Can I ask a question???

Ok so I am 3 days away from surgery and I am having HORRIBLE food anxiety....is this normal? I almost want to call and cancel the whole thing. Can someone give me some insight on what your post op diet is like, and I dont mean the 6 weeks after I mean the 6 months after........I have myself ready for the 6 weeks recovery and not eating to much but will I ever be able to eat normal foods again. No I dont want a cheese steak or an entire pizza, but I do want to enjoy food and be normal. Is that going to happen? Am I doing the right thing? and is this normal to feel like this so close to surgery? I feel like I am panicing more the closer it gets. Thanks for letting me rant and any advice would be appreciated.

Hello, 

I'm pre-op also so I wont be able to help with most of your questions.  They are GREAT questions too!  I have been wondering about some of the same things. 

I don't know if the food anxiety is normal but I feel the same way! 

Sorry I couldn't help much but the people here are great and and will share their experiences with you.

Jen

By six months out, I was eating normal foods, focus on protein first, then fruits and veggies.  I still consume very little carbohydrate.  I avoid many of the 'white' foods, pasta, breads, , sugar, rice, potato, flour, noodles.  I will use quinoa as a rice/noodle substitute.

I also deal with type 2 diabetes and have limited simple carbs for several years.  I do get most of my protein from real foods and rarely use protein shakes. 

Before surgery, I was "mourning" things that I thought I would never have again.  This is normal, wls is not a "diet" but a lifestyle change.  I am learning new ways to prepare my old favorites in a healthier manner.  Dragging my hubby along as I try new things.  I made a chicken/veg soup last week with frozen mixed veggies and edamame beans.  He told me that He could have done without the lima beans.  He confused the edamame beans with lima beans. 

I do go out to eat with my hubby, I order a wls friendly meal, often substituting an extra serving of veggie for the starchy foods.  I ask for a take out box to be brought with my meal and put at least half or more of the meal in the box before starting to eat.  Having less food on my plate makes the volume seem less overwhelming and does not trigger comments from the waiter/waitress about the quality of my food and my smaller appetite.  I have had servers offer to bring me something else if my food does not appeal to me.  Having even more food on the table is not what I want or need.  I like fish, but do not like to prepare fish for one, often having fish or seafood when dining out.  Ask for baked or broiled instead of deep fried.

Hope this helps Maureen.  Hugs

Kathy,
  Thanks for all that. It does help! I feel a little better, just some pre surg jitters I guess. I completely understnad that this is a lifestyle change not a diet and thats why I want to make sure I am fully prepared. I am just scared and anxious. Thanks again. What is Quiona? And what else can I do besode fish, the only fish I eat is tuna. I have foind Many Many Many low fat S/F foods. Like a pizza made from wheat tortilla. I hope I can do this, I think I can do this, I KNOW I CAN DO THIS!!]


Mo

Hi Mo, yes you can do this.  The scared anxious feeling is wonderfully normal.  Anticipation, excitement, nerves all rolled into one body.

Quinoa is a grain that is a complete protein.  Looks like tiny rice, use is in small amounts after surgery until you find out how your pouch tolerates it, probably wait a couple months or more to try after surgery.  I mix it into different things, goes well in oatmeal, soups, and still experimenting with other ideas.

Avoid your carb triggers after surgery, prepare your mind that you will dump from carbs and do not challenge that mindset.  I found that I tolerate a few things and dump on others.  Wishing that I had not tried some of the things I tolerate. 

Here to help guide others through the process.  We can and will get through this.  Loser's united.  Hugs

Well I knew that I would have to have several different types of protein powder at home because I was told I may not like the same thing after surgery. Man were they wrong. All my tastes changed. I could not stomache (haha) any taste other than cream of chicken soup.  I am just glad that I bought as many different things as I possably could. But things got better. They always get better. You will try things now that you like and then after surgery you wont like them. It is normal. Just get a variety of everything. Keep trying and sip, sip, sip the water.

Best wishes to you, and we will see you soon on the losers bench.

Dani

Your tastes will change.  This past week I was picking up after the kids (again!) and they had left out their valentine candy.  I decided one piece would not hurt me.  It was a Reese's and as I was eating it, I thought, "This does not taste too good."  It was a milestone for me.  I have had pizza twice since surgery but don't tell my doctor.  It took me 45 minutes to eat one slice.  I have several friends who are a year or more out and eat whatever they want.  But they are slowly regaining, too.  So I think the answer is that in 6 months you can have what you want in very small amounts.  

I am worried about summer when the fairs and festivals start.  So good yet so evil.

Hi Mo, Lifestyle changes can be scary, but I know you are a strong person and are doing what's right for you. Kathy gave you a wealth of information which I know you will use wisely. One thing that I do is stay in today. What can I eat today that is appropriate for me at this stage. I try not to think of what I can and can not eat now. Keep focused on what is best for you today. Mag