14 Months Post-Op Head Games

[Foxbins 625]

I had my surgery 14 months ago and have lost 94 lbs, more than I had ever hoped. I am thrilled to be slender and for the most part maintaining my weight loss is easy. However, I was reminded today that surgery was on my stomach, not my brain.

Pre-op, I loved sweet things. pancakes, donuts, cinnamon rolls for Breakfast and chocolate, ice cream, and cakes for dessert after lunch AND dinner to say nothing of TV Snacks. Post-op, I avoided carbs until I reached goal. I tried a few bites of Desserts then but they tasted too sweet and not as good as I remembered so I didn't pursue eating them. Yesterday I saw on a website that Cold Stone Creamery was having a BOGO sale with a coupon, which I promptly printed out. I was on my way to the store to get my ice cream treat when it hit me--I don't like ice cream anymore. It makes my sleeve feel funny and me feel queasy when I eat it. Why in the world was I driving to get something that was going to make me feel bad?

Because that is what I did pre-op. I eat when I am anxious, especially sweets, and I have just signed a contract to have lots of work done on my kitchen (plus, there is a raccoon in the crawl space, but that's another tale). I was going to get ice cream because that was how I dealt with anxiety before my surgery. Once I realized what I was doing, I didn't need the ice cream anymore. I called a friend and told her how worried I was about making the wrong decorating decisions and she offered to help--poof! Anxiety gone.

Does this strike a chord with anybody else or am I just a little loony?

[Shemy-away 83]

I'm not as far out as you are, but I'm glad you had your a-ha moment. You're right, our bodies have changed, but the mental changes require a lifetime of work.

[Lakelady 2]

Sounds familiar!

[IowaAndy 95]

Oh yes I find myself still looking through all of the fast food and pizza coupons that come in the mail. It is just another habit that I had before I had the sleeve. I have not gone to any of them but I always think that I might......but then I realize how in the world could I even eat one hamburger or one blizzard let alone 2 of them. This does not change the fact that I still want to.

I think that head hunger and old habits are the hardest part of my new life. I am only 3 months post op but I still think that I should be eating in times of stress or boredom.

Glad you have some friends that can help and support you. And remember that we are all here for you.

[Pookeyism 1,143]

You are really insightful, actually. I had to make a mental note of it this evening, but only after stuffing myself of butternut squash Soup.

Mine is a combination of stress over deciding I am going to have to depart way permanently from a good friend at the same time I found out my Hubby will be out of the country for at least a couple of weeks, maybe more. I get really lonely when he is gone.

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

I know what you mean. I've trekked to places like Dairy Queen or Wendy's, only to find myself in front of the display and after imagining the taste, realize that I didn't actually want anything. Don't get me wrong, though, there have also been times where I trekked there and DID order something, lol.

[Shanny 70]

I know exactly what you're talking about! I wasn't a big sweets eater before, but I'm definitely an emotional eater. I've been stressed lately, it seems to be coming from all places. Since I can't eat Pasta & bread (what I loved before surgery) I've discovered chocolate, brownies, and ice cream! Unfortunately, it doesn't hurt when I eat it.

I'm really trying to get myself together and keep away from the sweets. I exercise regularly, but lately sweets have been my reward for working out. It's hard, but yesterday I looked at myself in the mirror and decided I've come too far and worked too hard. I'm not going back!