dsmith_rn

Good luck! My surgery was April 25th last year and I've never felt better. I can't relate to the liquid diet as it wasn't required by my surgeon, pre op. But it was required for 2-3 weeks (I don't remember which) post op. It was hard at the time but Ican barely remember it now. Keep that in mind when things get tough, soon it will all be a distant memory and you will be thinner and healthier. See you on the losers bench!

I had my surgery almost 6 months ago. I've lost 60 lb and feel great. Off my BP meds and lipid panel is normal for the first time in my life. I lost a lot of hair but that finally stopped. I cut it shorter and it looks better and what i have left is healthy hair.
I went through a stall that lasted for 5 weeks but i just kept doing what I'm supposed to and it eventually broke. I realized stalls are good. They are your body's way of trying to set a new weight setpoint. If my weight loss continued at that pace i would waste away to nothing. I'd still like to lose another 30lb or so, and I'm sure I'll get there. I'm in a losing phase again, but feel good that i probably won't waste away. Lol My body will adjust and i look and feel great. Some people at work call me "skinny." That's something i don't ever recall anyone calling me! Right now i wear a size 14 or a large, but my large scrubs are starting to get too big so I'll have to buy new ones again soon. Not that i mind!
Stalls don't worry me much, nor my surgeon, they are just part of the journey. A journey I'm so proud of myself that i had the courage to take. NO REGRETS!

I'm nearly 10 months out now. Lost 75 lb. I'm 5'6", starting weight 240, now 165 (which is goal according to my surgeon but I'd like to lose 10 more). I feel awesome, sleep better, take the stairs without thinking about it, have more energy, and get lots of attention from men (ok that's the downside, but have to admit it feels good!). My meals are protein-focused but i don't count grams anymore. I drink around 40 oz per day and no issues, take my Vitamins, my labs look great. No blood pressure medicine the last 6 months.
I didn't advance my diet nearly as quickly as the previous poster, but tolerate everything well in general. Fried foods give me nausea so i avoid them (not good for me anyway so no big deal). I avoid bread, biscuits, Cereal, tortillas, etc (except the low-carb tortillas--I will have ONE and make a Taco or mini pizza out of it, and I'm full). I don't drink alcohol because my fiance is in alcohol recovery, but it has a ton of calories so it's best avoided anyway. As a snack i will eat a handful of nuts and a cheese stick or a Greek yogurt (which contains extra Protein compared to regular yogurt and i think it has a better texture). Sometimes i will have 8 or 10 Blue Diamond Nut Thins with a little cheese dip to squash that craving for something crunchy. I love to go to Red Lobster and order the snow crab. So yummy and my tummy tolerates it very very well. For exercise i walk about 12 miles/week or more.
This is a new way of eating for me, and it's for life. It's working for me, I'm used to it now and i like it. I'm very happy. Only regret is i didn't do this 10 years ago.
Don't be afraid. Realize this is the first step in a journey that will bring you joy, health, and a longer life!

I'm nearly 10 months out now. Lost 75 lb. I'm 5'6", starting weight 240, now 165 (which is goal according to my surgeon but I'd like to lose 10 more). I feel awesome, sleep better, take the stairs without thinking about it, have more energy, and get lots of attention from men (ok that's the downside, but have to admit it feels good!). My meals are protein-focused but i don't count grams anymore. I drink around 40 oz per day and no issues, take my Vitamins, my labs look great. No blood pressure medicine the last 6 months.
I didn't advance my diet nearly as quickly as the previous poster, but tolerate everything well in general. Fried foods give me nausea so i avoid them (not good for me anyway so no big deal). I avoid bread, biscuits, Cereal, tortillas, etc (except the low-carb tortillas--I will have ONE and make a Taco or mini pizza out of it, and I'm full). I don't drink alcohol because my fiance is in alcohol recovery, but it has a ton of calories so it's best avoided anyway. As a snack i will eat a handful of nuts and a cheese stick or a Greek yogurt (which contains extra Protein compared to regular yogurt and i think it has a better texture). Sometimes i will have 8 or 10 Blue Diamond Nut Thins with a little cheese dip to squash that craving for something crunchy. I love to go to Red Lobster and order the snow crab. So yummy and my tummy tolerates it very very well. For exercise i walk about 12 miles/week or more.
This is a new way of eating for me, and it's for life. It's working for me, I'm used to it now and i like it. I'm very happy. Only regret is i didn't do this 10 years ago.
Don't be afraid. Realize this is the first step in a journey that will bring you joy, health, and a longer life!

Hi all! I'm 6 months out, I've lost 60 lb and about 15-20 more to go. I'm in a really bad stall. My surgeon is happy with my progress but he says the stalls will be more frequent now and the weight will come off much more slowly.
Do most low-BMI folks lose all their excess weight?
I have some fear that this is it...I won't lose any more and might even start to gain some back (although that hasn't happened yet, I'm able to eat more now so I'm a little fearful). I'm pretty happy with where I am, but I'd sure like to lose that last 20 lb!

I had my surgery almost 6 months ago. I've lost 60 lb and feel great. Off my BP meds and lipid panel is normal for the first time in my life. I lost a lot of hair but that finally stopped. I cut it shorter and it looks better and what i have left is healthy hair.
I went through a stall that lasted for 5 weeks but i just kept doing what I'm supposed to and it eventually broke. I realized stalls are good. They are your body's way of trying to set a new weight setpoint. If my weight loss continued at that pace i would waste away to nothing. I'd still like to lose another 30lb or so, and I'm sure I'll get there. I'm in a losing phase again, but feel good that i probably won't waste away. Lol My body will adjust and i look and feel great. Some people at work call me "skinny." That's something i don't ever recall anyone calling me! Right now i wear a size 14 or a large, but my large scrubs are starting to get too big so I'll have to buy new ones again soon. Not that i mind!
Stalls don't worry me much, nor my surgeon, they are just part of the journey. A journey I'm so proud of myself that i had the courage to take. NO REGRETS!

I have also had to be in the closet, simply because there is so much misinformation floating around out there about bariatric surgery. One of the first people i told was my niece who i am very close to, and she and her husband went off about how dangerous it is, how it doesn't work because you gain all the weight back, how i would end up being sick the rest of my life, and i didn't need it.
After that, I decided to tell only a few people because i didn't need the negativity! Only 2 of my 8 children know, the ones i knew would be supportive, my fiance and a few very close friends and my mom.
People at work are gossipy and would accuse me of taking "the easy way out" so when they ask how i did it, i tell them i totally changed the way i eat, cut out the carbs, eat much smaller portions, and have a personal trainer at the gym, all of which is true. There IS no easy way out, so when they ask about my "secret" to losing weight, I tell them there isn't one. You have to do the work. Eat less and exercise, which i work hard to do, I just have a tool (my sleeve) that helps a little bit. But it's no magic pill, I still have to do the work. There IS no "easy way out."
My niece saw me the other day, i hadn't seen her in about 4 months. She said "OMG I didn't recognize you at first, Skinny!" Sadly, I think every pound I lost found its way onto her. She is very obese now, I wanted to cry when i saw her.
Bottom line is, this is a very major life change. Yes, you do need support to get through it, but not all of us have relatives and friends that will be supportive. In my opinion, is better to have NO support than people who are being negative.
Who you tell about your surgery is a very personal decision.

If you can't see through it, then no it's not a clear liquid. Clear Liquids are broth, diluted juices, popsicles (sugar free), Water, tea, that kind of thing. The next week is full liquids when you can start adding your Protein powder, strained Soups, SF pudding (no you don't need to thin it out).
Yes, your brain will still play games with you. It will tell you you're hungry when you're not, it will lie to you about how you "deserve" to eat this or that. This is stomach surgery, not brain surgery. So you will have to deal with that, i recommend seeing a good therapist if you plan to keep the weight off!

Don't go in thinking you won't be hungry. Almost everyone I know felt hunger after the first couple of days, and everyone suffered through the liquid stage. It does get better when you can start mushy foods, you stay full longer.
I remember being shocked that i was hungry. I wasnt expecting it, but now you know to expect it. Your tummy will be giving you all sorts of strange signals at first, and it will take some time for you to learn what all those new sensations mean. You will learn them. Be patient with yourself and your new baby tummy. It's most definitely worth it!

Hi all! I'm 6 months out, I've lost 60 lb and about 15-20 more to go. I'm in a really bad stall. My surgeon is happy with my progress but he says the stalls will be more frequent now and the weight will come off much more slowly.
Do most low-BMI folks lose all their excess weight?
I have some fear that this is it...I won't lose any more and might even start to gain some back (although that hasn't happened yet, I'm able to eat more now so I'm a little fearful). I'm pretty happy with where I am, but I'd sure like to lose that last 20 lb!

I have also had to be in the closet, simply because there is so much misinformation floating around out there about bariatric surgery. One of the first people i told was my niece who i am very close to, and she and her husband went off about how dangerous it is, how it doesn't work because you gain all the weight back, how i would end up being sick the rest of my life, and i didn't need it.
After that, I decided to tell only a few people because i didn't need the negativity! Only 2 of my 8 children know, the ones i knew would be supportive, my fiance and a few very close friends and my mom.
People at work are gossipy and would accuse me of taking "the easy way out" so when they ask how i did it, i tell them i totally changed the way i eat, cut out the carbs, eat much smaller portions, and have a personal trainer at the gym, all of which is true. There IS no easy way out, so when they ask about my "secret" to losing weight, I tell them there isn't one. You have to do the work. Eat less and exercise, which i work hard to do, I just have a tool (my sleeve) that helps a little bit. But it's no magic pill, I still have to do the work. There IS no "easy way out."
My niece saw me the other day, i hadn't seen her in about 4 months. She said "OMG I didn't recognize you at first, Skinny!" Sadly, I think every pound I lost found its way onto her. She is very obese now, I wanted to cry when i saw her.
Bottom line is, this is a very major life change. Yes, you do need support to get through it, but not all of us have relatives and friends that will be supportive. In my opinion, is better to have NO support than people who are being negative.
Who you tell about your surgery is a very personal decision.

I have also had to be in the closet, simply because there is so much misinformation floating around out there about bariatric surgery. One of the first people i told was my niece who i am very close to, and she and her husband went off about how dangerous it is, how it doesn't work because you gain all the weight back, how i would end up being sick the rest of my life, and i didn't need it.
After that, I decided to tell only a few people because i didn't need the negativity! Only 2 of my 8 children know, the ones i knew would be supportive, my fiance and a few very close friends and my mom.
People at work are gossipy and would accuse me of taking "the easy way out" so when they ask how i did it, i tell them i totally changed the way i eat, cut out the carbs, eat much smaller portions, and have a personal trainer at the gym, all of which is true. There IS no easy way out, so when they ask about my "secret" to losing weight, I tell them there isn't one. You have to do the work. Eat less and exercise, which i work hard to do, I just have a tool (my sleeve) that helps a little bit. But it's no magic pill, I still have to do the work. There IS no "easy way out."
My niece saw me the other day, i hadn't seen her in about 4 months. She said "OMG I didn't recognize you at first, Skinny!" Sadly, I think every pound I lost found its way onto her. She is very obese now, I wanted to cry when i saw her.
Bottom line is, this is a very major life change. Yes, you do need support to get through it, but not all of us have relatives and friends that will be supportive. In my opinion, is better to have NO support than people who are being negative.
Who you tell about your surgery is a very personal decision.

I had my surgery almost 6 months ago. I've lost 60 lb and feel great. Off my BP meds and lipid panel is normal for the first time in my life. I lost a lot of hair but that finally stopped. I cut it shorter and it looks better and what i have left is healthy hair.
I went through a stall that lasted for 5 weeks but i just kept doing what I'm supposed to and it eventually broke. I realized stalls are good. They are your body's way of trying to set a new weight setpoint. If my weight loss continued at that pace i would waste away to nothing. I'd still like to lose another 30lb or so, and I'm sure I'll get there. I'm in a losing phase again, but feel good that i probably won't waste away. Lol My body will adjust and i look and feel great. Some people at work call me "skinny." That's something i don't ever recall anyone calling me! Right now i wear a size 14 or a large, but my large scrubs are starting to get too big so I'll have to buy new ones again soon. Not that i mind!
Stalls don't worry me much, nor my surgeon, they are just part of the journey. A journey I'm so proud of myself that i had the courage to take. NO REGRETS!

It gets so so so much better, I promise! You new sleevers are in the toughest part right now.... making the most sacrifices and not seeing much results yet. It will pass! Months from now you will be able to eat with your family (hopefully ALL of you will be eating healthy meals together), and this will all be an unpleasant memory.
Don't stress too much over the Protein and Fluid numbers. Your body has Protein stores to last you for several weeks, and as long as you're urinating every 4 hours or so you've got adequate fluids. It's very hard to get all those "requirements" in at first when your stomach is so tiny and swollen. It does get much easier!
As to not losing much in the first week post-op, keep in mind that they overloaded you with IV fluids during surgery to help with the nausea. It takes time for your kidneys to kick in and get rid of all that extra Fluid, which weighs a lot by the way! If you follow doctor's orders, the weight will come off easily, I promise you! When you are buying clothes off the rack and everyone is telling you how great you look and you realize you have no more pain and haven't felt this good in years, you will have no regrets.
Hang in there folks, remember the first 2 months are the hardest, and it gets way easier!

No. Water and Protein are 2 totally separate requirements.
My surgeon told me that the 60 oz Water per day "requirement" is just an arbitrary number. No good studies have been done to show that the body NEEDS that much water in a day. We also get water from foods--soups, fruits and veggies, etc. My doc knows I had a lot of trouble getting in my fluids for a long time and said as long as my urine output is adequate I'm fine. At almost 7 months out i drink around 40 oz a day and I'm very healthy and my labs look great, no sign of dehydration. It makes me nuts when people stress over a stupid, unproven number!
Protein intake is very important, but not in the first month or so because your body has a lot of it stored up. Be patient with your new baby stomach. Things get so much better when it heals and all the swelling goes down. Eventually you'll be eating normally again, but hopefully is well be a "new normal. "
Folks, you're not going to gain your weight back because you only drank 50 oz of water or only ate 45g protein. Regain is due to a return to old, unhealthy eating habits! That's where "bariatric failure" happens.
I can literally eat ANYTHING I want. But I CHOOSE NOT TO eat foods that are not on my plan. I choose to be healthy and let my sleeve do its job. Saying "I can't have..." a certain food makes you want it more. If you tell yourself "I can have that, but I choose not to" it creates a whole different dynamic in your brain and you don't feel deprived anymore, but rather proud of yourself for making a good choice for yourself. Make sense?
Pushing water past my comfort level and counting protein grams is not for me, it takes away the joy in my life. I'm aware of how much I drink and make sure I get enough to stay hydrated but I don't push. I make sure every meal and snack is protein-focused, but I don't count protein grams anymore. Life is a wonderful gift. For the first time in decades, I feel like I'm really living it!

It gets so so so much better, I promise! You new sleevers are in the toughest part right now.... making the most sacrifices and not seeing much results yet. It will pass! Months from now you will be able to eat with your family (hopefully ALL of you will be eating healthy meals together), and this will all be an unpleasant memory.
Don't stress too much over the Protein and Fluid numbers. Your body has Protein stores to last you for several weeks, and as long as you're urinating every 4 hours or so you've got adequate fluids. It's very hard to get all those "requirements" in at first when your stomach is so tiny and swollen. It does get much easier!
As to not losing much in the first week post-op, keep in mind that they overloaded you with IV fluids during surgery to help with the nausea. It takes time for your kidneys to kick in and get rid of all that extra Fluid, which weighs a lot by the way! If you follow doctor's orders, the weight will come off easily, I promise you! When you are buying clothes off the rack and everyone is telling you how great you look and you realize you have no more pain and haven't felt this good in years, you will have no regrets.
Hang in there folks, remember the first 2 months are the hardest, and it gets way easier!

No. Water and Protein are 2 totally separate requirements.
My surgeon told me that the 60 oz Water per day "requirement" is just an arbitrary number. No good studies have been done to show that the body NEEDS that much water in a day. We also get water from foods--soups, fruits and veggies, etc. My doc knows I had a lot of trouble getting in my fluids for a long time and said as long as my urine output is adequate I'm fine. At almost 7 months out i drink around 40 oz a day and I'm very healthy and my labs look great, no sign of dehydration. It makes me nuts when people stress over a stupid, unproven number!
Protein intake is very important, but not in the first month or so because your body has a lot of it stored up. Be patient with your new baby stomach. Things get so much better when it heals and all the swelling goes down. Eventually you'll be eating normally again, but hopefully is well be a "new normal. "
Folks, you're not going to gain your weight back because you only drank 50 oz of water or only ate 45g protein. Regain is due to a return to old, unhealthy eating habits! That's where "bariatric failure" happens.
I can literally eat ANYTHING I want. But I CHOOSE NOT TO eat foods that are not on my plan. I choose to be healthy and let my sleeve do its job. Saying "I can't have..." a certain food makes you want it more. If you tell yourself "I can have that, but I choose not to" it creates a whole different dynamic in your brain and you don't feel deprived anymore, but rather proud of yourself for making a good choice for yourself. Make sense?
Pushing water past my comfort level and counting protein grams is not for me, it takes away the joy in my life. I'm aware of how much I drink and make sure I get enough to stay hydrated but I don't push. I make sure every meal and snack is protein-focused, but I don't count protein grams anymore. Life is a wonderful gift. For the first time in decades, I feel like I'm really living it!

What struck me about your post was these words: "I think I deserve a little popcorn."
The "I deserve (food item of choice here)" attitude is what got us all fat to begin with. As post-ops, we should never be thinking of any food item as something we DESERVE. food is fuel. It can (and should) be enjoyable, but it is energy for our body, period. We should not be rewarding ourselves with food anymore! Our relationship with food has to change. I would say find something else to reward yourself with besides food, or you'll be one of those statistics that scares the bejeebers out of all WLS folks........................good luck!

Yes you're overthinking. There are so many things to think about, don't let this take up room in your head! My advice: take your doctor's advice! Don't diet until you have to. Eat what you want, because very soon everything about eating will change forever. I couldn't eat bread/pasta/rice/tortillas/crackers, etc. for six months. And now that I'm more than six months out, I still rarely eat that stuff, it takes up too much room in my tiny tummy. You know what I miss? A big sub sandwich, or a melty grilled cheese! LOL You know what I don't miss? I don't miss having to shop at a "big women's" store, or not being able to wrap a towel around my body, or getting out of breath climbing up stairs, or walking into a store feeling like everyone is staring at "the fat woman."
Good luck with your surgery, see you on the other side!

No. Water and Protein are 2 totally separate requirements.
My surgeon told me that the 60 oz Water per day "requirement" is just an arbitrary number. No good studies have been done to show that the body NEEDS that much water in a day. We also get water from foods--soups, fruits and veggies, etc. My doc knows I had a lot of trouble getting in my fluids for a long time and said as long as my urine output is adequate I'm fine. At almost 7 months out i drink around 40 oz a day and I'm very healthy and my labs look great, no sign of dehydration. It makes me nuts when people stress over a stupid, unproven number!
Protein intake is very important, but not in the first month or so because your body has a lot of it stored up. Be patient with your new baby stomach. Things get so much better when it heals and all the swelling goes down. Eventually you'll be eating normally again, but hopefully is well be a "new normal. "
Folks, you're not going to gain your weight back because you only drank 50 oz of water or only ate 45g protein. Regain is due to a return to old, unhealthy eating habits! That's where "bariatric failure" happens.
I can literally eat ANYTHING I want. But I CHOOSE NOT TO eat foods that are not on my plan. I choose to be healthy and let my sleeve do its job. Saying "I can't have..." a certain food makes you want it more. If you tell yourself "I can have that, but I choose not to" it creates a whole different dynamic in your brain and you don't feel deprived anymore, but rather proud of yourself for making a good choice for yourself. Make sense?
Pushing water past my comfort level and counting protein grams is not for me, it takes away the joy in my life. I'm aware of how much I drink and make sure I get enough to stay hydrated but I don't push. I make sure every meal and snack is protein-focused, but I don't count protein grams anymore. Life is a wonderful gift. For the first time in decades, I feel like I'm really living it!

I had all of those same questions and concerns before my surgery. All I can do is relate to you my own experience.
After surgery, your stomach WILL feel different. It takes awhile to adjust to all the new feelings. For one thing, your stomach is in a different place, right up underneath your diaphragm in the middle of your upper abdomen, you can feel it there. I wasn't expecting it, and it was very strange. After surgery, you burp. A lot. It diminishes over time, but burping is my sleeve's way of telling me to stop eating, I'm full.
My surgeon forbid complex carbs for 6 months. No bread, rice, Pasta, tortillas, crackers, etc. The first month I craved carbs really bad. It got much easier, and those six months I spent following my doctor's plan changed my eating habits for the better. Now every meal is protein-focused, I'm used to it, and when I eat, Protein is usually what I want. I am "allowed" to have those carbs now, but I rarely do, and if I do it's just a tiny bite or two. Bread, Pasta, rice, etc. take up a lot of room in my tiny tummy. They make me feel full too fast, and then I can't get my Protein in, so I choose not to eat them. THAT is how my sleeve works for me. It's a tool, and I choose to USE MY TOOL appropriately, that's how I know I will be a success.
Do I crave a nice sandwich on thick, artisan bread from time to time? Yes. But I definitely prefer being able to buy my clothes off the rack now, wrap a bath towel around my body, walk in public without thinking everyone is staring at "the fat lady," not taking BP meds, having normal cholesterol, and knowing I've added at least 10 years to my life. The old saying is true: NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS!!!!!
Bariatric failures happen when people return to their old, unhealthy eating habits, when they choose not to use their tool. There is no food I will completely deny myself now--if I see it, i CAN have it. But if it's not on my eating plan, I most likely won't eat it.....not because I can't, but because I choose not to. Telling yourself you CAN'T have something makes you feel deprived. Telling yourself you can but you choose not to makes you feel proud of yourself for making a good, healthy decision. A mind game you play with yourself? Yes. But it works!

Second-guessing is totally normal, as yes it is a permanent change. After surgery, it is also totally normal to have some "buyer's remorse" in the beginning as you ask yourself "What in the h*ll did I do to myself?" Almost everyone goes through some of that. I know I did. I cried and cried with remorse for days.
BUT......that was six months ago. I am now close to goal weight, off my BP meds for 3 months now, cholesterol panel all normal for the first time in my life, I look and feel great, and I've added at least 10 years to my life. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! My only regret now is not doing this years ago.
I feel like I'm REALLY living life now...I'm not sure what you would call what I was doing before...just surviving? But I would definitely do it again, in a heartbeat. I'm not sure what "bowel issues" you refer to. Chronic Constipation is very common, but manageable and much better to deal with than heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, sleep apnea, etc. I take my recommended Vitamins and I've had no issues with anemia or any other deficiencies.
Talk to your doctor about your concerns, and keep in mind THIS IS A LIFE-SAVING SURGERY!

@@dsmith_rn - Those aren't complex carbs. Process flours, white rice, etc... are simple carbs. They don't pack a nutritious enough punch to be worth the calories and because they are processed they take your body longer to break down. Complex carbs are things like whole grains and veg. In addition to the carbs they bring to the party, they also contain Fiber. The body can process them easier.
As for being nervous. That's normal. This is a major life change. If you are up for making a permanent change, perhaps this isn't for you. It's not just smaller meals, it healthier meals and out attitudes about food in general that have to change. An occasional sandwich won't hurt. But on a day to day basis, we probably need to reach for a lettuce wrap instead. Instead of soda we need to commit to Water.
It takes a bit of determination. I think most of us can do it. Don't let your fears hold you back from living a better life.

I had all of those same questions and concerns before my surgery. All I can do is relate to you my own experience.
After surgery, your stomach WILL feel different. It takes awhile to adjust to all the new feelings. For one thing, your stomach is in a different place, right up underneath your diaphragm in the middle of your upper abdomen, you can feel it there. I wasn't expecting it, and it was very strange. After surgery, you burp. A lot. It diminishes over time, but burping is my sleeve's way of telling me to stop eating, I'm full.
My surgeon forbid complex carbs for 6 months. No bread, rice, Pasta, tortillas, crackers, etc. The first month I craved carbs really bad. It got much easier, and those six months I spent following my doctor's plan changed my eating habits for the better. Now every meal is protein-focused, I'm used to it, and when I eat, Protein is usually what I want. I am "allowed" to have those carbs now, but I rarely do, and if I do it's just a tiny bite or two. Bread, Pasta, rice, etc. take up a lot of room in my tiny tummy. They make me feel full too fast, and then I can't get my Protein in, so I choose not to eat them. THAT is how my sleeve works for me. It's a tool, and I choose to USE MY TOOL appropriately, that's how I know I will be a success.
Do I crave a nice sandwich on thick, artisan bread from time to time? Yes. But I definitely prefer being able to buy my clothes off the rack now, wrap a bath towel around my body, walk in public without thinking everyone is staring at "the fat lady," not taking BP meds, having normal cholesterol, and knowing I've added at least 10 years to my life. The old saying is true: NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS!!!!!
Bariatric failures happen when people return to their old, unhealthy eating habits, when they choose not to use their tool. There is no food I will completely deny myself now--if I see it, i CAN have it. But if it's not on my eating plan, I most likely won't eat it.....not because I can't, but because I choose not to. Telling yourself you CAN'T have something makes you feel deprived. Telling yourself you can but you choose not to makes you feel proud of yourself for making a good, healthy decision. A mind game you play with yourself? Yes. But it works!

If you're a pre-op, and it's TRUE stomach hunger, eat a small, healthy snack (some greek yogurt or a handful of nuts or a cheese stick.....not all three!). I wouldn't worry about it too much. Soon you will be satisfied with very little food and your eating habits will be completely changed. Only thing I'd worry about if I were you is if late night eating is a habit for you. If so, break it now. It's a killer.
Sometimes I get hungry at bedtime, especially if I ate an early dinner. I eat a small, healthy snack and move on.