Question:
Will my life ever be

I will be having Open RNY with a Fobi-type pouch in a month. I would like to hear from other people who have had this procedure as to how normal your life has become. I know that my food intake will be restricted from now on, but I'm curious to know if I will ever truly be able to eat a BALANCED diet, including carbs. and some sweets. Please don't tell me this surgery is a "tool" and that I shouldn't sabotage myself; I know all of that. But is life fairly normal? Will I be able to indulge (in small amounts) occasionally? Because I don't want to feel like I'm on a diet for the rest of my life. If I could do that, I wouldn't need surgery.    — Kristie B. (posted on April 4, 2002)

April 3, 2002
I'm 13 months post-op and down 174 lbs. Nowadays, I can eat anything I want in small portions. Of course I try to concentrate on healthy stuff, but I don't deny myself anything. Don't worry ... this is NOT just another diet.
   — Terissa R.

April 3, 2002
Hi Kristie, I had RNY 17 months ago and have been at goal for a few months. I eat some sweets and carbs. I just don't eat them to excess. I counsel lots of WLS patients prior to surgery and this is a very common fear along with wondering how they'll ever survive without carbonated beverages. First, it's been my personal experience that I don't crave sweets to the degree that I used to and while I used to drink at least 2 20oz. cokes every day now I wouldn't care if I never had another one. Not everyone is like this but most people find that once they settle in to a routine they're able to find a balance. That's what it's all about, really. As morbidly obese people we've been way out of balance in a bad way for a long time. The solution isn't to get way out of balance in a good way. The solution is to become balanced, normal individuals. Normal people eat some sweets - they just don't do it to excess. I enjoy something sweet every day -it used to be a whole bag of Hershey's miniatures or something like that. Now, it's a couple of atomic fireballs or a lifesaver sucker. If it's a birthday or special occasion I almost always get a piece of cake and eat about half of it - sometimes less, sometimes more. Balance is the key and I know you'll find your way. I feel that I am normal and it's a great feeling. Good Luck to you - you're on your way to good health and well being. I'm proud of you!
   — ronascott

April 4, 2002
Hi there. Did you look into the other types of surgeries before you considered the RNY? I have been researching surgery myself, but I also know that insurances only cover certain kinds. But, sometimes you can fight that. A few people I have talked to on here are very happy with their Duodenal Switch Surgeries and they can still have sweets. Another thing to consider is that there are alternatives to sugary product desserts if you end up not being able to tolerate sugary snacks. Have you ever used splenda? I used to use Equal for things, and did not like it. Supposedly you can cook with splenda and make some awesome desserts (SUAGAR FREE!!!!) Also, I found these low carb chocoloate bars by a company called carbolite. I believe they are sugar free. Now these are not protein bars, I hate protein bars. I have not even had surgery, but I am doing a lower carb diet right now. Those chocolate bars are so good you wont even know they are sugar free. You may have to make changes, but certainly you shouldn't have to give up all sweets within reason...even if you have to find ones that won't make you sick. Good luck and God bless.
   — Michelle H.

April 4, 2002
I am only five months out. I feel that my life is very normal already. I can eat a little sugar or carbs, and at worst I feel a little lethargic. I can say however that if I allow myself to eat poorly day to day, too many simple carbs and sugar, I don't lose weight. I do somewhat feel like I am on a diet. But the fact that I get full so quickly and feel not so good if I eat too much sugar or fat, really helps. Sugar is practically poison, it has no nutritional value, it is not a standard part of any balanced diet. I really feel like I can eat anything. I just limit the amount. I feel like I have put my life on the line to have this surgery and I don't want to fail. The surgery helps you stay on this "diet" in several ways. Obviously, it restricts the amount you can eat. Some things may make you sick, if you are lucky! And also with RNY you do have some absorbtion issues, you simply do not absorb your food as well as before. Just to give you an idea in a typical day I might have an egg and some ham for breakfast, a piece of chicken and a little salad or veggies for lunch, and for dinner I might have a piece of salmon and salad or veggies again. I usually also eat a protein bar and some fruit at varying times. As far as sugar, I might have one piece of chocolate, litterally one bite, it satisfies me. I try not to do it too often. People who go into this thinking it is magic will still lose weight, if you plan on getting to goal you will have to work though. My surgeon says you can expect to lose about 65% of your excess weight. I started at 265, to get to goal I need to lose 123 pounds. To get to where my surgeon's 65% goal I needed to lose about 80 pounds. I have made it there in a little over 5 months. I will be happy if I lose 100. If I never lose another pound I would do it all again.
   — cindy Q.

April 4, 2002
I had the RNY/fobi pouch procedure in October 2001. To date, I have lost 100lbs (and 25 the month before for total 125) I feel great. Occasionally, I get mad that I can't eat carbs (MAJOR CARB ADDICT before surgery) but I have found that once a month or so, I allow myself to have a little pasta or a few bites of bread. Believe me, a couple bites is more than enough. I get so full. I eat pretty much everything-just very small small amounts. I even on occasion have had to resort to fast food when I was out and about. When my family gets pizza, I just eat the cheese and toppings and maybe a bite of the crust. I don't really miss it like I thought I would. I don't crave sugar too much, but when I do I have a Snackwells chocolate creme Sugar Free cookie-tastes just like an oreo! I don't think of myself as on a diet though, because I feel that would be sabotoging myself. If I crave something, I have a small bite-makes the craving go away and I don't have to fight with myself to not eat the whole thing later on. Hope this makes sense-Good Luck.
   — Marcie B.

April 4, 2002
Hi! I have the fobi pouch and am 7 months post-op. I have about 20lbs to lose before I am at goal. I think this is one of the best things I have ever done. I eat almost anything I want just small amounts. Before I went in I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to eat the JUNK food I have always loved. The funny things is I don't eat that stuff because it makes me feel yucky. I can eat it but let me tell you after a couple times of making yourself feel that bad you learn quick. The best part about it is that I don't even mind now that I don't want it. As far as CARBS go I eat pasta all the time. My doctor told me pasta is a energy food. If your only eating a 1/4 cup of anything your not going to do much harm. I do get dumping from to much sugar and fried foods. I don't even like the smell of fried food now and I was a huge fried food freak before surgery. Anyway I think you will do just fine if you listen to your doctor. Remember bring different types of food into your diet slowly so you know what causes you to feel different. Good luck! :o)
   — Yvonne C.