first day fears

Hi everyone,

Today was my first day of Opti. I supplemented with with fat-free broth and lots of water. I don't feel hungry, but tonight the reality and enormity of it all hit me and I'm feeling sad and scared. 

Did anyone else have this kind of sudden reaction, and if so, how did you get through it?

Thanks

Sara. 

Hi,

I didn't feel sad or scared, I felt that "this is really happening" and I was saying good bye to my old life. But there was definitely emotions involved. Don't be sad or scared, you can do this!!! You have worked so hard to get where you are. Be proud!!! Good luck and keep smiling :-)

It's a big step to move toward surgery but there's nothing that you are giving up.   There's nothing that you are taking out of your life forever.   Food will always be there - believe me! 

Focus on this incredible life changing surgery and the new life ahead of you and the opportunity to make so many wonderful changes. Go to the library or Pinterest and start collecting mantras, motivational sayings etc.  

surgery gives you one chance to change your life.  Focus on your determination, perseverance (my personal mantra was no complaining!) and this will be amazing.  Start retraining your brain now on being positive and steadfast.  Every shake is another step closer to where you want to be. The crap foods are what made you FAT.   You don't need them anymore!  

Onward and upward!  Success is coming.  This will be absolutely worth it!!!!'

Dawn

Thanks ladies - I needed that! 

I'll add that you might feel completely different about food right after surgery - for the last four and a half months I have very, very rarely missed any food I used to eat! I know that changes with time, but if it's any consolation it might make you feel a bit better to think about how little food will control your emotions after surgery :) The best way to get through Opti, for me, was loads of distractions. Take walks (if possible), read, watch a funny movie, turn up the music and dance, call a friend, look through catalogues or online at all the clothes you'll soon fit in to, plan a holiday for when you reach your goal - anything to distract yourself from what you think you're losing, or afraid of. Food will always be there, most likely your surgery will go off without a hitch, and a year from now you'll be so happy you won't believe it :)

This is great - thanks, Katie! Knitting has been a huge help - since I started knitting in November I had eliminated 90% of my post-dinner snacking. Looking at clothing is a great idea.

I'm not physically hungry; the Opti fills me up. But having to smell my workplace neighbour's curry at lunchtime was a small bit of torture. I may have to bring something really bad-smelling that I can stiff whenever she's eating.

One of the hardest parts about being on opti and watching tv was seeing all the damn food commercials.  You don't notice them when you can eat but when you can't you almost want to go lick the tv screen when you see the commercials come on!  You will get through this.  I also found cucumber to be nice as it was something to chew on.  You won't be chewing much for a few weeks after surgery so take advantage of it now.  What you like now you may not like after surgery.  I cannot for the life of me drink another premier protein shake or eat cottage cheese but they were my saviours right after.  Good luck you can do this!

No doubt! My partner was watching Chopped last night. I think I will take a pass on the Food Network for the time being.

Thanks so much for your feedback and encouragement!

LOL I watched so much of the Food Network while on Opti  hubby called it my Food Porn Channel.

Haha! You must have iron willpower - I am just avoiding it!