Question:
I'm 10 days away from surgery, and terrified I won't be able to follow guidelines

I see a lot of pre-op questions regarding nerves about surgery...my nerves are a little different. I'm not scared about the surgery at all. I'm having Lap RNY on 10/21/02...and earlier this summer I had my gall bladder removed laporascopically, so I think I know what to expect in terms of pain, etc. And even if I have no idea what I'm getting into pain-wise, I'm still not scared of the surgery itself. I'm terrified, however, about life post-op. Scared I won't be able to stick to the routine, scared I'll binge, scared I'll start smoking again. I guess I'm looking for support...but also, did ya'll feel this way? I mean, I know I'm not alone, but I'd like to hear stories -- stories from people who were scared they couldn't do it (due to emotional eating, past failures, whatever), and HAVE done it. Thanks.    — Tamara K. (posted on October 10, 2002)

October 10, 2002
Don't be afraid! WLS works, because it slaps us on the wrist when we screw up. For example, if you eat too much, you will feel nauseous and may even throw up. If you eat sugar, you will dump. If you don't eat enough protein, you'll feel weak. We just slowly learn to do better things for ourselves, because we FEEL BETTER! You will do fine. Please don't let this be a reason to avoid the surgery. It's really much easier than it may seem right now.
   — Terissa R.

October 10, 2002
I had the same fears as a pre-op. I actually considered not going thru with the surgery becasue two weeks before my date I found this doughnut shop with the best cinamon rolls. Stupid, I know, but I didnt think I would be strong enough to not eat em. And diet coke....oh boy.....there was NO way I could give that up. I am the worst about self dicipline or will power. But....after the surgery alot of things change. You will struggle with your food issues, but you will overcome them. Yes, one month post op, I was weak and got a cinnamon roll. They make these really tiny ones just like the big ones. It made me so sick. I dumped on it, duh....but the fact that it was bread and just sat in my stomach like lead is what hurt the most. Experiences like that one is what makes you change your eating habits. From then on, looking at the doughnut shop made me sick, just from remembering that one little roll. I will admit the first month or two was very difficult for me emotionally. I not only missed the wonderful foods that I could eat before, but I really missed the feeling of finishing the food. (hungry or not) But there comes a point, and I really cant tell you exactly when, that you come to peace with your new relationship with food. For me, at about 4 months post op I realized food was no longer an issue for me. And I could not identify at what point that had happened. Now at a year post op, I dont even think about what I can and cant eat. Its an old habit that doesnt require thought. Basically what you are describing, everyone goes thru. It is just another part of the ride. You will be fine...you will realize that you are much stronger than you think.
   — RebeccaP

October 10, 2002
I was soooooo nervous that I would't be able to stick to the program!! Personally, my three biggest fears were pasta, sweets, and alcohol (i'm 21, so my friends and i are into the whole "bar scene"). To be honest, the beginning was hard...I seriously dreamed about food every night and commercials on TV made me crave things that i don't even like. I even got so desparate a few times that i would chew things i couldn't have and spit it out. But by the end of the first month, when i could have a good range of foods,i was sooooo much better. Now, i am 4 months out (and down 70 pounds!)and i can say that my life is pretty much normal...i can go out to eat at any restaurant and find something that i enjoy and that i can have. things are so normal for me that i dont even feel like i've had surgery!!! I consider my surgery date my second birthday because my life has changed so much in just these past few months...October 21 is my real birthday and now it will be your birthday too!! GOOD LUCK!!!
   — Jenn S.

October 10, 2002
Tamara, I felt the same way. I honestly didn't know if I could stick with it all or not. I had failed with every other diet and blamed it all on my willpower. I think that although most people dump on sugar post-op. My nutritionist said that there are some people, although few, that don't dump. I took her advise when she said that "Even though all people test out their tolerance to sugar at some point, it's best to wait as long as you can before you do" . She said this because if you are one of those people that don't dump, you are going to go straight for those types of foods. Or at least they will be much harder to resist. You are trying to change you eating habits. I decided that when I had the surgery, rather than test it out, I would just assume that I am one of those people who dumps. My family can't believe how well I have done with absolutely NO SUGAR,and NO CARBONATION. I can't say that I have not had any fats, but I am working on that one. If you knew me before the surgery you would be shocked too. I am now out 2 1/2 months and down 54 pounds! I just decided that this was the way I wanted to be eating for the rest of my life and set my mind to it. Even though you think you aren't strong enough now, you might just suprise yourself. I did! Have some faith in yourself. And just keep in mind how wonderful you will look and feel when it's all said and done! :) Good luck!
   — Laurel C.

October 11, 2002
hello! i had the same fears...but i've been fine. i'm below my goal weight and healthy. you will need to find a different outlet for your emotions since you can't eat to soothe yourself and you really would be better to stay away from alcohol. i too tried all the diets and pills and exercises only to regain my weight plus some. i can't overeat - i don't like the feeling of food sitting in my esophagus! i can tolerate some sugars/fats/carbs and you do need some of those for a nutritious meal but your body won't let you eat the amounts you do pre op...it simply cannot tolerate it! (some ppl can but most "dump" on too much fat or sugar in one sitting) for me i found that the pre op meals that i enjoyed just don't taste good anymore..generally like chinese food just feels like its coating my guts with oil... i highly recommend joining a wls support group if there is one in your area, if not, join an online wls support group. studies have shown that wls patients need at least 3 years post op support. feel free to email me anytime! (i facilitate a wls support group) [email protected] {hugs}kate open rny 6-14-01 pre op: 268lbs goal: 135lbs current: 126lbs
   — jkb

October 11, 2002
I never stopped smoking, so I can offer any guidance in that...but I wouldn't worry about failing the surgery or it failing you. That is so rare! You simply cannot eat when you are full and when you do eat something junky (with the RNY anyway) it tends to either taste bad or make you feel like yuck - in the beginning. Later on you may find you can eat things you should avoid, but if you find that happening seek the help of a councelor. Perhaps there are unresolved emotional issues you could get help with. Best of luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]