Andi Darnell

I purchased the Bento boxes recommended on Eggface which I use for work and those are awesome. I have my whole days worth of food in there--everything from Eggbeaters to refried beans, string cheese, shredded cheeses, yogurts, etc, etc--and they are a great tool for providing a visual of my daily protein requirments.

I had my surgery on 4/9/12. I went back to work on 5/7/12. I got Sara Lee low sodium deli turkey sliced thin (wanted Jenny O but our Walmart no longer carries it). I also got light Laughing Cow cheese...different flavores. For my lunch I bring 2.5 oz of turkey and 1-2 wedges of cheese. I spread the cheese on the turkey and roll it up and it is very delicious and I am getting my protein in. It is very easy to chew and I even got the buffalo style and had no problems with it. Hope this helps.

My moods have also been on the rocks. Today was the worst. Actually just got done yelling at the hubby. He actually text me telling me that it's all the surgeries fault and I'm going through mood swings which caused me to b***h him out even more. Sorry for the faul language but to say I yelled was not enough. Lol I've also realized that I've been getting annoyed real easily lately and it's not fair to the people around me so I have secluded myself for the most part. Which causes me to go insane anyways. I just can't win. Lol but I just wanted to say I know what you're going through and it most def has to be all the hormones being released back into the bodies. stay positive. Everything will turn out for the best!

OH my darling, let me share with you from where I sit 4 years out.
The fat cells that are rapidly emptying are also releasing serious quantities of estrogen. I had what felt like PMS for a year. Then there is the impact of losing your protective fat suit so all the world can see you. Then because you are focusing SO HARD on your food and learning how to manage your sleeve, you spend way too much time in your own head. On top of that you are trying to learn how to "be" as a regular sized person - which is kind of like moving to a foreign country where you don't speak the language. When I hit "normal' clothing sizes, every time I went into a clothing store, I was half waiting for the sales people to come and call me an imposter and tell me to go back to Lane Bryant. Rational huh?
At the 11 month mark I was probably as miserable and isolated as I have ever felt (short of post partum when my kids were born).
Stay on these boards, don't make ANY major life decisions and take care of you - it will pass. Do the things that feel good, and be mindful of when you are using food to hurt/comfort yourself. That is a sign that you aren't coping. Counselling helps. I wish I had the strength to reach out to a professional, but I was just so distraught yet thinking all should be well now that I wasn't so fat anymore. Fat was a symptom.
I have been away from bariatric discussion forums for over 2 yeras. I am back because I too need some support.
I send you a big hug and PROMISE that you will be ok.

I'd like to ask you to remember this: You are going through alot of changes. It's not easy. Handle yourself with care and don't beat yourself up.
For most of us who used food as a tool to cope, it's like losing a love relationship. I hate to describe it in such maladaptive terminology, but it's true. I have many emotions inside of me on this change. It's not easy, emotionally making this change, the surgery was the easy part. And I say that after 20 some odd days of complications!
Are you going to any support groups or have you seen a counselor before? Not saying you are crazy, but rather I'm suggesting talking it out with someone on all that you are feeling. I think you pegged it... the everyday satisfaction has been taken away, so now what? It's like grieving the death of a friend. You aren't alone. But let your husband in on how you're feeling if you can and close friends. Support helps!
Best to you mama. xoxo

I had surgery about 5 weeks ago, friends have told me that I've become distant, husband tells me I'm very moody. I would like to know if anyone else is on the same boat as me.There's a lot going on right now for me . But for several people to tell me that I've been acting differently obviously means something. I think that food was my blanket for a long time, my everyday satisfaction and now it's been taken away. I just haven't felt very sociable lately. If anyone out there went through this or has kind words of advice , I'd appreciate it.