Question:
I'm 10 days away from surgery, and terrified I won't be able to follow guidelines
I see a lot of pre-op questions regarding nerves about surgery...my nerves are a little different. I'm not scared about the surgery at all. I'm having Lap RNY on 10/21/02...and earlier this summer I had my gall bladder removed laporascopically, so I think I know what to expect in terms of pain, etc. And even if I have no idea what I'm getting into pain-wise, I'm still not scared of the surgery itself. I'm terrified, however, about life post-op. Scared I won't be able to stick to the routine, scared I'll binge, scared I'll start smoking again. I guess I'm looking for support...but also, did ya'll feel this way? I mean, I know I'm not alone, but I'd like to hear stories -- stories from people who were scared they couldn't do it (due to emotional eating, past failures, whatever), and HAVE done it. Thanks. — Tamara K. (posted on October 10, 2002)
October 10, 2002
Don't be afraid! WLS works, because it slaps us on the wrist when we screw
up. For example, if you eat too much, you will feel nauseous and may even
throw up. If you eat sugar, you will dump. If you don't eat enough
protein, you'll feel weak. We just slowly learn to do better things for
ourselves, because we FEEL BETTER! You will do fine. Please don't let
this be a reason to avoid the surgery. It's really much easier than it may
seem right now.
— Terissa R.
October 10, 2002
I had the same fears as a pre-op. I actually considered not going thru
with the surgery becasue two weeks before my date I found this doughnut
shop with the best cinamon rolls. Stupid, I know, but I didnt think I
would be strong enough to not eat em. And diet coke....oh boy.....there
was NO way I could give that up. I am the worst about self dicipline or
will power. But....after the surgery alot of things change. You will
struggle with your food issues, but you will overcome them. Yes, one month
post op, I was weak and got a cinnamon roll. They make these really tiny
ones just like the big ones. It made me so sick. I dumped on it,
duh....but the fact that it was bread and just sat in my stomach like lead
is what hurt the most. Experiences like that one is what makes you change
your eating habits. From then on, looking at the doughnut shop made me
sick, just from remembering that one little roll. I will admit the first
month or two was very difficult for me emotionally. I not only missed the
wonderful foods that I could eat before, but I really missed the feeling of
finishing the food. (hungry or not) But there comes a point, and I really
cant tell you exactly when, that you come to peace with your new
relationship with food. For me, at about 4 months post op I realized food
was no longer an issue for me. And I could not identify at what point that
had happened. Now at a year post op, I dont even think about what I can
and cant eat. Its an old habit that doesnt require thought. Basically what
you are describing, everyone goes thru. It is just another part of the
ride. You will be fine...you will realize that you are much stronger than
you think.
— RebeccaP
October 10, 2002
I was soooooo nervous that I would't be able to stick to the program!!
Personally, my three biggest fears were pasta, sweets, and alcohol (i'm 21,
so my friends and i are into the whole "bar scene"). To be
honest, the beginning was hard...I seriously dreamed about food every night
and commercials on TV made me crave things that i don't even like. I even
got so desparate a few times that i would chew things i couldn't have and
spit it out. But by the end of the first month, when i could have a good
range of foods,i was sooooo much better. Now, i am 4 months out (and down
70 pounds!)and i can say that my life is pretty much normal...i can go out
to eat at any restaurant and find something that i enjoy and that i can
have. things are so normal for me that i dont even feel like i've had
surgery!!! I consider my surgery date my second birthday because my life
has changed so much in just these past few months...October 21 is my real
birthday and now it will be your birthday too!! GOOD LUCK!!!
— Jenn S.
October 10, 2002
Tamara,
I felt the same way. I honestly didn't know if I could stick with it all
or not. I had failed with every other diet and blamed it all on my
willpower. I think that although most people dump on sugar post-op. My
nutritionist said that there are some people, although few, that don't
dump. I took her advise when she said that "Even though all people
test out their tolerance to sugar at some point, it's best to wait as long
as you can before you do" . She said this because if you are one of
those people that don't dump, you are going to go straight for those types
of foods. Or at least they will be much harder to resist. You are trying
to change you eating habits. I decided that when I had the surgery, rather
than test it out, I would just assume that I am one of those people who
dumps. My family can't believe how well I have done with absolutely NO
SUGAR,and NO CARBONATION. I can't say that I have not had any fats, but I
am working on that one. If you knew me before the surgery you would be
shocked too. I am now out 2 1/2 months and down 54 pounds! I just decided
that this was the way I wanted to be eating for the rest of my life and set
my mind to it. Even though you think you aren't strong enough now, you
might just suprise yourself. I did! Have some faith in yourself. And
just keep in mind how wonderful you will look and feel when it's all said
and done! :) Good luck!
— Laurel C.
October 11, 2002
hello! i had the same fears...but i've been fine. i'm below my goal weight
and healthy. you will need to find a different outlet for your emotions
since you can't eat to soothe yourself and you really would be better to
stay away from alcohol. i too tried all the diets and pills and exercises
only to regain my weight plus some. i can't overeat - i don't like the
feeling of food sitting in my esophagus! i can tolerate some
sugars/fats/carbs and you do need some of those for a nutritious meal but
your body won't let you eat the amounts you do pre op...it simply cannot
tolerate it! (some ppl can but most "dump" on too much fat or
sugar in one sitting) for me i found that the pre op meals that i enjoyed
just don't taste good anymore..generally like chinese food just feels like
its coating my guts with oil...
i highly recommend joining a wls support group if there is one in your
area, if not, join an online wls support group. studies have shown that wls
patients need at least 3 years post op support.
feel free to email me anytime! (i facilitate a wls support group)
[email protected]
{hugs}kate
open rny 6-14-01
pre op: 268lbs
goal: 135lbs
current: 126lbs
— jkb
October 11, 2002
I never stopped smoking, so I can offer any guidance in that...but I
wouldn't worry about failing the surgery or it failing you. That is so
rare! You simply cannot eat when you are full and when you do eat
something junky (with the RNY anyway) it tends to either taste bad or make
you feel like yuck - in the beginning. Later on you may find you can eat
things you should avoid, but if you find that happening seek the help of a
councelor. Perhaps there are unresolved emotional issues you could get
help with. Best of luck to you!
— [Deactivated Member]
Click Here to Return