Beta98 93 Posted May 1, 2018 On 4/28/2018 at 9:57 PM, Seahawks Fan said: You don’t have to give up delicious foods in moderation. Please take a look at my Instagram. I have some nice examples of options on there. You can do this! Find my page at, “my_tiny_healthy_plate”. That is a wonderful Instagram! I feel so encouraged, I saw a lot of foods I thought I would have to get up. So can you have normal meals like that everyday except they are small like you show? That is pretty much what they have me eating now in phase 1 except my portion size is triple what you show LOL. To the original poster, please go look at his Instagram, I think you will see eventually you can have lots of great food just in a smaller portion size. I know for me I always wanted to eat smaller portions, i even got rid of all of my large plates several years ago and went to 8 inch plates, but it did no good I would just walk to the table with two plates in hand. The thought of fitting my meal on one small plate and not being hungry afterwards would be a huge win for me. Maybe you can start looking for what would be a huge win for you and not focus as much on the "loss" of control. I don't know, I'm not a therapist but I agree with those that said therapy would really help you a lot right now. 1 1 Taoz and Skinnygirl04 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmckimmey 4 Posted June 23, 2018 I know this is late, but I had this surgery very unexpectedly and that Istagram feed really gave me hope for the future. If I can do this, as a surprise emergency ulcer removal, not planned weight loss surgery, you can do it. Trust me, I have cried A LOT. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hellokitty19984 27 Posted June 24, 2018 I'm 2.5 weeks post op and I deff have questioned why, when I eat and get the full pain I question it.. first few days home I cried alot, not because of pain but because I was limited to doing things myself, but watching everyone eating and I can't sucks. I'm a girl that loves food and now I feel I can't fully enjoy it.. keep ur head up, it gets better Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nibble 201 Posted June 24, 2018 I agree with most of the others -- talking with someone you trust can only help you discover and uncover ways food has impacted your life. I have control issues, too. Big time. I was not ready for this surgery 5 years ago. The thought was like giving up control. At some point I turned that thinking around, realizing I had lost control long before that -- that food had been controlling ME, and I was seduced and enslaved by it, like the moth to the flame. With the surgery I feel I will truly gain both CONTROL and HEALTH, in both body and spirit. Also, with surgery so recent, perhaps feelings and hormones are on a roller coaster just now. Don't do anything hasty or make decisions. Just go one day at a time. Do you journal? Would be interesting to track your feelings as you go. Hang in there!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nibble 201 Posted June 24, 2018 SeahawksFan -- this is an amazing array of delicious looking food - there's definitely lots to look forward to when we get through the Valley of Clear Stuff, Valley of Cloudy Stuff, and Valley of Mush. I'm printing these photos in color to see what I can look forward to! Thanks for sharing!! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You don’t have to give up delicious foods in moderation. Please take a look at my Instagram. I have some nice examples of options on there. You can do this! Find my page at, “my_tiny_healthy_plate”. 2 Taoz and Frustr8 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Taoz 284 Posted June 24, 2018 15 hours ago, mmckimmey said: I know this is late, but I had this surgery very unexpectedly and that Istagram feed really gave me hope for the future. If I can do this, as a surprise emergency ulcer removal, not planned weight loss surgery, you can do it. Trust me, I have cried A LOT. wow, it must be a lot to take in now post sleeve, without the research and prep most of us have done before surgery. I hope you have recovered well and are tolerating liquid/puree foods well so far. I'm almost 8 weeks out and pretty much eating regular foods now, just small portions and focusing on Protein first. I made a lovely beef and red wine casserole in the slow cooker/crockpot today and thoroughly enjoyed my serving of it for dinner. I will be trying a few gourmet meals soon (I"m the only cook in the house so am enjoying sampling a few good protein-focused ready-made options now that I've been on full solids for nearly a month). 1 mmckimmey reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gundy 139 Posted June 24, 2018 Hi Connie. The first month is the hardest. Please try to hang in there. It will get better. That being said, at this stage in your recovery, please don’t be tempted to do things to stretch your pouch. The risk to you and your health is substantial so early after surgery. Unfortunately, people who aren’t interested in seeing a therapist are often the individuals who need to work with a therapist the most. Yes, it is painful to work through tough issues from childhood, but you will come out stronger in the long run. Please seek some psychological help. 1 sassfordays reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jodi1980 63 Posted June 25, 2018 Stretching your sleeve isn't the answer, Connie! Take out your frustrations and talk with someone! All these people that are giving you advice are here to pick you up! You are going through this journey with all of us!! Don't give up so easily! 2 sassfordays and Wanda247 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wanda247 908 Posted June 25, 2018 On 4/28/2018 at 10:57 PM, Seahawks Fan said: You don’t have to give up delicious foods in moderation. Please take a look at my Instagram. I have some nice examples of options on there. You can do this! Find my page at, “my_tiny_healthy_plate”. @Seahawks Fan Oh wow I just check out your IG and LOVE IT!! and started following you, what a great idea...I haven't had my surgery yet but I'm going to try and start that now. Thanks for sharing @connie123lok I agree with all the other post, please give it a chance and don't throw in the towel yet, it's still new for you. You can do it!! Hugs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skinnygirl04 16 Posted June 26, 2018 Does anyone ever mess up and eat something from the next phase before you were ready, like a Soup that served more as a purée than a full liquid. And if so what happens? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jodi1980 63 Posted June 26, 2018 (edited) @Skinnygirl04 I'm getting a revision. I can tell you that my initial surgeon had tendency to push for the stages sooner than other patients. The warning signs are your body's way of telling you ENOUGH. In my case, my nose would run and my heart would beat fast...sounds strange but they are effects with some people. In regards to Soup as more of a puree, the thickened ones I did the sip shots out of a medicine cup like the Water after your surgery. It worked and usually after 3 to 4 sips, it was game over and my nose would run. Hope this helps. Edited June 26, 2018 by Jodi1980 1 Skinnygirl04 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brassapple 56 Posted June 26, 2018 I also regretted my surgery for the first few weeks. Now at week 4, I feel great, I’m losing weight, learning to eat what’s right for my body, exercising. I’m in a much better place than I was at 2 weeks post op when I had a total meltdown and just cried my eyes out. 2 Jodi1980 and Skinnygirl04 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
magpie26 244 Posted June 26, 2018 food is fuel, simple as that, and sometimes it can taste amazing! Navigation in the beginning is tough. A few bites of something you used to eat (that may not be so good for you, I personally don't go there yet) tastes JUST as good as the six cups you previously ate, or half the -insert food here- you used to eat. sometimes I will admit that once in awhile i get sad that I can't eat that whole bowl of fabulous Pasta at my favorite restaurant, but seriously? I did this to change my life for the better, clean, healthy eating, nothing processed, feeding my family healthy meals, not mad and cheese and chicken nuggets anymore. to each their own, and it's HARD, damn hard when you start out! Everyday is a learning experience, everyday is a chance for a new you. Therapy is a good thing, I go not just about food, because unlike many bariatric patients i didn't have underlying food issues except carbs and depression. But talking about the surgery is important. Good luck. Please take care of not only yourself but your new stomach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nobiology 2 Posted June 26, 2018 I'm 12 days out from my surgery, still in full liquid phase, and understand what you are going through. I've definitely had moments of despair and regret, but we'll get through it. I had my surgery done through Kaiser, had to take a three month class, then follow it up with 2 months dealing with the doctor. One of the things I've found most helpful, even with all the information I was given, was going to a bariatric support group. Kaiser has one free to the public, and hopefully someone has something similar in your area. It's been a great source of information, advice, and encouragement. You get to talk to a lot of people who have been in your situation, and can offer different advice on getting through certain things. Don't give up yet. 3 days out I really was wondering what on earth I had gotten myself into. I'm 2 days away from my next phase and know that will make it so much easier. Stick with it, you didn't go through all this for nothing. 2 Skinnygirl04 and Jodi1980 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dede1118 26 Posted June 26, 2018 Its completely normal to feel this way. I was sad at first too but it does pass. Right now you have FOMO. All I can say is the food will always be there. Now you have to find other ways to occupy your time. Its just now becoming clear that food was the center our worlds revolved around. I'm 6 weeks out and 32 lbs. down. This is the best decision of my life. Believe me it does get better. 1 Jodi1980 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites