Question:
18 days post-op and even though I can't all I want to do is eat!

I had my surgery on Jan.15th, have lost 18 lbs and now in the soft foods stage of my diet. I'm doing well with eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, chicken salad, etc. However, every meal my husband and children eat, I find myself craving it. To get my mind off of it, I take just one or two small bites of whatever they are having to get that "fix." Is this normal? I know I can't physically eat what they are having, but the temptation is over powering. I just want that bite. Is this a sign that I will fall backwards?    — iowamom (posted on February 2, 2009)

February 2, 2009
Hi there... What type of surgery did you have? I don't think that wanting to have that "fix" now when it's meal time with your family is an indictator that you are going to fail. Keep in mind that food has been a big part of your life up to this point and "re-learning" a new way of life isn't expected to happen overnight. The fact that you are aware that you have this desire shows that you are headed in the right direction. Just be very strict with yourself and remind yourself why you had your surgery to begin with. You'll get there. :-)
   — Elizabeth J.

February 2, 2009
No, it's not a sign...It is hard to deal with the first few months....I know I actually got a little depressed and mourned food for a while...But you will get to the point that you can eat the same foods as your family (make sure they are eating healthy too) You do not have to give up food, you just have to eat in stages like a baby until you graduate to regular foods. You really need the first few months to heal and to learn how to eat and what you can eat...Any 'bite" you take, make it a good choice! You will eat again...and it's the choices of food you take that sends you forwards or backwards...Not the food itself...You are very normal sweetie!
   — .Anita R.

February 2, 2009
Hello...keep in mind that you have been giving into your urges for, most likely, a lifetime. You must relearn how to eat and develop a new relationship with food. Until I was strong enough to resist the temptation, I would seperate myself whenever my family had their meals. Self-discipline was the hardest habit to develop. Once you give in to temptation, it gets easier and easier each time. Be careful, and keep posted all over your house, WHY you had the surgery. This may help you resist. Congratulations on your loss and the best to you in the future.
   — bariatricdivalatina

February 3, 2009
Wow it is hard to not want to eat what everyone else is eating but alas that is why we had the surgery... I had my VSG done on Nov 18 08, and guess what my daughter had a large Thanksgiving with about 20 people over... I helped cook and even carved the turkey whithout taking even a single bite or tasting my dish's. so keep up the great work and remember we did this for ourselves not anyone else and we have the control now with our new TOOL... Let you tummy run your eating not your head. Enjoy your new tool and best of life to you and yours.
   — scubaok

February 3, 2009
I just wanted to let you know I'm right there with you. I had surgery 1/19, and I find myself in the same predicament as you. Last night, I even took a bite of something, chewed it up, walked in the other room, and put the chewed food in a napkin. Totally ridiculous, not to mention downright gross! However, the upside is that I know I don't want to swallow that food, and after taking a bite, realize it's just not that great. I'm FAR happier seeing the scale inch down. My experience has been that it just gets a little easier each day, and again, seeing the scale go down and fitting into clothes I had to leave hang in my closet when they became too tight is way more exciting than any food I could eat. Thanks for posting this question. I had been wondering if I was the only one tempted and taking bites this early in the game.
   — wenniewo

February 3, 2009
You can do this, my surgery was LapRNY on Dec 12th and I was going crazy wanting just a bite of this or that, my daughter is a pastry chef and does some of her work in my kitchen, talking about difficult, cakes, cupcakes, pies, baklava... all of it in my kitchen. Anyway, she wouldn't let me have any of it, but for christmas she gave me two books: Before and After; and Eating WEll after Weight Loss Surgery. They saved me, I love to cook and there are great recipes in both and the best thing is that my family loves the recipes as well. So they are eating healthier as well. Before and AFter is great cause the first half of the book is the authors own story and gives great advice. Anyway, I made it through and I know you will to. You are doing great so far, just don't get discouraged. Cathy
   — brindledanes

February 3, 2009
Wanting that fix is understandable. My husband would eat without me and out of my sight so I wouldn't be tempted because it was making me crazy. You might want to think about stepping out while they eat to help you. Maybe go for a walk have them clear everything away before you get back. Just because you want that bite doesn't mean you are going to fail at your weight loss goals. You are going through a major adjustment period. I'm near 3 months out. I'm still going through an adjustment period. Don't be too hard on yourself. Best Wishes.
   — Corina C