Question:
Am I cheating or am I living normal?

I posted the other day that I was craving pizza at two months post op Well, I finally caved and had one slice of pizza. I absorbed the excess oil off with a paper towel before I even got started. My daughter always does that. Then I ate very slowly, chewed slowly, savored every bite, it took me about a half hour to eat and now I am so satisfied. I didn't get sick or anything. I started getting that queasy, uneasy feeling there at the end but it passed soon. Then this morning, I fried about 8, 1/2 strips of bacon (crisp), fried an egg in Pam and ate the egg and 2 of the 1/2 strips of bacon and felt so satisfied that I finally was able to eat a regular breakfast instead of a steady breakfast of oatmeal for the past two months. My question: Am I cheating or am I just living normal? This afternoon I made chili, ate about 1/2 bowl of that. I feel like I've finally broken through a barrier here where before I was only able to eat semi-solid foods, no meat at all until this weekend. What do you think, family? Am I okay here? I can't take many more protein shakes, especially in the winter time. I can see getting back on them this spring and summer but not now.    — blank first name B. (posted on January 6, 2002)

January 6, 2002
I'd say you're doing better than OK...I'd say you're doing Fantastic!!!!! You're eating high protein meals in sensible quantity. Which was the point. As for the pizza...I know exactly what you mean!!! I started out denying myself Everything but the most healthy food. I learned that the more I did that, the more I wanted it and then when I did finally get it...I'd eat more of it then planned. Now, if I crave something; I have a bite or two with my meal and I'm done. So, I'd say you're on track!!! Keep up the fantastic work. :o)
   — Kristin R.

January 6, 2002
I'll be six weeks on Friday.. But I have been eating regular food for 3 weeks now.. I've had some pizza, all kinds of meat, seafood, vegis and fruit.. Even had a one egg and bacon and cheese omlet for brefast this morning! I have not had any problems with food at all. No dumping or sickness.. I just eat smaller portions and chew ..chew..chew.. I bought a scale and weight what I eat.. NEVER more than 3oz.. usally only 1 or 2oz.. don't want to strech my new tummy. I did not have this surgey to never eat again.. I had it to help me learn to eat right and finally smaller portions! Good luck.. You are well on your way! Smiles.. Kathy
   — Kathryn C.

January 6, 2002
Your doing GREAT! Eat whatever you want in small quanties, moderation is the key, at least for me. I like others craved and binged my entire life. Pizza if its not greasy isnt a bad choice, with the high protein meat toppings and cheese. Just get your protein in.
   — bob-haller

January 6, 2002
When I was overseas on a business trip and vacation the only thing I found that was not fried or full of more fat that I would have was pizza. They make individual pizza's and I usually had 2 very small slices and that satisfied me and I never got sick, but got my protein in. Someone else always ate the remainder of the pizza. There's also veggie pizza with cheese. YUM!
   — Betty Todd

January 6, 2002
I say 100% normal. We can't live on protein shakes and protein bars for the remainder of our lives. My surgeon starts his patients off on full liquids for 4 weeks and semi softs for another 4 weeks...then we advance to real foods. For life long success, now is the time to learn to eat healthy protein rich, low carb, low sugar FOOD. You are doing great!
   — [Anonymous]

January 7, 2002
Here's another vote for NORMAL. The thing I liked about reading your post was how you describe the satisfaction and enjoyment you get from these small portions. That is why this surgery is so succesful. Because you can eat the things you crave. But you don't eat the whole pizza, or all eight slices of bacon. It takes time for our eyes and stomach to catch up to each other, but you are doing awesome. Remember, this is not a diet. You don't have to beat yourself up for "cheating". The most important thing is to stop when you're full and it sounds like you've got that down. Now you just have to get over all that built up guilt that comes with dieting for so many years. I think you are doing exactly what we are supposed to.
   — kcanges

January 7, 2002
CONGRATS! I think you have broken that barrier. I felt so much better when I could eat "normal" foods and it seems you do, too. I think when you get past that stage of being afraid of your new tummy, the two of you really get down to the business of negotiating how you are going to live together for the rest of your lives! LOL My vote is NORMAL!
   — ctyst

January 9, 2004
I recently went to my 4 month check-up after surgery and my nutritionist thought I was crazy when I told her what I was eating, or really not eating. She said at 2 months you should be able to eat almost anything, in moderation, as long as it is low in sugar and not too high in fat, and I was definately not doing that. You have reached the normal stage way before me!
   — Ellen K.

January 9, 2004
Another vote for normal right here. Eating the same thing every day doesn't work for everyone, and a varied eating plan is a wonderful thing. As for the protein shakes in the winter, have you tried any protein bars? They can be really filling and some are not bad-tasting either. I would just caution you to introduce new foods slowly and carefully-- you're doing great!!
   — lizinPA

Click Here to Return