IS IT THAT BAD

I HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS WHO ARE HAVING A FIT ABOUT ME EVEN TRYING TO HAVE THE SURGERY. THE PROBLEM IS MY FRIENDS ALL SAY YOU'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO EAT AGAIN. YOU WON'T GET TO REALLY ENJOY WHAT FOOD YOU GET TO EAT. I KNOW I WILL BE RESTRICTED FOR A WHILE BUT WHAT ABOUT SEVERAL MONTHS OR EVEN A YEAR LATER...I AM DOING THIS FOR HEALTH REASONS. ANY IDEAS?

Hi Kip, don't despair. You will be able to eat certain foods that you love later on, only in smaller portions. Don't let your friends get you down. As you say you are doing this for health reasons. I know several have had a hamburger just in a smaller portion after 6 months. Your nutrionist will be able to help you on this more than anything. Don't worry about what you can and can not eat, just concentrate on getting in your protein, water, and take it one day at a time. Remember, cottage cheese low fat is high in Protein, fish, shrimp, chicken, and tuna are high in proteins as long you eat tuna in water. I know you will do just fine. I have faith in you. Jus****ch the carbs and suger in a product. You don't want to get sick. May God watch over you. Oh by the way, instead of beef burger, try ground chicken for a burger. It's actually great tasting and when grilled you can't tell the difference. Not too fond of ground turkey though. Love Kathy

To answer your core question, NO, it is not "that bad". Depending on who you have your surgery with, the procedure and the postop. diet advancement they follow, you will be restricted for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. By a year after surgery (maybe even sooner) you should be able to eat most any food (of course, not concentrated sweets or highly fatty foods, they still make me want to ), just in a smaller amount. For instance, I'm four+ years out from surgery, if we go out to eat and I want buffalo wings, I get buffalo wings, but I'm only eating 3-4 wings instead of the whole order, plus cheese fries, etc.! If we get pizza for the kids, I eat 1-1.5 slices of pizza, not the 4+ slices I would have several years ago. I don't want you to think I eat that kind of junk every day, I don't, I still eat primarily chicken/fish/beans, but I do indulge 1-2 times/week. I really feel like I eat like most normal weight women do. Best of luck! Pam

No Kip Kat it is not that bad. As a matter of fact it is the best thing that has ever happened to me. You will be able to eat again. After all what is more important than your health. I had my surgery on Jan. 6th and as of today, I have lost 70 pounds. I eat pretty much what I want, just not a bunch of sugary things. I can eat a jr. burger at burger king if I want it. I eat all meats, and pretty much all veggies. You will just eat them in smaller portions. Each and all of us are different. What you may tolerate, I may not. It is a lot of trial and error for several months. But believe me, I have found.....getting thinner feels better than anything. My blood sugar is normal and so is my blood pressure. I think when your friends see your health and appearance improving they will be with you 100 percent. If they aren't, then you may want to ask yourself, are they really true friends. Good luck Kip, keep us posted