Now that I'm sleeved, losing weight is easy. BUT, the thought of eating what I want is constantly on my mind. At times I'm so frustrated that I can't have what I "want" that I just don't eat at all. Does this ever change? Quitting smoking cold turkey was sooo much easier.

You will soon understand. Don't get me wrong I am blessed to have the sleeve. However, it's just a tool and it doesn't cure the food addiction. If it came with a lobotomy maybe, but you still have your head thinking about the food. That doesn't stop once your sleeved. You still think about, you still want it, and if your a control freak like myself it will be challenging like it is for myself. I am 5 wks post op, my idea of Thanksgiving besides enjoying family is enjoying food. Enjoying food has yet to happen since I've been sleeved. It's hard getting in the proteins I need to waste a "meal" on something I "want." The sleeve isn't just as easy as the surgery, it's an addiction that has to be cured. The easy part is losing the weight, but there's a lot more to overcome. Gamblers don't quit gambling and stop thinking about it, smokers don't quit smoking and quit thinking about it, etc. I think a support group to help with food addiction should be part if being sleeved. I hope this makes sense and answers your questions. I am blessed and I would do it all over again. I'm happy with my decision, but I'm struggling with my addiction.

This so describes how I feel! I live with my Aunt, who has never had weight issues, and has said many times " I just stop eating and make sure I don't gain more than a pound". If only everyone could have that much will power!! When I started reading posts here to her, I think she finally gets that it is an addiction. I'm not sure she doesn't understand why we can't just stop eating, but I think she understands a little more. It's been great for me as well to see that others are feeling exactly like me. Christmas was VERY hard for me and I did cheat too much for being two weeks post op. I got my protein in but had several bites of sweets that were always within reach. I weighed this morning and did not gain any weight so maybe the walking I did, kept the extra calories burned off. I also have the attitude this morning of " ok, that's over, now it's time to get serious again". Food is such a huge part of our lives and the way we celebrate and enjoy time together that I don't plan to ever tell myself I can never have those "special treats" again....I just can't have very much of them and certainly not very often. I know from reading posts here for a while now that there are many who will disagree and recommend I always have something made low carb, low sugar, etc. I do plan to make those foods my normal lifestyle, but I also plan to celebrate with normal foods "occasionally" (small portions of course) and learn to really cut back afterwards and exercise more to burn those extra calories off. We all have to find a way to use this tool and this is just my plan.....one that will let me be healthy and enjoy the special celebrations and foods that will always be part of my life.