lori

Oh those food cravings and just knowing that we can not have them is so very hard. I remember when I was 5 days post op, I had gone with my husband to ankeny just for the ride and get out of the house for a while well we started going down the main drag and I was looking at all the wonderful places to eat and all of a sudden I just started to cry amd he ask what was wrong and I said I feel like I've lost my best friend and I can not eat anything in any of those places, I guess that was when I opened my eyes and began to realize that no I was not the same ole eat all you can and much as you want any more and I missed her so much but when we got home he took me into the scale and said now look at this and what you are acomplishing, you don't need all those old friends anymore you have a new one and the name is my new life as a slim woman. I still have a taste of some of the sweet temptations of life but it's only a taste. Just remember that Deb what used to be 2 cups of whatever you wanted now can only be one fourth of that!!!! and we're on our way. WLS Aug 11 2003 down 51lbs.!!!!! Sherry Hefley

Sherry, your husband is precious and helpful. I am struggling to with the idea that I am going to give up foods, but I am also already looking at smaller clothes, think someday this will be me--I wish the doctor's office would call already with t he appointment.

Hi Deb, It's Lisa. I have been going through the same feelings. Even though the weight is coming off and I am feeling good I have had a problem with sadness. I loved to eat large portions. I found to have more of a problem with this after I went back to work. After making my self sick I few times I stoped. I have found peace with it. but it took a few weeks. Good luck!