Question:
Has any of your family members lost weight or eat healither after the surgery?

And How many of you cook for the rest of your family? do you have a problem cooking?    — Ruth S. (posted on September 19, 2001)

September 18, 2001
Yes and Yes- My husband has lost some weight he doesn't know how much because he isn't addicted to the scale like I am :o) he was by no means over weight, but I know he feels better about himself because of it and he can move around better also. I cook for my family and cook for friends I have always loved to cook, the difference is now I just don't eat as much. I do find myself cooking much healthier I don't buy "junk" anymore because if it was there it would be in my mouth, this way the temptation isn't there. Best of luck to you...
   — [Anonymous]

September 18, 2001
Actually, my hubby has GAINED weight! I cook for the both of us; and I cook healthy foods. Problem is, what I don't eat, he does! Also he tends to snack a lot at work. He has gained about 15 pounds in the past year. He normally fluctuates that much but he loses it quickly. Problem is, this time it hasn't come off yet! Regarding cooking for the family, WLS doesn't make you an alien. You will still eat everything, just smaller quantities (and better choices and preparation). My mom in law gets upset when we go out to eat because I'll order the works (soup, salad entree). My reasoning is that although I only eat a bit of it, doesn't mean I should be denied it. I usually take home the leftovers and order two veggies instead of a potato. Before surgery, I never thought I would eat again. I realize now that you eat like a normal person (slightly less). I dump if I go overboard in sugar or fat, but you just adjust to your new bod. Good luck!
   — Jeannet

September 18, 2001
Yes. My sister and I have always been a competitive. We were both fat, but I always weighted 100lbs. more than she did. So, she never worried much about her weight...being the "thinner" of the two. I guess she felt threatened after I had my wls and I began to lose weight rapidly. She went on a drastic diet and practically starved herself down to a size 8. I've stabilized at a 14/16. But, I had the last laugh. She might weigh less than I do; but, she did it in such an unhealthy manner and so quickly, that she has drooping skin all over her body, her coloring is ashy, her skin is dry and scaly, and for some reason she still has a big stomach that makes her look 3 months pregnant. She looked a heck of lot better and was much healthier and happier at 200lbs.
   — [Anonymous]

September 19, 2001
Yes, my husband has also lost weight. I do not cook as often or much as I did before WLS. When I cook, I usually cook very healthy foods, and I limit desserts (usually fresh or canned fruits in light or natural syrup) to a minimum. My oldest son is chubby, and my husband could stand to lose 20 lbs., so they are benefitting from my new eating habits.
   — Tammy W.

September 19, 2001
Because I don't allow soda, cookies etc.. in the house anymore, my 16 year old son lost 20 pounds in the last year. He was happy because he got a whole new wardrobe. Unfortunately my dog got fatter. I always give her what I can't finish. She sits patiently next to me waiting.
   — Helen C.

September 19, 2001
Like a poster before, My boyfriend probably gained after my surgery. He'd eat his, plus my leftovers. But then he got WLS and now either of us eat much :)
   — jammie B.

September 19, 2001
No, yes, no. My husband gained wt form eating my portions, plus his. He was already almost 100# over, so that finished it for him. He was sick enough for surgery, but needed about 7 more lbs. BUT once *I* was freed from the dominion of food, I cooked my fingers off! I only like about 5 things on earth, anyway, so I ate the things I love, and made him all kinds of things that never would've been on my table! He had an interesting couple of years there while I tried new recipes on him & my comes-to-dinner-on-Sunday family! I HATE fish, HATE eggplant, HATE most meats, so that's what I cooked. NOOOOO problem, since I'd be having what I enjoyed while they ate the icky stuff. It was intersting for me to slowly disconnect from food in this way and still show everyone else a good time. And no, it didn't bother me to cook it at all. I was having what I wanted (maybe a baked potato or a special sandwich that only I enjoy to that degree), so cooking for them was a labor of love of them, NOT of the food. FREE AT LAST!
   — vitalady