Ive been "lurking" on this forum for weeks, and I appreciate all of the input from all of the great people out there. I have been through it all trying to decide on the right procedure. At first I was all about the lap band, but through lots of research I've decided on the sleeve, and mine is scheduled for three days after christmas. I'm 5'10 male and weigh 256. Ive had a lot of trouble with my weight over the last 5 years or so. Oh, and I happen to be a doctor.

I guess the thing that is bothering me the most is the fact that I have always had a very large appetite, and I simply can't fathom the change that is supposed to happen there and I can't quite get my mind around the change that my surgeon is saying will happen after the surgery. I can't seem to imagine a time where food is no longer a driving force in my life?

So my first question is this : for all people that have had the sleeve at least three months, are you finding that your changed relationship with the way you think about food - is this at all a source of sadness in your life? Do you look at what other people are eating and wish that you could go back to enjoying food like that (and occasionally in those quantities?) Do you sit down to a restarant meal with friends or family and wish that you didn't have to eat in such a "wierd" manner that surely must draw attention to you? Do other people find that the way you eat now is strange? Does it in any way affect your dining experience? The way my surgeon says it, it's like a switch goes off, and food just simply is not as important to you as it once was. He told me it's like trying to tell a guy (sorry if this is crass, ladies) that after a surgery he is simply just not going to be nearly as interested in sex any more - it's such a natural part of our lives and thought processes, that you simply cannot prepare for how your mind changes after the surgery. He says that you simply wake up after the operation a different person when it comes to food. Do you guys find this to be accurate? I know that was actually a lot of questions, but I have not seen these types of subjects on this forum.

The most important preop question of all in my opinion is,

For all of you who have had the surgery at least 6 months ago, would you really, truly do it all over again?

Well thanks everyone for all the great posts. It sounds like pretty much everyone is glad they did it. I really need to lose some serious weight, and I know there's no way I can do it without some major help.

My date is scheduled for December 28th so Im pretty excited, and pretty scared too.

This forum is really great and a really wonderful resource, and I know I am going to use it again and again over the next year.

Well thanks everyone for all the great posts. It sounds like pretty much everyone is glad they did it. I really need to lose some serious weight' date=' and I know there's no way I can do it without some major help.

My date is scheduled for December 28th so Im pretty excited, and pretty scared too.

This forum is really great and a really wonderful resource, and I know I am going to use it again and again over the next year.[/quote']

Orthoman I am on the 20th and totally know how it feels to worry about these things. It's hard thinking about who you might be after surgery. food had always been a part of us & I can't see how it just turns off after surgery, but I am glad it does! Good luck with your surgery!

There certainly can be a mourning period. But think about how you feel about food now after a big meal, when you're stuffed and can't eat any more. You may see some more food that looks good, but you're really not interested. At 7 months out, that's how I feel all the time.

17+ months out here. This is a common question. How do you fundamentally change your relationship with food just by having a surgery? Yes' date=' you can limit your intake, but it takes awhile for the mind to catch up. Yes, there is some mourning which occurs after awhile, but then you see the scale move and the pants slip off your hips and things begin to just get better.

There is a change, for sure, but for me, I wanted a change. Needed a change, so I was ready for it. I don't regret my decision in the least. It was exactly what I needed because I, too, loved to eat large quantities and snack constantly. I love the feeling of being full and that feeling is still satisfied with the sleeve. It just occurs much quicker than it did before. I can eat whatever I want. Last weekend I went out with the wife and had lobster tail, asparagus and scalloped potatoes. Very limited quantity, but I was completely sated. It was great. Had more for lunch the next day.

When I am out with friends or co-workers, I ask for a to-go container when I order. As soon as my meal arrives, I quickly toss in no less than two thirds of the portion and spread the remaining around my plate. I gingerly eat my meal and nobody notices a thing. It has never been a problem.

I no longer crave food and snacking is not a part of my life anymore. I know ... sounds crazy, but it is true. I eat to live, not live to eat.[/quote']

Asking for a to-go box with the meal is genius, Im going to have to remember that!!

Asking for a to-go box with the meal is genius' date=' Im going to have to remember that!!

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You can also tell them to bring u half ur food and box the rest so that its not even on your plate... like out of sight out of mind!

I did feel an immense sadness in the weeks immediately following surgery. My mind felt on fire with thoughts of wanting to eat. I also ate mostly for comfort and it took me many weeks to adjust psychologically to the fact that it is not physically possible to fill my emotional needs with food now. I did try several times to over eat with the same result' date=' vomiting!!! I can't tell you for sure when the head hunger eased for me but I am 9 months out today and I have a totally different relationship with food. I would totally do this again. The weight loss is awesome but for me the ability to have food be in its proper place in relation to everything else the world has to offer is priceless.[/quote']

Thank u so much for this. I am in my first week post op and u feel like head hunger is plaguing me. But, I am also home alone and bored with just television and nothing else to distract me. I'm glad to see that there is light at the end o the tunnel.