Getting Nervous

Well, my surgery is Wednesday morning and I am starting to get nervous....not really about the surgery, but about AFTER. Will I miss the foods I love so much that I will be miserable. That is probably my biggest concern. It is hard when food is so much of your social life. I want to still enjoy going out and being with friends and not so hung up on not being able to eat. What will it be like? Can any of you put this into words for me to ease my mind. Thanks, Linda

Linda, The last few weeks prior to my surgery, I would visit each of my favorite fast food joints and have my favorite. Since I did this at lunchtime, I ate in my truck. As I ate, I talked to food. I explained to it why I wouldn't be able to have it anymore. By the time I was at the last bite, I no longer wanted to touch the stuff. Must have worked because 29 months later, I still have no desire for any of that garbage. I'm not saying you won't get a taste for stuff, you will. But you'll learn that it just doesn't taste the same. As you lose weight and activities/exercise that you couldn't do pre-op becomes easier to do, you'll want to do that instead. I don't spend an hour at the lunch table at work talking & eating. I eat my lunch and then get 2 miles of walking in. When we go out with friends, I can usually find something on the menu that is ok no matter where we are (and could early out too). You just don't finish your plate, that's all. Beverages are the worse thing. Try going to a bar and asking for a sugar-free, caffiene-free, carbonation-free, alcohol-free drink! LOL! I ask for ice water. Best wishes tomorrow! I'm sure it will be smooth sailing. Sherri

Hi, Linda. I'm right there with you! My surgery is tomorrow morning, as well, and I'm having the same emotions. I'm just trying to stay focused and think how much better I'll be after it's all over with. We'll do this together!!!! Hugs -- Tina

Linda, I had the same concerns. My social life has always been all about the food. I can tell you every dish served at every event in my life. But rest easy, following the surgery your tastes change, your obsession changes. Like Sherri, I have always been able to find something on the menu. I find that now I am the one engaged in conversation at the table because my mouth is no longer full of food. I take smaller bites, laying my fork down between each bite. It makes for a lot more time for talking. I find that I finish my mini-meal at about the same time as everyone else. I feel satisfied and I have enjoyed my evening. As far as something to drink when the occassion calls for i****er on the rocks with a twist of lemon and lime. Add a cherry if you're feeling festive. No one has to know that you're drinking ice water. My new favorite is ice water with a squeeze of lemon and a packet of Spenda. Don't let this stress you out. You will overcome! You will be in my prayers for a safe and successful surgery. Blessings, Annette

Linda You will be fine! Say it out loud and really mean it! I just wanted to share with you my dinning out thoughts! My husband and I have 8 kids! We love each one of them, but need to be able to have an adult conversation with each other at least once or twice a week. So we have always gone out for dinner to catch up and visit with each other! I was really worried that we would never be able to see each other after surgery! We see each other more now than ever before!! The first few times we went out I felt a little lost and overwhelmed, but got over that fast! I order sides, or veggies, or salads. My husband loves to share with me, or he really likes it when I bring food home for him to have for lunch the next day! I have ordered off the children's menu, I have asked for half orders, and just plain talked with people about what I want and most of the time it works out. The best part has been that the focus now is being together and not just eating. We have been trying new things and places, because we are not so obsessed about what is the biggest portion place, or the cheesiest! lol We used to eat so much food that it never occurred to us weather it was really good or not! We have also spent a lot of our dates not eating, but playing. Bowling, skating, dancing, walking, we even played racket ball once! Lastly, my husband has lost 62 pounds, because he lost his eaten partner! I have lost 192 pounds and feel so good! I never feel left out or like my tiny tummy has caused any social change that wasn't good! I like to go into a restaurant and not feel embarrassed about being the biggest person in the room! I love fitting in the booths too!!! You can do this!!! Carmen

Thanks to all of you! You have been so helpful to me as I start this journey! Sherry, I have taken your advise from earlier and tried to say Good-bye to all my favorites.. I am ready! Tina, Best of luck to you too and may God be with you tomorrow also! Annette, Thanks for the input. I like your suggestion on the drinks. Carmen, Thanks to you too..WOW 8 kids....192 lbs...Wow, you have a lot on your "plate"..LOL Thank you all so very much!! Linda

Wow! The day you and Tina have waited for is finally here. You both will do great. You will be in my prayers. Karen