On the road to the sleeve
happygirl2972
Posts: 22 Member
I am new to this group and on the journey to the sleeve, I am about two months our from surgery and terrified. I feel like i am going to lose all my choices, that is why I hesitate. I feel like I want to have the option to occasionally take a bite of cake, or indulge in a small amount of pasta, without being in pain. I realize that it's a tool and I have to learn to control it but for anyone who has had the sleeve do you ultimately get to return to cooking for your family and enjoying a meal (although much smaller) with them? I think I want to know that once all the formality of the pre-diet, and post op diet has passed and you are back to solid foods there is hope that you will partake with your family and feel normal again?
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I'm 8 weeks post-op and like you, was concerned about my post-op choices. I'm pleased to say that I'm not missing a thing so far! I'm back on solid food and have actually been losing better after re-introducing variety back into my diet. I can eat a small amount of bread, pasta or cake, (not in the same meal, lol), but choose to focus on high protein choices as they keep me full longer and just make me feel better all the way around. I'm still really restricted on portion size, (as it should be)! But I'm loving the freedom that the sleeve has given me as far as eating small portions of what I want. I don't feel like I'm denying myself a thing! My relationship with carbs has just... changed. What an amazing tool!0
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That is very encouraging. The thing with me is that I don't require junk often, in fact I am ok with making smart decision I would say 95% of the time, but sometimes I might want a bite of chocolate or something that is maybe not so great, I just fear that I am eliminating my choice to do that. But it sounds like once I get past the initial liquid and mushy phase I will be able to bite a treat occasionally and I won't hurt the sleeve.0
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I think you are making the choice for better health, and that's the best choice. You aren't losing choices, you are gaining control and getting your life and health back. That's what works for me, realizing what I am gaining, not what I am missing.0
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You may be surprised by how your tastes and tolerances change. My son recently celebrated his birthday and he made a chocolate cake for himself. I ate a small piece of it and found the cake was fine, but the sugar rush from the frosting made me feel ill. It isn't that I couldn't eat it, but I'm inside celebrating that my body is making it clear that it no longer wants concentrated sugar in that form.
As already said, I feel best when I do what the doctors have said. Protein first, then vegetables, then fruit, then maybe carbs. Stop anywhere in the process that you feel full, just eat slowly and listen to what your stomach is telling you.0 -
It's nice to know I'm not alone when it comes to the feeling of "will I ever get to have a little bit?" I am only 4 weeks post op, not necessarily wanting to make bad choices but ONCE IN AWHILE I find myself fighting the head hunger like wanting a lil piece of chocolate. I do my best to distract and move on.
So far from people I know in later stages , you do get to make your choices and just have a small portion. I have found my body responds best to the protein and veggies first! I think we all probably continue to work on our mental strength throughout this journey. :-) I like all the points everybody has made, great insight !!!0 -
Thank you for asking that question, as I was wondering the same thing. And thank you everyone for your answers. I am feeling a bit better about my upcoming surgery, hopefully in January.0
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Everything in limited amounts, everything your body can tolerate. Just focus on eating the protein first sleeved 9/26 and I have had great success trying just about everything. No fast food - waste of space, which we have in limited quantities. Had Birthday cake, Thanksgiving pie, cookie. Just have a little and track the input on MFP so you know what you are eating. everybody's experience is different; some cannot tolerate sugar. I cannot seem to handle meatballs that are not home made (too much bread). Good luck.0
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Ditto what the others have posted. You can get to a point where you can have things in moderation. Sleeved moderation isn't the same as non-sleeved. You will be surprised at how little you actually enjoy those things anymore.
*At special events/dinners, I just beg a bite off my husband's plate so I can have a taste without being served a huge piece that will go to waste.0 -
I like the way that was said. concentrate on the positive - not the negative.0
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Consider why you are concerned about losing certain foods. Foods you will not lose -all veggies that aren't white potato, all meats, all raw fruits and 2 tbs of any whole grains after your protein. Remember many biggest loser contestants already had wls and regained all their wt + more by not letting go of their favorite problem foods. Every time I feel a desire for carbs I focus on why. The birthday party is not about the cake, Christmas is not about food. Am I bored? Am I sad? My secret weapons are daily prayer, weekday Mass and regular confession to get guilt off my soul. When I deal with my daily problems instead of medicating them with pasta my food compulsions lose their power. Also work on a deep love of self. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Respect how beautiful you are at this very moment. It is working for me. Good luck on your journey0
