I am about 5 months away from surgery, if I do it. I am about 40 BMI and the biggest question I have is what is life like after the surgery? Not so much immediately after but when you settle into life for years later, do you miss food, are you hungry, do people notice how you eat, those types of things... Thanks any input is helpful

:thumbup:

I'm 4 months post-op and I have settled into what I feel will be normal for the rest of my life....

No one pays any attention to how I eat. Especially being out with a group of friends. I spend time talking, enjoying the conversation, and laughing that no one notices I've barely picked at my food and will be taking most of it home. Those that know that I've got my band are always complimentary at my "self-control" and the ability to handle "portion control."

I'm very open about my surgery. Friends and family know exactly what's going on, look forward to my "weigh-in days" and want to know about my progress. I have MANY cheerleaders. My Mom being my Mom wants to know about any mental struggles, what I'm doing, and worries that I may be "pushing myself too far with the workouts."

I'm very careful about fills. I don't want a tight band, that doesn't do anyone good. There's nothing I CAN'T eat only things I SHOULDN'T eat and then of course the foods that I WILL eat once I get to goal.

There are not any foods that I miss. Because if I want something, I go for it. I've visited Dariy Queen and there's a Marie Calendars pie in my fridge as I type this. That might not be right for everyone but I am able to allow myself to indulge and move on.

I'm not hungry, ever. I was lucky enough to have restriction from the moment I left the operating table. I didn't go through the "bandster hell" period. I'm more than satisfied with 4 oz of food and at times find even that much to be slightly too much for me.

Since surgery I have taken my docs words to heart "if it's white, it ain't right." So because of that I avoid simple carbs, white Pasta, white bread, white flour, and sugar. And those things don't even taste good to me anymore. I enjoy my coffee every morning with Splenda. When I visited my Mom and had nothing for my coffee but sugar, after a single sip I'd would have rather gone without my coffee than drink it with sugar.

It's funny, when you're eating healthy, changing your life, and doing what you can to get yourself healthy, a lot of cravings go away. The late night TV snack is replaced with a huge cup of Crystal Light. Pepsi is now Water or Propel. And the desire to be a couch potato has been replaced with making plans and deciding to MOVE and spend time being the Mom I want to be!

Well, I hope that helps. Remember this is your journey. Do what is best for you and not what is best for someone else. If this is something you can do and live with, you've love every moment of the roller coaster. If it's not for you, find something that is and go at it!

Good luck!!

Katy

Your answer was very helpful and inspirational. Thank you and good luck on your journey!

Mike

Wow, Katy.

Thank you!