Overeating before surgery?

[Guest BikiniBeachy]

I am not approved and and not on any sort of pre-op diet. I would definitely be following a liquid pre-op and advise anyone else to, it's really important to get that liver shrunk!

The problem I am having is probably mental. I am not normally an overeater. I eat until I am full, but eat frequently because I hate to feel very hungry. I have the occasional days I overeat at a favorite restaurant or family gathering. That is a behavior that I have acknowledged and will work on, especially post-band.

It seems like I am overeating while I wait for approval, the last few weeks. I almost feel I might be doing it because I am preparing to completely adjust my diet. I know this is unhealthy, but I was wondering if anyone else did this?

[Shinyhappymommy 2]

I know that for me whenever something is going to be forbidden soon, I am drawn to that. It is such a mental game, but it is a reality for me. That's why I try not to completely deny anything out of my diet, but let it in in moderate amounts.

When I was pregnant with my son, I had almost no appetite for sweets--until the doctor suggested that I might have gestational diabetes. Since I knew that would mean a sharp decrease in sugar intake, I suddenly began craving sweets that I hadn't been interested in previously.

It's normal to have such a reaction to knowing that you're going to be making a change. I actually did quite a bit of last-supper type eating before my surgery. But once I had to start my pre-op diet and once I had the surgery, I was completely committed and have been very successful with the band. So do the best you can, but don't be hard on yourself. This is a big step and a little scary. But oh, so worth it.

Melissa

[nwhite2215 0]

I am waiting for approval also, and have the same problem with overeating while I wait for the approval. I think it is a psychological thing and I know it's not good, but I can't seem to make myself eat a pre-op diet.

[salome000 0]

I began eating a lot right after approval (and gained 9 pounds...almost had my surgery postponed) and I thought it was the 'last supper' mentality as well.

However, in forcing myself to be totally honest, I realized that I was doing it on purpose. As if to jeopardize my surgery and keep myself fat because it was what I deserved.

I've always been overweight...the one or two times I lost significant amounts, I didn't know what to do with myself. It was only when I was fat that I felt all was right with the world, even as I hated myself for carrying so much weight.

Don't get me wrong...I'm hungry. A lot. My portions are too big and I eat the wrong things. But there's another reason most people are overweight and that's because we're emotional eaters. food always tastes good and never talks back. It's not judgmental and makes you feel great.

I had to do a lot of soul searching and I'm sure the battle is a long way from being over. I've been working on behavior modifications (took up sewing to have something to do with my hands, began taking the baby out for a walk at the same time everyday so he pushes me to stick to the schedule I created) and saying to myself 'It only changes the outside. I will always be the person I am and that person is a really GOOD person.'

I'm fortunate that my best friend is a psychologist and helps me in developing these behavior changes and gives me questions to ask myself and meditate on.

With my surgery 5 days away, I'm still working on my mind and doing great on my pre-op. While I'm hungry a lot, I get on here to read and comment and find things to do that takes my mind off food. I've also made a list of things to do that I couldn't do while I was overweight. Big things like going hang gliding off the dunes at the Outer Banks and small things like being able to go into a regular size store and not having to dig for the largest sizes available.

I'm not suggesting yours is the same as my problem...I just wanted to share. Thanks for listening and good luck!:confused:

[katieo 0]

I have a feeling I will really struggle with the pre-op diet, I am hoping that the idea of shrinking my liver for a safer op will help me keep in line!!

Katie x

[lindar172 1]

I went on a last supper phase for about a month and gained 10 pounds. On June 29th, I decided that was the wrong thing to do and started dieting. It really helped knowing I was going in the right direction. After all, how many last suppers can one have. I know it was a normal thing to do, but I am glad that I was able to get my mind in the right place before I gained a lot more weight back. Hang in there, it does get better.

[Puju10 0]

I just started my 3 month diet for my insurance and a support group "New Beginnings" I have to journel and my nurse will be checking it. I only have to lose 10lbs. before surgery but they said the more I lose the better for me my surgery will be so I'm giving it my best shot. But up until now yeah I ate like I was going to the chair.

[Angelsma 1]

Join the club. I say "ditto" to what everyone is saying especially salome000. We all have to say enough is enough and that we are no longer going to punish ourselves with stinkin thinkin (sorry I had to say it). We have punished ourselves so long and have gotten used to being fat (protected) that we panic when we think our best friend is going to be taken away. Please know you are your own best friend and if you don't talk to her in the mirror and let her know how much you love her and that you're going to take care of her no one else will. I know you're going to do great so don't be hard on yourself.

Edited September 25, 2008 by Angelsma

[Bino 44]

I noticed I was doing the same thing. I've got to get it under control. I'm going on a cruise shortly before my surgery and I don't want to cause it to be postponed.

[AirKuhl 1]

I've also made a list of things to do that I couldn't do while I was overweight. Big things like going hang gliding off the dunes at the Outer Banks and small things like being able to go into a regular size store and not having to dig for the largest sizes available.

This is a great idea and it works for me too. There are a few things I really want to do that I can't today, and a bit of daydreaming about them really helps me regain my determination. And I'm also tired of always looking through the back of each rack for the XXL's. They are usually butt ugly orange monstrosities while there 50 perfect Mediums just sitting there. :crying:

And yes, the week before my surgery was like a FoodTV style tour of all my favorite restaurants!

[TQUAD64 9]

My pre op diet starts after I meet with the doctor on 10/08/2008. I am starting to purchase protien shakes and drinks for this diet. I am required to loose 10% of my total body weight prior to surgery or no surgery will occur.

I find myself thinking of eating my favorite foods, which are unhealthy before I see the doctor. The mental game in my head is challenging.

[CountryGirlNY 0]

I just started my 3 month diet for my insurance and a support group "New Beginnings" I have to journel and my nurse will be checking it. I only have to lose 10lbs. before surgery but they said the more I lose the better for me my surgery will be so I'm giving it my best shot. But up until now yeah I ate like I was going to the chair.

Ate like I was going to the chair. That just gave me some great laugh!