Reframing My View of Food

     I did a lot of work getting healthy physically and "getting my head in the game" prior to surgery. I have to admit, I still struggled with my life long associations of food as comfort, recreation and love.

     My malabsorption issues were actually a blessing. I have had the opportunity to look beyond all of the emotional associations and see food in its simplest form... fuel for my body. With one protein shake and two tablespoons of full liquids three tomes a day, I have to get the biggest bang for my buck. I'd love two tablespoons of New England clam chowder strained, but there is minimal protein value. Everything is about nourishing and sustaining my body and moving from "malnourished" to being strong and healthy. I believe that these next few weeks will build habits and perspective that will enable me to work my sleeve to its fullest potential.

     I am six pounds from wonderland.  My goal is to update my profile picture when that happens. We can all do this !!  I encourage everyone to find the silver lining in every challenge.

I'm within 12 pounds of One-derland, so I know how exciting that feeling is. I haven't been under 200 pounds for 15 years. Congrats on your successes.

The great thing about viewing food as nourishment rather than entertainment is that the most nourishing foods are, in fact, the most delicious. What beats a cup of chilled blueberries in the heat of the summer, or a bite of beautifully seasoned tender fish? And the other great thing about these foods is that eating them diminishes the cravings for junk food.

I'm looking forward to seeing your updated profile very soon!

psychoticparrot

The VSG is a restrictive surgery and does not give you any malabsorption.  The RNY does.

Congrats on approaching onderland!  You're doing great.

My surgeon's diagnosis due to issues with my swollen esophagus preventing me from ingesting anything by mouth. Not the standard definition of malabsorption ... the billing coding definition.

Okay, gotcha.  I was confused until I read the explanation that you posted to Tracy.  I just didn't want any n00bz to be confused about what the VSG does.  Glad you're doing better  

I don't have time to go back and look at prior posts so I'm confused - did you have an issue with malabsorping food/nutrients prior to sleeve surgery?  I only ask because VSG doesn't provide any malabsorption, it's simply restrictive.  So your post makes me wonder if you have a condition causes malabsorption.  

Good luck on getting quickly to Onederland - it'll be here soon! 

No malabsorption issues prior to surgery. Major hernia repair with surgery caused an extremely swollen esophagus and prevented me from drinking or eating for three weeks. Based on bloodwork, official diagnoses are currently malabsorption and malnutrition based on that issue alone.  They will resolve, and I concur... malabsorption is not typically associated with VSG.

Oooohhh, OK - that makes perfect sense!  It kind of sounded like there was something else going on leading to the malabsorption.  Sounds like you got off to a rough start   Hope you rebound quickly and start feeling better real soon!