Is food still enjoyable?

[Harpo 30]

I'm scheduled for surgery February 26. I am wondering if food will ever be enjoyable again?

After 6 months to a year, will going out to dinner be fun again? Or, will not being able to eat much make it not fun at all?

Maybe I'm putting too much of an importance on food. I probably am, but I'm a little scared, and have no idea what kind of foods I'll be eating a year from now.

[Geminidrive 389]

Absolutely, I go out to eat, it just requires more preparation.

*Drink Water on the way to the restaurant to make sure I get in my Water before the meal

* Check out the menu before I visit the restaurant to make a healthy choice

*Less is more, less food to eat more time to engage with friends/family

*Food is still good, just less and healthier choices

[gmanbat 5,889]

food is much better now.

It tastes the same but I chew it more and take my time with it. I enjoy it more. I am not eating to fill a big hole, I am eating for pleasure.

I eat without guilt. When I eat I no longer have the underlying dread that I am hurting myself. Now I am blessing my body, not destroying it.

Sometimes when I eat a feeling of joy comes over me. It's hard to believe but I think my body is thanking me for taking charge and expressing pleasure in the good things that I am giving it.

[Butlersh 211]

See, granted I'm only 8 weeks out so I'm hoping it gets better, but I basically have no appetite now and eat because I have too. Not necessarily a bad thing, but to me a meal is not enjoyable. I'm hoping its just the stage I'm in at this point. Figuring out how much and how slow to eat is also tricky for me.

[crystalintville 66]

For me, it's actually more enjoyable. I have 4 oz of food per meal so I want it be tasty and good since I can't mindlessly eat or make something else if I don't like what I'm eating. The first couple months I avoided restaurants, but I don't mind them now.

[kyllfalcon 768]

Yes, food is still enjoyable. I have to work at the eating out thing because I have a tendency to eat fast, then I'm finished too soon. I have to make a focused effort to slow down.

And best of all for me is that I still LOVE to cook and bake for others, whether I can or will eat it or not. I worried about that, because wife, mother and grandmother is who I am.

[JerseyGirl68 1,172]

I completely agree, I am 6 weeks out and still enjoy food. If going out to eat, I do look up the menu first and plan ahead. I'm having fun with altering some of my favorite recipes to make them more healthy for me, and those around me are loving it too. I've found its not the Proteins that added the calories/fat as much as the sides and extras. I love it that 4oz fills me. I physically feel satisfied and mentally I'm still enjoying the flavors I like, just healthier versions.

[MoonSiren 48]

It is cheaper to eat only an appetizzer or off the children's menu. You could even share a meal with someone.

[SeriouslyChange 319]

I kinda hate going out lol. I get weird looks from waitstaff wondering why I am only eating a small portion and boxing up the rest.

food may seem like the biggest issue to you now, it was for me pre op. but it is extremely liberating to know that food isn't your life anymore. Plus I'm saving money as well

[Oliver's Mom 258]

I'm only 8 weeks post surgery and I enjoy my meals. The food I choose (to cook and when I m out) is better quality, I eat SO MUCH less, I do it slowly and enjoy the company and conversation. Seafood is a delicious and easy food to eat -so on Sunday when I hosted my daughter-in-laws birthday here at my home I got steamed lobsters, King crab legs and shrimp. I made a bean salad and my daughter brought a garden salad. I had rolls for those who wanted them (I stay away from bread, Pasta and rice - my choice) There was a big variety of things for me to eat, a taste of this, a taste of that and everyone else thought I had really treated them with a feast!! HAHAHAH I selected all of those things for me!! Except the rolls. You will find in time that you will enjoy your food, just less of it.

[hadouni 301]

A year out, you'll probably be able to eat just about anything you want, you'll just eat a good deal less of it! The only thing I consistently have a hard time with is overly-dry chicken. Just doesn't sit well for me.

I love to go out - and like someone else said - eat off the appetizer menu where you can often get protein-only things without the pasta/bread/potato side to a full meal and its cheaper! My last night out was bacon-wrapped scallops - yum! Ahi appetizer is always a winner for me too. Sharing a meal works as well, and chili is a good restaurant option in many places.

One thing I notice is some of the bad foods I used to eat way too much of, don't really appeal to me that much any more. Eating too much sugar makes me feel icky so I just don't go to them like I used to.

My weakness is popcorn...