Do you feel deprived????

Hi Everyone,

Just some thought I was having.

Are you feeling deprived when it comes to eating? When I first had WLS and got through the toughest part—the first month. I thought oh my gosh; I am NEVER going to be able to eat like I used to eat. I actually mouned the loss of this food— but,not for long when the weight stated coming off. And thank goodness I couldn’t ever eat like I used to—this was the purpose of the weight loss surgery. These are stages that you may go through.

What I want you to know is 3 ½ years later I NEVER feel deprived. I also learned at least for me, just knowing that I could have a few bites of something or to be able to just taste it really met my desires and needs. So each of us have different ways that we learn to eat our meals in a healthy way. For me I always try to get my protein in 1st, then the veggies, fresh or frozen, and a small amount of fruit. Now if I want some kind of desert, I have learned to make some that I can have—no sugar, and low carb, and it really tastes good. For the ones that I can’t eat a lot of because of all the calories in them, I just have a sliver of it, or 2 small bites and savor the taste of it in my mouth for a little bit—I don’t swallow it right away; I enjoy it. I do not inhale the desert, I let my mouth and tongue savor the texture and how it feels in my mouth. So this is what works for me and why I never feel deprived.

Let’s talk about food and how you deal with it. It is very important that you keep track of what you put in your body. I would love to hear how you handle things that you eat and if you feel deprived or not?

I know for so many considering WLS the main thing other than the cost of the surgery, is you just area’t willing to give up some foods. To me that is an addiction to food. You do have to make some healthy food choices to be successful at WLS and to maintain your weight loss. But, it really isn't’t that hard because you have a restriction and you will be eating small amounts of food.

Please don’t allow these things to control your life. Take your control back along with the thought of being healthy and feeling comfortable in your own body for the first time in a long time.
Ask us questions about food, and any other things that you are thinking about that are stopping you from having Weight Loss Surgery.

You too can be a success story. We are all regular people on here who have fought the same battles with weight as most of you have. It requires work and effort on your part—but ask yourself “area’t you worth the effort?Â" Start making your dreams come true. NEVER give up on yourself and put yourself FIRST!!!!

We are here to answer your questions and support you all the way.Dr. Aceves was my doctor and he is the very best you can find any place to do your surgery. I highly recommend him. Please ask any questions that you might have.

Hugs,
Suzanne
Sleeved 10/21/2008
Lost 105 pounds

Thank you so much for your wonderful positive post! It's inspiring to hear from someone who has been there and 3.5 years later is still so successful.

Hi,

You are so sweet to say this.  I just want people to know that this is a very do able things --WLS.  You will be right where I am one of these days.  A year from now your life will have changed so much.  There are bumps in the road, but nothing you won't be able to deal with.  I am always right here, if you have any questions.

Hugs,
Suzanne

I am 2.5 years out and I too never feel deprived.  I did not mourn food in the beginning, I was fortunate enough to have lost my appetite and cravings for the first 8 months or so.  They came back but in a much gentler form.  I now start almost all of my meals with protein, have some veggies and call it a day most meals.  About 5-10% of the time, I do have a dessert or a splurge of some type.  I have just a bit and enjoy it fully, just like you described.  I chose not to do this during the losing phase, or the first six months, of my journey.  Now, I feel no guilt at all at having a small indulgence once in a while.  This surgery has changed my life in so many ways, but it all comes down to the freedom I feel to focus on other things besides food.  I don't think I could have ever got here and stayed here without the VSG.

Hi,

You are doing such a great job.  I loved hearing how you deal with things.  You are so right I never feel guilty at all when I indulge in something wonderful now and then.  Thanks for sharing you story.  I know for a fact that I would never be where I am without the VSG--I failed too many times at all the other things I tried.  They has changed my entire life!

Hugs,
Suzanne

Hi Suzanne,

I live in OR too I am on my way to surgery and at the beginning of my journey, I am having the sleeve done as well and wanted to know if you had many or any complications after your surgery?  Did you have your surgery done here in Oregon because I can not find any reasonable pricing.... so far I am going to South Carolina because they are offering a deal for 8,000 for the surgery.

Thank you for your post they are positive and make me feel like I am on the right path so far.

Collette C
Beaverton, OR

Hi Collette,

I went to Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, Mexico.  A very fabulous and highly skilled doctor.  He is rated in the top 25 WLS surgeons in the world!  You couldn't find a better doctor who is more caring and is there for you 200%.  I highly recommend him.  I think his entire fee including the hospital all tests and a night in the hotel the night before the surgery is $8750. 

They send a drive to pick you up in San Diego and it is about 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive with a really nice driver.  I wouldn't have it done in the US after having Dr. Aceves. 

You need to ask a lot of questions about what the $8,000 covers and how long you will be there and where do you do your recovery.  Ask for names of other patients that are willing to share their experience with you about the doctor who is doing the surgery?

NO, I had no complications at all.

Hugs,
Suzanne

I am so glad to hear of another success story with Dr. Aceves! Alot of people I've come across have been around a year 'n half or less, so it's nice to see people that have been further along in their journey! I haven't heard one negative thing about him or his team and I am so excited to be scheduled with him. March 16th can't come soon enough!!! I'm starting my pre-op diet in the next few days. Going to give myself a good 4-6 week head start.

Hi,

You are doing something that is going to add 20 years to your life.  Congrats on picking Dr. Aceves.  He truly is the very best you could have for this surgery.  They will take excellent care of you.

I am always here if you have any questions.  I know you will NEVER have one regret for doing this.  The first month after surgery will be the hardest month that you will ever do.  But, but it is only 30 days and you can do anything for 30 days.  The weight during that 1st month comes off pretty fast and that helps also.

You will have all kinds of feelings and emotions before you go.  I want you to know that is very normal.  Most all of us had them. Remember I am here for you.  Ask any questions that you might have.

Hugs,
Suzanne

Suzanne -

Thanks for the response. I am over the moon happy about the whole thing. So, so very greatful I found Dr. Aceves. I honestly feel as if it's the best decision I've made for myself.... EVER! I am just blessed I figured it out at the age of 29 and prior to developing any health issues. And just like you said, I can do anything for 30 days - I've told myself this many times!! Right now I am so excited, but I know that I fear and sometimes doubting your decision after the fact is normal - and I'm glad I know this going in.
Right now I'm in the process of searching out sources of protein. Emailing, googling, calling every company I find and see as a referred source on this site to get some samples going for pre/post-op. As much as I love food, I'm of the mind set right now that I feel like I can just walk away. I know it will not be as easy as that, but the fact that I can imagine a life without a majority of it - it just feels so right!
Thank you very much, Suzanne! You are a huge inspiration!!!

-Nicole