How long before...

How long does it take to return to a normal life...by normal i mean where you go out, eat out...(i realize you never go back to eating as before)..I mean a life where you think of other things than protein drinks and surgery.

Also, what about the hair loss thing? Everyone looks great on their pics so how bad can it be? How bad is it????

I have a  family to feed...how does that work for you guys? You still make roasts and veggies and stuff or is the whole family gone of a diff diet?

Also...I like wine!!!!!!           Anyone drinking wine again? (Dear god I hope for positive answers to that one) 

Hi Sleepless,

So I can only speek from experience and this is mine. I will be 3 months post-op on April 10th and things, for me, got back to "normal" rather quickly.

I was off for 3 weeks (could have gone back to work after 2) but glad I took the extra week because your energy is a bit low and resting and healing are the most important.

Now for the food part...I was ok the first few weeks when I was on liquids and semi-liquids but after, it was a bit of a challenge. You need to learn how to read your body...pretty much like a baby learning to eat again. I did throw up a couple of times but nothing much. What I did get and still do once in a while are the "foamies" or "slymies". I've learned that it's the way my body tells me you've gone too far. Whether it's eating too fast or taking just that "extra" bite when your tummy tells you "enough".

I've gone out to eat 2 times so far. The first time was a couple of weeks ago and it was great. No problems at all. Took home a doggie bag and had lunch for a few days.
Went out again this past saturday night and I had a tough time. I did get the "foamies" and "slymies" for about half an hour at the restaurant but I dealt with it. I realised that I had eaten too quickly and my new tummy didn't appreciate it.

But this won't deter me...I'm going to go out again and do the best I can and remember to eat very slowly and to stop when you're tummy tells you...actually even before that.
As for the wine...I had a tiny sip but not much...not a big drinker.

So for the hair...I won't lie to you...I am losing alot of hair at this time. Scares the heck out of me. I have alot of hair but have noticed a difference. I started taking NutriCap...I get it at Jean Coutu. We'll see if that helps. And as you've said...haven't seen anyone bald yet...lol

Didn't realise how much I'd written...lol
Hope it all works out for you and keep us posted.
Ada

 Hi Sleepless!

I will be 5 years (YIKES!) out in a few weeks and can honestly say that I feel "normal" again. I eat like a "normal" skinny person, not like I did pre-op. I don't think of protein anymore, and just take a multi-vitamin every day...all my bloodwork has been great since.

As for the hair, I started taking biotin the day after my surgery because I was very worried about hairloss. I did notice it more in the shower, but at the time, it was nothing too scary. In retrospect, when I look at pictures I hate the way my hair looks But it only last a few quick months and it was fine! 

You learn to adapt, I've never missed out on any events or holidays. I have 0 regrets, I guess my biggest struggle was just the magnitude of lifestyle changes to make. I had focused so much on getting through the first year that I hadn't really had an action plan for the rest of my life, if that makes sense.

Hi,
From my experience almost 2 years out. I got back to "normal" pretty quick also. That is going out to eat and family parties. But at restaurants I usually order from the apetizers or take a dogie bag home and enjoy for a couple more meals.

For the wine, I do drink it. Just not with my meals. Also I feel the effects quickly but then I guess I digest it fast cause it doesn't last. :) So I can start all over again !!!

I lost a lot of hair, at least I think it was a lot. My pony tail was much thiner than before. Still not as thick as it used to be, but I have thin hair to start. For me it only started a couple of months after the surgery and lasted maybe 4-5 months if I remember correctly.

I have a family also, and at first I made them different meals or I would eat a variation of theres. Like if it was roast, I would eat the meat and veggies, but no potatoes for me. And very small quantities. But on nights they wanted pasta I would eat something different. What really works for me is making dishes I can freeze in small tupperwears. I still do it now, in my crockpot, then freezer. And that way I have lunch or diner all ready for me.

Hope that helps.

Cindy