Question:
Will I form new habits?

I am scheduled for surgery in 1 week and need to know what to expect during my "next" life. Will I simply develope new habits that will become second nature to me or will I spend the rest of my life worrying about every bite of food and every sip of liquid?? I know that this surgery is a major undertaking and have made my decision to improve my health but I want to know that it will not be the center of my life until death do us part.    — Gina D. (posted on November 21, 2000)

November 21, 2000
Gina- not to worry!! I am 10 months post op and down 106 lbs. and I don't think much at all about eating. I can eat the same things as before surgery, but not near as much (even sugar). I CHOOSE to eat healthier because I feel better and have more energy when I do, but if I am in a social situation, I look as normal as the other gal and eat what is available. Another difference is I don't get hungry- so IF I don't want to eat what is available, I sip water or diet Coke (with LOTS of ice). Immediately postop you will be totally immersed in how you eat, and that is part of making this tool work. BUT, after a while, you will get a good feel of what, when, how much, and all that and it becomes second nature. Good Luck- it is great!!
   — M B.

November 21, 2000
I read your question while I was eating a chicken pot pie from KFC (it's cold here in Michigan, and I wanted some comfort food!). I picked all the chicken chunks out first, had a bite or two of potato and and crust. Most of the crust and nearly all the gravy is still sitting on my desk, smelling delicious and warm...and I have absolutely no desire to finish it. So, yes, you will develop new habits, but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy eating! I'm real good about not drinking during a meal and waiting a half an hour after, but I don't eat any slower than I ever did, or take tiny bites. I do, however, chew, chew, chew. At some point, this will all stop being practice for you and you will find a comfort level with your new habits. Good Luck!
   — Allie B.

November 21, 2000
Yes, you do develop new habits, but they are good ones. First of all, do the best you can but also realize that you are not going to get your protein, water, eating habits and exercise all down exactly right the day after surgery. This is a process, and it will take time to settle into a new routine. In the beginning you'll focus on food a lot because your tender insides will demand it. But as your body begins to heal, you'll realize that your focus shies away from food and to other things - new clothes, getting new eyeglasses or a haircut because your new face needs it, how much fun you have being able to exercise without huffing and puffing, the opposite sex, etc, etc, etc. Your first few experiences out eating in public will be a bit strange, but then you get used to it, and you understand what your body can and cannot handle. I am 6 months post op, and my food is by no means as powerful as it was before. That's one of the gifts WLS gives us! Good luck!
   — Paula G.

November 21, 2000
Trying to describe what life is like post-op is like trying to describe the taste of chocolate to someone who has never had any. Yes, it's different ... it's BETTER ... but, for many of us, what was important BEFORE surgery doesn't even get on the priority list AFTER surgery. For me, one of those things was food. What was on my mind 24/7 before last April 17 occasionally floats into my consciousness since -- I often have to remind myself to eat. At first, it's likely you WILL think about every bite and sip -- but only until you know what you can tolerate and what you can't. As you move out through the various food phases (clear liquid, full liquid, pureed, soft, etc.), what you can and can't eat becomes part of your life. Then it's just what you do. As someone else pointed out, you'll be so caught up in other things -- like buying new clothes, or rediscovering your real self -- that food just isn't a priority. Trust me, you'll love post-op!
   — Cheryl Denomy

November 21, 2000
Thank You for all who posted on this, just what I needed to here.
   — Tamaria W.

November 21, 2000
As far as changing habits, yes, you will, however you need to remember that it took your whole life to develop the habits you now have. And I know you've heard that "old habits die hard", well, it's so true. You will still make "full plates" of food only to throw most of it out. You will still order several items on a menu, only to order a doggy bag to go. And, early on, you will eat much mor ethan you can handle only to purge it out of discomfort. I am 17 weeks out and my wife and I both laugh whenever I fix a plate. She usually says "I guess the dogs did look hungry" menaing that in just a few minutes they will get the left overs LOL.... I found the biggest and easiest habit to adjust was shopping for food. I now shop for non meat items and the items I can eat I only buy the best that there is. Let's face it, if 4-6 oz's is your meal then you want it to be good. Some of the new habits you will grow to love is buying clothes off the rack instead of big and tall stores, paying a lot less at the grocery store, paying a lot less when going out to dinner. Good Luck to you and please feel free to write if you'd like to ask anything else.
   — Guy C.

November 21, 2000
You're body going to go through such a metamorphosis in the next couple of months. Yes, for the first few months you have to relearn how to eat and what to eat; new portions to control the 'urps and the stone syndrome, and the dreaded dumping. But that's only one side of the equation. With all the extra energy you'll have and activity you'll be doing, you'll start to develop a normal metabolism. That new metabolism will help you control and normalize your hunger so that your food in will balance with your energy used, and you really won't want anything more.
   — blank first name B.