Question:
I have a very social life prior to surgery. Anyone regreted surgery because of this?

I have a very good social life right now, and I'm afraid that I'm going to regret going through with surgery. I'm afraid that I will not have enough disipline (which I know can't happen after the surgery). But I'm scared that I'm making the wrong desicion...Any helpful insight?! PLEASE!!    — aahacken (posted on April 12, 2009)

April 12, 2009
I'm 3 weeks out from RNY. I haven't been back to work yet, so I don't know how that's going to work. However, dining and family gatherings are completely different for me now. I used to be laughing and talking all the while stuffing my face. Now, I sit and watch and wish I could eat what's being passed around. I'm in a funk right now. However, I'm hoping after my 6 weeks is up and I can begin introducing all foods back then I'll be better. It's a mind game that I thought I'd never fall victim to, but I was wrong. My entire life centered around food. It's different. I'm down 22 lbs. and it's nice and I only hope it gets better. My sister is 4 years out from RNY and she has to talk me through my days most of the time. I wish you luck in your decision. I hope my doom and gloom hasn't turned you away, because I know it's the best choice I've made for the long run.
   — Bootsee01

April 12, 2009
I was and still am a very social person, discipling is barely becoming a problem and I am 2 years out, what was more of a problem is the emotional issues that come along with the surgery, nobody ever really talks about that.
   — sng31

April 12, 2009
I agree with Sarah. I am 4 months out from surgery and it more the emotional stuff that must be faced. That is what has been hardest for me. Before I could just stuff feelings with food. I can't do that anymore unless I just want to end up where I was before. I am creating a new physical me so I am wanting to take the mental along and be totally healthy- mind and body.
   — Dawn A.

April 13, 2009
I am 4 weeks out from RNY and had my first get together Friday night. We bbq'd ...had friends over. It was great. I ate what I could but followed the rules. No one cared that I was not stuffing my face! It was really nice to get together with friends and finally feel normal after surgery. I made sure I had stuff I could eat and one of my girlfriends made sure there were no desserts either. That was really nice. Having friends over really filled a part that had been missing since surgery. We are really social and I had been hibernating for about the last 6 weeks. It was great to get praise on my weight loss too!
   — amanda_g

April 13, 2009
Ask yourself this, Am I a social drinker, social eater or just social in activity "other than" food or drink? If you go out to be with friends for activities, that's still fun...Eating is also fun but you have to eat once and only as much as you know you can handle...You cannot pick and graze or you will get sick...You always have a choice too...I had to order appetizers as my meals often...I loved the shrimp cocktail or I'd order something baked or share with several family members until I could eat enough that they made me order my own meal because I was eating too much of theirs! LOL Alcohol can be a problem and I suggest you do some of your own research on it...I can tell you this...With RNY, alcohol blocks absorption of important nutrients, you get drunk immediately (which can be enmbarrassing on so many levels!)...Some people can drink deadly amounts to the point that they poison themselves...It is so harsh on our kidneys after RNY that I know of a lady who when she even has ONE drink, her urine turns dark brown as her kidneys shut down on her almost completely...I have several friends who have gained a lot of weight from drinking and some who have become alcoholics...It's not very common, but it happens enough to scare me as I have witnessed it personally with close WLS friends...so if you have the kind of personality or habits that might send you off the edge because of alcohol, I'd not drink socially...I have a glass of wine every now and then...Lately, I cannot even stomach a sip...Also, I always have something in my purs or car to eat JUST in case I cannot find a decent choice...( A handful of almonds in snack bags, a protein bar...I keep a bag of beef jerky in the car and water bottles...) You have to learn to make lifestyle changes, but they don't have to prevent you from being you or having fun or even enjoying eating. Do all things in moderation and enjoy good health as well as looking great! I enjoy going out with friends more now then before...Now I can fit in any chair or booth and not have to worry!
   — .Anita R.