Question:
I love food, I have been putting off sending in paperwork because of my dread of not

being able to eat what I want. I know it sounds stupid but I love food. And yes I hate being fat but I get so much enjoyment out of eating. Has anyone else been in this position.How do I get out of this sick state?    — Helen B. (posted on August 28, 2000)

August 28, 2000
Your feelings aren't stupid at all. Many obese people use food as an emotional substitute. And many of us genuinely enjoy the experience of eating and all the socialization that goes along with it. OA, Weight Watchers, hospitals and others have programs that teach you a lot about your food triggers. Do you eat when you're bored, upset, around other people, alone, etc? I think it's important to have an understanding of this prior to your surgery. If food has become a negative reinforcement for you, don't be afraid to address this with a professional counselor before, during and after WLS. While WLS can address the physical issues of our obesity, it cannot take care of the emotional ones. If food is truly just a social/pleasure thing, I think with just a little effort, it will be easy for you to switch gears a little and slowly begin to replace food activities with other social activities - ones that still involve your family and friends. As for not being able to eat what you want - this is definitley where you need to make choices. With moderation, I don't think there is anything you can NEVER have. That's just ridiculous. Several weeks ago I went out to dinner at a very nice restaurant and had a small piece of custard cream pie. It was wonderful, and I enjoyed every morsel. Should I be doing that every week? No, of course not. Will I abstain forever from having an ice cream cone? Of course not. WLS has given me the physical tools to hold my appetite in check, but it doesn't mean that I am forever damned to eating certain types of food only. I am 3 1/2 months post op and have lost at least 65 pounds (I only weigh myself once a month.) I don't miss eating a whole bag of doritos plus dip, 1/2 bag of oreos, supersized fast food meals, 1/4 gallon of ice cream or a 6 pack of sodas, etc. I am quite satisfied with my much smaller portions and don't feel deprived. Hang in there. Keep a food diary for a week. Write down EVERTHING you have eaten, what time of day, and what you were feeling at the time. Be honest with yourself (only you will see it). Then analyze your food patterns and see if you recognize any triggers. Good luck!
   — Paula G.

August 28, 2000
Helen your feelings are not stupid and it is funny you should ask this question because I just had the same problem and I will tell you what worked for me - therepy. I gots lots of info fron=m the guys on this site and I eventually got me a therapist and in the 1 week I have had her - it has given me a totally differnt lokk at my life and eating habits. We need to learn the difference between hunger and appetite and cravings and emotional eating. I have learned a lot and am still learnig. If you cannot afford therepy - call your local mental health center and they will give it to you on a sliding scale basis - or talk to your doctor because sometimes they can refer you to a psychologist the will take you pro-bono. Good Luck Sweetie....I am thinking about you.
   — anitawilson

August 28, 2000
Did you know there is more than one type of surgery? Some are more restrictive than others. Maybe you should look into the Duodenl Switch procedure. It's less restrictive, more malabsorptive, and doesn't require you to "give up" certain foods. Here's a good description of it: <a href="http://www.mywls.com/Duodenal_Switch/duodenal_switch.html">DS Explained</a>. Feel free to emil me with questions...
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 28, 2000
I agree with all the posts and Barb is correct eventually you will tolerate almost everything.. There is absolutely NO reason that you can't enjoy any foods or recipes that have been modified slightly to substitute sugar and I say that by meaning you probably will be able to eat sugar in small amounts later down the road BUT why would you ever want too? I'm telling you that in any WLS surgry (no matter the type) you can regain weight back if you don't alter the way you ate before the WLS surgery. The body has a wonderful way of accommodating itself to the new anatomy. The bowel will become more efficient, enlarging, which in turn absorbs more especially in the surgery types that depend on malabsorption. That is why there is a window of opportunity with any WLS surgery.. Loose the maximum amount of weight then maintain. The maintaining part is up to you and that goes for any surgery type. .. Make use of the skills you learn during your early post-op days they will lead you to success in the future. <p> Visit my profile for more information, links, and recipes. Open (Fobi) Divided RNY Surgery date 12/8/99 Beginning weight 367 as of 8/18/00 219 pounds and still loosing. ;-)
   — Victoria B.

August 28, 2000
Ow! I know what you're saying! I didn't have the luxury of a long decision, actually. I had to choose, breath or food. So, I had to dive in without thinking. MUCH to my astonishment, what I got was Freedom From Food! All of a sudden, I didn't need to think about my next meal or how much to eat (or not). That whole section of my brain was freed! ANd I never expected it at all! I am certain that being so well nourished has something to do with it, no cravings or red herrings to lead me along the wrong way. But even so, I do get mindless "food itches" that have no direction, but instead of 3X a week, more like 3X a YEAR now. I feel that I'm not expressing myself. All I know is that I now savor what I eat. I can slow down and enjoy each bite, rather than trying to satisfy that monster within that never COULD be satisfied.
   — vitalady