I had my surgery 14 months ago and have lost 94 lbs, more than I had ever hoped. I am thrilled to be slender and for the most part maintaining my weight loss is easy. However, I was reminded today that surgery was on my stomach, not my brain.

Pre-op, I loved sweet things. pancakes, donuts, cinnamon rolls for Breakfast and chocolate, ice cream, and cakes for dessert after lunch AND dinner to say nothing of TV Snacks. Post-op, I avoided carbs until I reached goal. I tried a few bites of Desserts then but they tasted too sweet and not as good as I remembered so I didn't pursue eating them. Yesterday I saw on a website that Cold Stone Creamery was having a BOGO sale with a coupon, which I promptly printed out. I was on my way to the store to get my ice cream treat when it hit me--I don't like ice cream anymore. It makes my sleeve feel funny and me feel queasy when I eat it. Why in the world was I driving to get something that was going to make me feel bad?

Because that is what I did pre-op. I eat when I am anxious, especially sweets, and I have just signed a contract to have lots of work done on my kitchen (plus, there is a raccoon in the crawl space, but that's another tale). I was going to get ice cream because that was how I dealt with anxiety before my surgery. Once I realized what I was doing, I didn't need the ice cream anymore. I called a friend and told her how worried I was about making the wrong decorating decisions and she offered to help--poof! Anxiety gone.

Does this strike a chord with anybody else or am I just a little loony?

I'm not as far out as you are, but I'm glad you had your a-ha moment. You're right, our bodies have changed, but the mental changes require a lifetime of work.

Sounds familiar!

Oh yes I find myself still looking through all of the fast food and pizza coupons that come in the mail. It is just another habit that I had before I had the sleeve. I have not gone to any of them but I always think that I might......but then I realize how in the world could I even eat one hamburger or one blizzard let alone 2 of them. This does not change the fact that I still want to.

I think that head hunger and old habits are the hardest part of my new life. I am only 3 months post op but I still think that I should be eating in times of stress or boredom.

Glad you have some friends that can help and support you. And remember that we are all here for you.

You are really insightful, actually. I had to make a mental note of it this evening, but only after stuffing myself of butternut squash Soup.

Mine is a combination of stress over deciding I am going to have to depart way permanently from a good friend at the same time I found out my Hubby will be out of the country for at least a couple of weeks, maybe more. I get really lonely when he is gone.

I know what you mean. I've trekked to places like Dairy Queen or Wendy's, only to find myself in front of the display and after imagining the taste, realize that I didn't actually want anything. Don't get me wrong, though, there have also been times where I trekked there and DID order something, lol.

I know exactly what you're talking about! I wasn't a big sweets eater before, but I'm definitely an emotional eater. I've been stressed lately, it seems to be coming from all places. Since I can't eat Pasta & bread (what I loved before surgery) I've discovered chocolate, brownies, and ice cream! Unfortunately, it doesn't hurt when I eat it.

I'm really trying to get myself together and keep away from the sweets. I exercise regularly, but lately sweets have been my reward for working out. It's hard, but yesterday I looked at myself in the mirror and decided I've come too far and worked too hard. I'm not going back!