Question:
I had my first consult date set just a couple of days ago. I now find that I want to
eat constantly. I think I want to eat up everything that I like (which, of course, is just about everything), because I won't be able to eat this way again. Anyone out there have a similar problem prior to surgery? How did you remedy the problem? — [Anonymous] (posted on August 28, 1999)
August 28, 1999
I went through the same feelings, I wanted to eat everything, it was more
like "guilt free eating" (someting that I don't remember feeling
before)because I was on my way to weight loss, and I knew it would be a
while before I would have those foods again(if ever). Well I don't know
about anyone else, but I ate whatever I wanted and enjoyed it while it
lasted. my last supper was steak and lobster :o)it was great.
surgery Aug 3, 1999 / 36 pounds down.
— Sue P.
August 28, 1999
I have this very same feeling. I don't know how to stop it. I have been
thinking that I am going to slow down my eating and start sipping all of my
liquids. I have about 1 1/2 months left until my surgery and I feel that I
am more out of control than before. Some things that I am trying to do to
stop this are: cleaning closets, going through bills (hard, because
financial stress is a door to eat.),sewing, or just getting out of the
house. The thought is still always there. I can be doing any of these
things and I'll be thinking how good something will taste the whole time
I'm busy.
Please let me know what you find out.
[email protected]
— Heather A.
August 29, 1999
I was looking forward to eating everything in sight before surgery but when
my doctor set the date which is Sept 29, he told me to try to lose 15 to
20lbs because it would make surgery easier. I carry a lot of weight around
the middle and he said any weight lost would be helpful. I want surgery to
go as easy as possible so I'm try to do this. I will probably go out for a
very nice dinner and yummy dessert at least one more time.
— hannah R.
August 29, 1999
Absolutely! I wanted to stuff everything in my mouth as fast as I could
and then eat some more! I was worried that I am never going to be able to
eat the foods I want or the quantities I want again. But then I realized
hey...that's the whole point of the surgery! This is what I'm going for
here and I'm going to have to get used to it you know? I know it's not
easy. I also have a very long waiting period to get used to this though. -
2 years almost!! hope this helped a bit. :o)
— April H.
August 29, 1999
Hi! I think what you are experiencing is a normal reaction. I'd bet that
almost everyone having this surgery experiences the same feeling, to some
degree. I know I did, and it was awful. I decided that while I was
waiting I would NOT gain any more weight. I decided that I would make sure
that whatever I was eating was what I really wanted, but not to overdo the
portion size. I also made a list of foods that I loved and wanted to have
one last time, in case I couldn't tolerate them ever again (the chocolate
cake at Rainforest Cafe was a must!)and I ate my way through the list, no
regrets! I am now 31 days post-op open proximal RNY, 36 pounds lighter
than I was before the procedure, and feeling very very good. Good luck!
Jaye
— Jaye C.
August 29, 1999
I didn't try to remedy it. There was only about a month
between my consult and my surgery date. So I enjoyed myself.
Ate in all the restaurants that I knew I would not be able
to enjoy quite so much after surgery. And believe it or not
I actually ended up losing a few pounds before surgery. Go
enjoy yourself (unless your doctor has set limits for you).
It isn't going to hurt anything.
— dboat
August 29, 1999
I too had a big problem with eating before surgery. I felt like I had to
eat everything I really loved because before too long I would never be able
to have it again. I just went ahead and ate what ever I wanted once I knew
for sure that I was having the surgery. Afterward you have such a
change in your diet that even the desire for some of your favorite foods is
gone.If it wasn't chocolate (before surgery) then it wasn't hardly worth
eating, now I don't even crave choc. It will be amazing to you what you
will be able to live without that you never thought you could. Good Luck. I
had an open RNY distal in april of 98 and have lost 159# so far. Jan Terry
— Jan T.
August 29, 1999
I felt compelled to respond to this because I am having the same
"problem". My surgery is scheduled for 9/8/99 (open RNY) and I'm
eating as though I will never be able to eat again. I tried telling myself
I would not do this but it just does not work. I feel better now though,
since I learned I am not alone.
— samuel G.
August 29, 1999
It's funny that you should post this comment. I, too, had my
first consult about two weeks ago, and I am having the same
problem. I seem to be eating more than ever, thinking all the
time that after I have this surgery, I won't be able to eat this
way ever again. I'm just praying that I won't WANT to eat this
way after surgery. Since I have already made the decision to
have the surgery (if my insurance approves it), I've decided
that I'm not going to beat myself up over my eating habits
right now. If I don't get approved, I don't know what I'll do
at that point !
— Denise R.
August 29, 1999
I felt absolutely the same before surgery, and I decided to enjoy it, so I
did! I am now 7 weeks postop, and find that I no longer crave the same
things as before, and that most foods taste differently, anyway. Besides
that, I get full VERY quickly! It's normal to feel the way you're feeling,
just remember that things WILL change after surgery, so be ready to do
that. GOod luck-Charlene
— charlene M.
August 29, 1999
I think this is a normal response to actually having a date set in front of
you and you will find many people experience this type of anxiety. While
changing your eating habits after surgery is imperative, don't feel
pressure to "practice" early. If you decide to have the surgery
you will work with your doctor and/or nutritionist to transform your eating
habits, remember this is a lifestyle change and not another diet! Good
luck and feel free to contact me if you have any other concerns.
— Jennifer D.
August 30, 1999
I had that same problem. I told myself I would not go overboard but I did
bigtime. I ate everthing I could think of one last time. In my opionion
its ok. You will never be able to eat like that again! As long as you know
that than I dont see anything wrong with it! good luck! jenae childress (4
mo post op down 75lbs)
— jenae C.
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