Mental Coping Skills

Speaking with one of my BAF sissy poohs and spinning from recent threads, I find myself worried if I have enough "New coping skills" post op. Can you all share what was some of the new or revisited coping skills you used to get through post-op and beyond?

4 days until my new birth

Oh wow you call it new birth and I said new life...lol!!

I was wondering the same thing...like will you have the strength to see food and not want it or will the smell repulse you...I mean obviously you cant have it but will you still have the reaction pre-op? Also what about the working enviorment? Was it easy to asimilate with the new eating habits and outlook on life?

I'm sorry surrender for extending your post but I was thinking the same thing as you!

I love mental expansion no srys welcomed.  Its all about getting the information. I know I will be going once a month to support with people who have had the surgery under my doctor. 

for me ladies it was very easy in the beginning for me to be around food and not want it or miss it and even now sometimes it is but not as much I see my crave for some foods I once loved  coming back but I use my will power to not eat all of them you noticed I said all but some foods make me sick to even smell them so everyone is different but I am praying for you girls all will be well dont worry so much about all the things that may never come to be just take the journey one moment at a time

You have to get used to your sense of smell being keener.  My sense of smell is so keen I can smell the stinkiest or the best smelling stuff miles away.  I cannot stand the smell of meat cooking (makes me nauseous).  When I was newly post op I watched the food network and cried because I was so doggone hungry; and asking what did I do to myself.  It takes time to cope; but once you do...it's all good!!

I took off from work the full time that I was alloted so that I could firmly put good habits in place.  Those early weeks out are critical.  The better you start out, the better your chances are at long term success.  I know you see posts from people who try things before they're supposed to, but it's best if you don't test the waters to see what you can get away with.  Follow your surgeon's plan as best you can. 

The first six months to a year are when your tool will be working at optimal level and when you can get the best bang for your buck with exercise and good eating habits.  Make the most of it.  Over time, your anatomy will readjust and although you can still lose weight even years after your surgery, it will be harder than it was at first.

Try to set up your environment so that you're not surrounded by trigger foods.  Identify times/situations when you're most vulnerable and try to work around them as best as you can.  Keep healthy foods on hand and make it convenient for yourself to eat them rather than having to rely on junk food.   Some people might disagree with this, but I believe in having an occasional food treat.  I enjoy having a piece of good chocolate every once in a while.

I also ttok the full time allotted to me, I didn't like the smell of cooked meat at first it made me nauses, then that went away. I know what foods I can eat and not eat, I stay away from all the sugar foods, one experience with dumping and you will never forget. Use your smallest plates to eat with. And smile at those who say is that all your eating. Push away from the table before you have that full feeling. And listen to your Surgeon and Nut. Call your DR when you need him/her and rely on your friends here at OH. Best of luck on your surgery and let us know how you are doing. This is a new life you will be entering and striving, take one step at a time and know we are here for you. Eat slow and drink slow, take your time eating and don't rush you will end up sick if you do. After the surgery keep a small sponge (looks kinda like a toothbrush- the hosp. has them) by you to wet your lips and keep chap stick near to moisten the lips. Start with baby steps, slow down and enjoy your time off to yourself. Soon you will be feeling better and do your breathing exercises after surgery. GOOD LUCK