My family revolves around food. We cook it, read about it, and talk about it. I was sleeved June 3, 2015. The hardest part so far is being left out. My family doesn't know what to talk about when I'm around. They fix the most beautiful meals. I have to go in the other room while they eat and laugh and talk. They feel awkward, and I feel sad. I don't know how to interact with them and I hate feeling left out.

I was in the same situation. Weeks three and four after my surgery were the worst. They would all be pigging out on dinner and I just wanted to scream at the top of my lungs!! It gets better. I'm exactly three months out today and they can sit and eat a huge meal in front of me and it doesn't bother me at all. I just thank God I can't eat like that anymore and think of how much better I feel now that I've lost weight.

I think it will probably take awhile before everyone figures out their place in your new life, including you.

When you think about it your decision has greatly affected your family dynamic in ways that neither of you could have ever adequately prepared for. I think we're all in for a bit of a shock to discover how much our daily interactions with other people revolve around food.

Give yourself a little more time to adapt and adjust. Once you feel comfortable within your own new world, better in control, it will be easier to acclimate those around you as well.

@@need change - start cooking it, reading about it and talking about your new foods and recipes and share with your family. You may find out that they like some of the new stuff or may want to change out some of the less healthy foods for some of your ideas, recipes, etc. Don't sit off in a room and feel left out or sad. Make something you can eat and share. This is your path, own it.

I love to try new recipes. I enjoy food more now then I ever did before surgery. My husband has lost more weight since I had surgery then ever before in our marriage and my kids love when I cook stuff I can eat. A lot of the reason I had surgery at 31 was so I could help change the habits of my children and shape a generation of my family to make better choices. My family is heavy and has always been that way. I struggled with my weight in elementary school, and all the way through college. I want to teach my children early on to make better choices. If I were to sit in a room and feel sorry for myself because I can't eat, then it defeats the purpose of having the surgery at all. I was sleeved on 6/5/15 and I have lost 25 lbs and am looking forward to more, but I really enjoy reading the labels on food and getting to create something that's healthy and satisfying not just for me but for my family as well. My husband has lost almost 20 lbs and didn't have surgery.

Edited July 13, 201511 yr by Heather Birdwell