Bariatric geriatrics...

I'm not the oldest post-op out there. Not by a LONG shot. But I do notice some things are different now at nearly 4 years post-op. I thought I'd share what it's like from out here. Five main changes I noticed (and my theories behind them).

#1 - Nik is not enamored with obsessive food thoughts anymore

My theory: studies show when the body is in a state of starvation, people tend to get obsessive with food thoughts. I think WLS could make a good case that this is true, even in the absence of the sensation of hunger. I can count on one hand the number of times in the last four months I've tuned into Food Network. I no longer thrill at grocery shopping. I still love to cook, don't get me wrong, but I don't think about food all the time like I used to. I eat a meal and then food is off my mind until it's time to eat the next meal. I think this is also a product of me eating about the same time every day for the last few years. I've added in mini-meals and taken them out but my core schedule has been pretty consistent.

#2 - Nik can sleep

This is probably because my body is no longer in "rapid fat burn" mode. At the height of my losing (and working out like a maniac) I never slept. I wasn't tired. Now, I do get tired after a long day and I sleep very well. Every once in a blue moon I get the occasional bout of insomnia, but not often.

#3 - Nik can have regular desserts in moderation

This possibility initially scared me. But I gave myself permission to be who the hell I am. After dinner, I like a few bites of  something sweet. What I realized about myself though is that I ONLY like a FEW bites of something sweet. I am a salty girl. I think the sweet is just an offset. Besides, after eating a protein packed meal, I really only have room for about three bites (and after a meal I can eat a regular dessert - meaning not sugar free - without any ill effects). My pouch keeps me  honest! So far I've used this knowledge for good and not evil. If it ever becomes a problem, it's over for this!

#4 - Nik can eat a normal sized plate of food

Which means I have to pay attention to WHAT is on that plate. I don't eat off dinner plates, but I did find a plate that's in between the size of a salad plate and a full dinner plate. I tend to be meat avoidant (because it makes me feel icky) but most of the time I do a pie chart and have half of what is on my plate be the protein source, then most of the other side is veggies. SOMETIMES I eat the starch but rarely. Starches aren't that important to me.

#5 - Nik has FINALLY started to recognize the symptoms of mindless eating!!!

When I zone out during chewing food, usually it's time to throw the rest away. Over the past few years I've had the occasion to learn to deal with my feelings without food. Now it's sort of second nature. I've never been one of those people who stops eating when they are upset. I don't stop eating when I am sick. I can usually eat in any life situation (except a stomach bug). But I recognize mindless eating and take action when I see that I'm doing it. Most of the time I just get the hell out of dodge (go for a walk, to the gym, etc.). It works for me.

All in all, I feel very...normal. Like a normal sized person (yes, slightly larger than the average sized gal but nowhere near where I was), who can eat pretty normally (and DAMN healthfully, might I add) and can carry on whole long conversations without mentioning anything related to my surgery if I don't want to.

That feels nice.

See???  You are a shining example that there is a life after being obese! 

I found it so strange when I went to work at an office where I'd never been know to be overweight
so I was considered "normal" (whatever that is!) and found that weight was NOT a topic of conversation all the time.

I apree with everything you've posted except about the insomnia;  I've always been a nightowl
so I still find myself staying up all night!

I hope everyone else that reads your post is as inspired as I am.

Best wishes,

Thanks!

It takes some work to get used to normal. I think we're so used to being on the fringes. Being "too much of this" and "not enough of that." Just being ok is strange at first. But now I think it's rather nice.

WOW!  What an incredibly insightful post!  As a bariatric "pediatric" (to follow your lead) I so appreciate specific information like this.  It is so helpful as I'm begining this journey.  THANKS!

You have the BEST screen name I have seen in ages!

Thanks!...and P.S.  I agree...you look lovely in your pink!

Thank you for this story, great motivation and inspiration! It really tells me that I am going to be alright after my RNY!

You just put into words exactly what I was thinking the other day!  It is amazing settling into your new "normal".  What brought this on for me was when I was talking to an obese friend of mine on the phone and I mentioned I was working out....she said "oh, I didn't think you did that anymore, you never mention it".  I said "I never mention it because it is just part of my everyday life, like brushing my teeth".  In that moment I realized I really am at my new "normal".

Incidentally, I too have to have a few bites of sweet after dinner....2 cookies fixes me right up!  For now we are exploring the annual Girl Scout Cookies...we are in the shorbread box!  Thin mints are next!!!

Have a great day--love your posts, and that pink top you have on in your avi!!

Kim

That shirt came from the dollar store. No lie!

:)

I have about a cabillion cases of cookies in my house right now. I am the cookie mom. They don't tempt me much. I may get a box of Tagalongs and a box of Thin Mints. I like to put the Thin Mints in the freezer and eat them cold!

 I have high hopes of being there too when i grow up to be a vet. :)