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Gaslighting

I am almost 6 months post op and took my first vacation this week (Drove up to Tahoe). I went with some friends who did not know about the surgery but knew I was actively losing weight and trying to eat healthier and it wasn't awkward at all. I didn't snack, but I did eat some meals I shouldn't have. But between watching how much and exercise, I was down just over 2 lbs for the week. In the past, anytime I vacationed I would be up so I'm super excited. I had some great NSVs while I was out. - Hiked almost every day - around 5 miles, intermediate hikes, at elevation. Still hard, but I did it. - Kayaked, and was able to get in and out easily. - They had standard size bath towels in the bathroom, and it wrapped all the way around me without a gap! - It was my birthday and I didn't have any cake, and really didn't miss it. I tried alcohol for the first time since surgery. I had a glass a wine a couple of times and did fine. However, I had about 1/3 of a margarita and felt awful. I don't think I full on dumped, but I think if I had drunk any more I would have. It's the first time I've had any amount of sugar so lesson learned. I'm going back to not drinking for a while (it will continue to be an occasional event going forward).

I gained about 10lbs around March and April. The surgeon's office told me I was approved and I went into an Oh **** mode, killing myself to lose those extra 10lbs before my surgery date. I am a stress eater and this pandemic did not help. I also work remote with 3 boys screaming, playing and fighting in the back ground. My eating increased, my drinking increased. I had thoughts of what if this pandemic turns into the "The Purge". My kids have chronic asthma, and I also thought, "do I have enough meds to make it through if the pharmacy shuts down?" I had to turn the news off, stay off social media. My anxiety was through the roof. And I never had issues with anxiety. Some nights I might have gotten two hours of sleep because I was concerned with the "what if's?". Meal prepping and working out was not on my mind when everyday seems like a chapter of Revelation.

Avoidance of subject matter

I'm guessing there would be ways to do the 6-month weight loss program online under the current circumstances, but I can't say for sure. My recommendation would be to contact a surgeon to see whether he/she might be able to recommend such a program. My surgeon was extremely helpful in advocating on my behalf with the insurance company, so perhaps your surgeon could help in your case.

I'm up early this morning not for surgery, as I was last year, but for my one-year appointment. I am thrilled with the results and just can't believe where I was last year. I am an ex-bander and old for this journey, I'll be 74 this year. I have my life back, I can jump off the boat and get up the ladder, the same with the dock. I'm having fun with my grandkids again. I go for walks, swims, and move about without the aches and pains I once had. Food is no longer my joy in life, life is my joy. I eat to live and not live to eat. I reached stage 4 eating and just stayed there. I have a protein drink for breakfast, 4oz of cottage cheese for lunch, 4oz of protein for dinner with a protein snack or Outshine no sugar added pop cycle. Saturday is my "free day" I sit with my neighbors in the street to visit and have my weekly drink. Not being able to eat out this last 6 months has sure been a help! For those starting on your journey, the first 6 months are very important for both weight loss and to set the stage for the rest of your journey. I did not have a drink for the first 6 months. I have learned that your body will drop the pounds when it is ready. A lot of pauses the second 6 months that will drive you crazy. Good luck with your journey, I hope you are as happy with yours as I am with mine.

I wonder if the nurse meant temporarily?

I had my 2 week post-op and was told I can eat anything right now, just to make sure it's not raw. You're stomach will work harder to break it down. In time, of course.

I had the preop diet as well was just shakes as well as being diabetic. it took a few days but your body will adjust...

But it was to point fingers .... What's stopping people from either... growing there on veggies or buying them and having more time to food prep. Also, why aren't people taking the time to exercise more.... walking, running, yoga, stretching..... repurposing those milk jugs and filling them with water/sand. Grab those resistance bands and use them or the exercise equipment you are using as a clothes hanger I find it disingenuous that a two time WLS patient would question why anyone would gain weight. I still can only see the reason for your post as to not so humble brag and to smugly look down your nose at others.