I need some reassurance
Hello all,
I am pre-op, with an appointment for a consultation with a surgeon in
just over a week, for Lap RNY. I am hoping to have surgery in
February. Now that surgery is getting close I am experiencing the
excitement, nervousness, worry, stomach upset/”runs”, etc. of other
close to surgery pre-ops. I am not worried about the surgery, pain,
or discomfort because that only lasts a short time. What worries me
is giving up food. (Boy, that is hard to admit!) I’m 51 years old,
been overweight for 43 of those years, and food has always been an
important part of my life. It is hard to imagine life without all of
the food/snacks I love, in the amounts I am used to eating. I know
the end results will be so worth the effort, and when I am on the
other side I doubt I will miss the food, (at least through the
honeymoon period) but right now, on this side of surgery, the thought
of giving up food is a concern.
I would like some reassurance from post ops that I will be able to
follow the rules of what to eat and when, and that I’ll be happy
about eating that way. Or do I just have to “suck it up” and learn
to live with it Post to the group, as I am sure there are others
that want to hear the same reassurances.
Thanks for your help.
Pamela L.
April 26th, 2003 at 8:08 pm
Pamela and other pre-ops,
As a pre-op, it is almost impossible to think about eating a few
ounces of food and then being satisfied. And, even post-op, it is not
always “a walk in the park.” One important thing to do is to keep a
positive attitude about WLS. If you expect this surgery to “work” for
you and you are willing to do “the work,” you will probably be
successful.
I am nine months post-op and have chosen to follow the rules (for the
most part). It is not easy - but the surgery makes it do-able. At
first, you may be a little nervous about eating or drinking ANYTHING.
Most people don’t feel hunger (in the true sense) right after
surgery. If you set your mind on following the eating plan, you begin
to learn what foods you tolerate well.
There is a temptation to see HOW FAR you can “push the envelope” in
terms of quantity eaten, carbs, sugars, or anything else. I have
chosen to take a different approach and maybe it will work for you
too. I try to see HOW LITTLE I can get by with and still be minimally
satisfied until the next time I eat. Pre-op this would have been
impossible for me — so maybe you will not be able to relate to it.
But post-op, for me, I am often able to stop eating - before I get
satiated. If my head or mouth still wants to be “engaged” in an
eating activity, I sometimes eat a SF popcicle.
Please note, that I am probably not your typical 9-month post-op.
First of all, I am 54 years old. A whole lot older than most folks on
this list. Secondly, I am still eating only about 800 Calories a day.
Many post-ops are eating 1000 Calories or more - by the 4th month. I
feel OK about my eating program and my blood work is on the good side
of normal - in all respects. Thirdly, I do take my vitamins everyday
- and I do drink 64-80 oz. of water everyday.
Exercise is another key element. Many pre-ops, including me, are
fairly inactive. Walking across the living room was an effort.
However, from a few hours post-op — you will be encouraged to walk.
My experience was that by the 4th day, I was able to walk (slowly)
around a mall for a couple of hours - with some resting along the way.
(Yes, I had some pain - but I did it just the same.) For the first 2
months, I increased my walking - around the neighborhood. By the 3rd
month, I joined the gym and hired a personal trainer. I continue to
use the gym on the average of 7 hours a week. I was even named
“Member of the Month of September” at my gym. Plus, I just move more
- because it feels good to do that.
I know that pre-op, it seems like an impossibility to eat and exercise
as I have described above. There will still be challenges - and this
is NOT an easy solution to obesity. As Barbara Herrera said in a
recent post, “this is harder than any diet I have ever been on.”
Post-ops have to be very vigilant about eating, drinking water, and
exercising. The “food demons” do not go away. I still find myself
“sneak eating” on occassion.
You will have many different (food) experiences after WLS. I was a
volume eater pre-op and it sounds like maybe you are too. I’ve
learned to substitute quality for quantity in the last 9 months. I’ve
decided that since I am eating only small quantities of food, then it
will be the best quality of food that I can find. I rarely eat fast
foods anymore - because I want higher quality nutrition to nourish me
and there is only so much room in my tummy. I still like the taste of
french fries and still eat a few - occassionally. But, they do not
“call to me” in my car as I drive by anymore.
As we all continue on our individual WLS journey, we run into
situations that “throw us for a loop.” It could be related to food,
emotions, public opinion, or a myriad of other things. That’s when
belonging to an online support group can be a life saver. So, keep
“connected” and you will be well on your way to success. Focus on
your successes and pick yourself up when you falter. We are all in
the same boat.
Good luck on your WLS journey,
Susan H
Pre-Op 325 BMI = 53 Size 26 or 3X
Lap RNY 4/2/01 - Alvarado Hospital, San Diego
Today 194 BMI = 31 Size 14 or Medium