Do you really save money on food/ nutrition??
Gang,
It seems obvious that after WLS, post-ops spend less money on food.
But when you add in the cost of protein drinks, vitamins and any thing
else you buy after surgery that you didn’t buy beforehand, do you
actually end up saving money in the long run? I’m trying to figure out
if my monthly budget will change significantly after surgery. I live
alone and currently spend about $300 on food.
So, will I save a few dollars or does it all balance out in the end?
Thanks!
Teena in California
BMI: 43
October 1st, 2004 at 3:07 pm
I save a LOT LOT LOT of money on food…
… and *easily* spend four times that pre-op amount on clothes and accessories.
I have become incredibly vain and absolutely enjoy pretty-ing myself up… from
hair doo dads to the 30 Victoria Secret bras I have in every color imaginable!
Skirts, tops, sweaters (NEVER wore sweaters pre-op… now I am always cold),
stockings, decorative leggings (the more glittery the better), earrings,
bracelets, and the list goes on!
Eating 2 pieces of string cheese, 6 slices of deli turkey, 2 crackers (remember,
I am almost 17 months out… didn’t touch crackers for 14 months), half a breast
of chicken with some veggies, and a couple of protein bars a day doesn’t cost
NEARLY as much as several Super-Sized Meals, dinner for 4 (that I ate myself),
and all the crap food (candy, etc.) I had pre-op.
But, as I said… shopping is a total blast! Compulsive? Not anymore… but do
try to keep a handle on it.
Barbara Herrera
San Diego, CA - 41 years old
Open RNY April 5, 2001
Dr. Julie Ellner, Alvarado Hospital, San Diego, CA
04/05/01: 344# / BMI: 63/ Body Fat%: 75%
04/05/02: 172# / BMI: 31.6/ Body Fat%: 28%
07/27/02: 160#/ BMI: 29.3/ Body Fat%: 25%
October 1st, 2004 at 8:43 pm
In the beginning I had the same question. Every time I went to the store I
would shop for high protein, low carb foods and then buy enough of
everything for the “Old Lisa’s” stomach. I know I spent WAY more than I
needed to at that stage, but everything sounded good, and of course I could
only eat a little. It takes time to mentally adjust to your new life and
shopping needs. Now, like Barbara, I save those grocery bucks and put them
toward clothes. I just realized the other day that all the new clothes I
bought for last winter (a whole wardrobe) are larges. I remember thinkingw
what a thrill it was to finally be able to wear a normal size large. Well
now I’m wearing SMALLS!!! Oh the troubles of losing gobs of
weight…………
Best wishes,
Lisa Bennett
open rny 5/23/01
Dr. Alison Clarey, D.O.
- 115 lbs so far!