Kim Mahoney

James, what I mean is that many people think that just because they can tolerate any foods that means they can consume anything. So, they return to their old eating habits and think it is okay simply because they are not eating nearly as much as they used to. I know people who eat sugary things, consume vast amounts of carbs, and worst of all, drink soda. The empty calories will completely undo all the hard work. Soda is the worst! Many think that as long as it is diet, it is okay; it's not! Soda can literally destroy your stomach, cause leaks, and all sorts of complications. It is the number one saboteur of WLS. So, while these first few months are difficult and a struggle, use them to retrain your brain while you are retraining your body. The hardest part about this is the brain. My nutritionist always tells people to stop eating with their brain and eat to nourish and fuel the body. Many of us got fat because we turned to food for comfort (you just admitted as much yourself). We need to find new ways of relieving our stress, anxiety, and emotions. For me, I have taken up various hobbies...crocheting, raising chickens, I got a puppy. Right now, I am hatching baby chicks. Yes, I live in the country, but even city folks can find things to occupy their time rather than eating...go for a walk, feed pigeons or ducks at the park, etc. It also has helped me to start telling myself, "I really don't like ___. It will make me sick" I really don't like sugar (I was an addict before WLS) I will get sick if I eat that piece of pie. I really don't like soda (I used to drink 3 cans a day) It will corrode my stomach. If you tell yourself these things enough times, your brain will begin to believe it. Now, if I consume something with sugar, after telling myself I don't like it and telling myself it will make me sick if I eat it, I literally get sick if I eat it. I haven't had a soda in almost a year now and at times I really crave it, but I don't give in because my brain truly believes it will do more damage than the brief satisfaction.

I drink coffee every morning. It just takes a while...one cup lasts all morning. And you will find that you will eat till full again, but your new "stuffed" won't be seconds or thirds, but rather, 2 or 3 bites, and once your brain adjusts to that new normal, you will be okay with it. Btw..the sleeve doesn't really stretch. If it does, people are eating wrong. Many think they stretch it because they gain weight nack, but 99% of the time it is from consuming carbs, sugar, and crap. My doctor said when she gets patients who think their sleeve has stretched, she has inserted her bougie & it hadn't.

I am nine months out, and do not regret a thing. I eat out all the time. I just eat differently & not as much. In fact, eating out is fun because I can always split a meal with my companion...cheap! HW 235, size 18 CW 122, size 3 No regrets!