What is it like?.........

[rockstar33 5]

I am scared that I will not succeed. I am addicted to food. It is my crutch. What is it like to live without being able to eat all of the foods I love? I keep thinking will I miss out on eating if I travel to France or Italy? Or how about a cruise? And then I think.......this is exactly the problem. Why is that my major concern? Because food controls my life. Is it hard to wake up from surgery and think that you will never be able to eat certain foods again? Will I have a healthy relationship with food? What is it like to be successful with weight loss?

Edited October 13, 2015 by rockstar33

[James Marusek 5,244]

Life is full of trade-offs. I am 29 months post-op from RNY gastric bypass surgery. I have lost a lot of weight. I fit into fabulous clothes. My stamina (ability to perform physical labor) has improved dramatically. Almost all of my numerous medical conditions are in remission. I still miss food, the taste, the pleasure of eating a great meal, the joys of eating. But I would repeat this surgery in a heartbeat.

[Ashlegal 525]

I will not lie and say "after life surgery is easy and your problem with food disappears." Choosing surgery is not an easy fix and those that say otherwise are fools. Surgery is a life long dedication that comes with many ups and downs, trials, errors, joyous moments, frustrating events, overwhelming emotions, stress and victories.

Does it get better over time? I can confidently tell you that it does but it never gets easy. Just easier.

You will need (as many of us do) an excellent support system that may include a therapist, someone who can help you overcome your addiction and help develop better coping skills.

No matter what, you make this decision because the good outweighs the bad. It is a definite trade-off and a chance at a whole new life. Be prepared for the journey is one you didn't think possible.

[zackly 13]

i'm a week short of two months post op and am struggling with the same issues that you are. So much of what made my life pleasurable pre-op was related to cooking, eating and socializing with alcohol & food. I no longer want to go out to restaurants with friends because I'm full after a few forkfuls. I still cook daily as I always have because my wife should not be punished because I had WL surgery. I can't say I'm happy with my new relationship with food. It has left a huge void in my life and I hope I can` find something to replace it. What that might be, I am clueless.The good news is my health has improved significantly. My diabetes is now under good control with 1/4 of the insulin I used to take, and my blood pressure (with meds) is a very good 130/60. I don't ache all over and my stamina has improved. Like James Marusek said, "Life is full of trade-offs." I'm 65 y/o and I got this surgery to save my life. I did not want to be the fat, old blind guy with no feet. If I was younger I would try anything to avoid it. I was very active (athletic) when I was younger and was able to stay height/weight proportionate through my exercise. Everybody is different but I would get this surgery only as a last resort after you can honestly look yourself in the mirror and say you've tried everything.

[gpmed 623]

What Ashlegal said.