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No one told me I wouldn't enjoy food anymore

So, let me say I am losing weight, working out and feeling more fit. No one told me however that I wouldn't enjoy food anymore! I haven't had any food I thought was just delicious since surgery. It's like my taste isn't right. I am 12 weeks out tomorrow. I've had food that taste good but not great. That's cooked, restaurant... It's a bit depressing since I can only eat small quantities. I want that to be delicious. It's becoming a chore to eat... So for something that I will admit I used to make me feel better to now be something I don't enjoy is kinda sad.

Well, I'm happy with my body transformation so I guess that's the price to pay. post-258643-14452092375755_thumb.jpg

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It is a trade off. And you probably need to work with a therapist in dealing with your relationship with food. Many of us (including myself) have sought help from support groups, therapists and mentors to overcome our unhealthy love affair with food.

You are right, food is no longer the pleasure it once was. You didn't expect to go on this radical transformation and still eat how you did prior to WLS? Right?

You made the decision because eating was killing you, being obese was killing you, being uncomfortable in your own skin was killing you and you are now not being killed by food, your weight or the body you once had.

You can either survive to eat or eat to survive. You made the right decision.

Remember, nothing and I do mean nothing taste as good as being thin, looking good, being healthy and having self confidence feels.

Keep focused on the progress.

The truth of it for me was the food no longer tasted good nor was enjoyable when I was grossly overeating.

Maybe it's just lost it's importance for you. I mean, you need it to live......but you it doesn't have to be something that you hope to get great enjoyment from. Sure, some is good. Some is great. And some is bad.

I'll bet your tastes are in a state of change and you'll get dialed in to what is both tasty and healthy really soon.

I think one of the biggest learnings I have had is that I now eat to live vs. live to eat!

My relationship with food has completely changed. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy good quality Protein and veggies home cooked by me. I no longer enjoy eating crap food that I once thought was delicious.

I have tried fast food here and there but it tastes absolutely horrible and I end up throwing it away. If we eat out we choose restaurants where I know I can get a salad or some fabulous fish, chicken or beef.

I have learned that food is just not that important any longer. What I do cook, I cook for me. Everyone else has learned to eat what I eat.

I have more fun at social gatherings because my focus is on the great people and great conversation.

You are only 12 weeks out, you will begin to enjoy food again but it will be different food and you will be ok with it.

I has been told that, but I didn't believe it would happen to me. I was also told I would lose hunger, and I didn't believe that, but thankfully it did happen and I forget to eat all the time. I, like you, really miss loving food. I had a bite of my husband's lamb chop last week and it didn't even phase me. :(

  • Author

It is a trade off. And you probably need to work with a therapist in dealing with your relationship with food. Many of us (including myself) have sought help from support groups, therapists and mentors to overcome our unhealthy love affair with food.

You are right, food is no longer the pleasure it once was. You didn't expect to go on this radical transformation and still eat how you did prior to WLS? Right?

You made the decision because eating was killing you, being obese was killing you, being uncomfortable in your own skin was killing you and you are now not being killed by food, your weight or the body you once had.

You can either survive to eat or eat to survive. You made the right decision.

Remember, nothing and I do mean nothing taste as good as being thin, looking good, being healthy and having self confidence feels.

I'm not missing quantity of food I miss quality. Actually, I never ate a lot of food, I just ate junk (chips, soda, candy) The act of enjoying eating... However, I did enjoy food that is considered healthy like tuna and chicken etc but not anymore. That's not something I think should be forfeited. The idea is that why can't you be healthy and enjoy what you eat at the same time? but I have to deal with this new reality.

  • Author

I has been told that, but I didn't believe it would happen to me. I was also told I would lose hunger, and I didn't believe that, but thankfully it did happen and I forget to eat all the time. I, like you, really miss loving food. I had a bite of my husband's lamb chop last week and it didn't even phase me. :(

I understand. I had a bite of prime rib from this really nice restaurant and I was like ummm not really interested. It's a huge adjustment.

  • Author

I think one of the biggest learnings I have had is that I now eat to live vs. live to eat!

My relationship with food has completely changed. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy good quality Protein and veggies home cooked by me. I no longer enjoy eating crap food that I once thought was delicious.

I have tried fast food here and there but it tastes absolutely horrible and I end up throwing it away. If we eat out we choose restaurants where I know I can get a salad or some fabulous fish, chicken or beef.

I have learned that food is just not that important any longer. What I do cook, I cook for me. Everyone else has learned to eat what I eat.

I have more fun at social gatherings because my focus is on the great people and great conversation.

You are only 12 weeks out, you will begin to enjoy food again but it will be different food and you will be ok with it.

Thanks for your perspective and experience. I look forward to enjoying food again and trying new foods

  • Author

Keep focused on the progress.

The truth of it for me was the food no longer tasted good nor was enjoyable when I was grossly overeating.

Maybe it's just lost it's importance for you. I mean, you need it to live......but you it doesn't have to be something that you hope to get great enjoyment from. Sure, some is good. Some is great. And some is bad.

I'll bet your tastes are in a state of change and you'll get dialed in to what is both tasty and healthy really soon.

Hey, I hope so! Thanks for the encouragement

I didn't say anything about quantity. In fact I never assumed you at a lot of anything in particular but you didn't get obese by eating salads, fresh fruits, veggies, lean Proteins and working out 5 times a week. Your relationship with food is what caused the weight to stick.

I didn't eat crap food prior to surgery. I had not had fast food in years prior to surgery nor had I had anything pre-packaged, conveniently made or deep fried for months and months before surgery. I ate clean, mostly paleo, home prepared and super fresh. But I ate more than necessary, never exercised and used food as a way to make me feel happy, Celebrate, calm my nerves, cure boredom, as an excuse to indulge and it was my best friend. So while I made healthy food choices, I didn't have healthy eating habits.

I enjoy food completely differently than I did six weeks ago. I see it as a way to let my body heal, get nutrients, make it do amazing things and to keep me going. I made white chili chicken the other night and even though I was only capable of 5 bites, those five bites were amazing.

When I was in Vegas, I went out to eat with some friends and ordered a shrimp appetizer that was divine. I was so stoked to have left-overs at 2 in the morning when we made it back to the room after a night of Black Jack.

Eating is different after surgery but it can be pleasurable, enjoyable and something to do with friends, family and during other social events.

It is a trade off. And you probably need to work with a therapist in dealing with your relationship with food. Many of us (including myself) have sought help from support groups, therapists and mentors to overcome our unhealthy love affair with food.

You are right, food is no longer the pleasure it once was. You didn't expect to go on this radical transformation and still eat how you did prior to WLS? Right?

You made the decision because eating was killing you, being obese was killing you, being uncomfortable in your own skin was killing you and you are now not being killed by food, your weight or the body you once had.

You can either survive to eat or eat to survive. You made the right decision.

Remember, nothing and I do mean nothing taste as good as being thin, looking good, being healthy and having self confidence feels.


I'm not missing quantity of food I miss quality. Actually, I never ate a lot of food, I just ate junk (chips, soda, candy) The act of enjoying eating... However, I did enjoy food that is considered healthy like tuna and chicken etc but not anymore. That's not something I think should be forfeited. The idea is that why can't you be healthy and enjoy what you eat at the same time? but I have to deal with this new reality.
  • Author

I didn't say anything about quantity. In fact I never assumed you at a lot of anything in particular but you didn't get obese by eating salads, fresh fruits, veggies, lean Proteins and working out 5 times a week. Your relationship with food is what caused the weight to stick.

I didn't eat crap food prior to surgery. I had not had fast food in years prior to surgery nor had I had anything pre-packaged, conveniently made or deep fried for months and months before surgery. I ate clean, mostly paleo, home prepared and super fresh. But I ate more than necessary, never exercised and used food as a way to make me feel happy, Celebrate, calm my nerves, cure boredom, as an excuse to indulge and it was my best friend. So while I made healthy food choices, I didn't have healthy eating habits.

I enjoy food completely differently than I did six weeks ago. I see it as a way to let my body heal, get nutrients, make it do amazing things and to keep me going. I made white chili chicken the other night and even though I was only capable of 5 bites, those five bites were amazing.

When I was in Vegas, I went out to eat with some friends and ordered a shrimp appetizer that was divine. I was so stoked to have left-overs at 2 in the morning when we made it back to the room after a night of Black Jack.

Eating is different after surgery but it can be pleasurable, enjoyable and something to do with friends, family and during other social events.

It is a trade off. And you probably need to work with a therapist in dealing with your relationship with food. Many of us (including myself) have sought help from support groups, therapists and mentors to overcome our unhealthy love affair with food.

You are right, food is no longer the pleasure it once was. You didn't expect to go on this radical transformation and still eat how you did prior to WLS? Right?

You made the decision because eating was killing you, being obese was killing you, being uncomfortable in your own skin was killing you and you are now not being killed by food, your weight or the body you once had.

You can either survive to eat or eat to survive. You made the right decision.

Remember, nothing and I do mean nothing taste as good as being thin, looking good, being healthy and having self confidence feels.

I'm not missing quantity of food I miss quality. Actually, I never ate a lot of food, I just ate junk (chips, soda, candy) The act of enjoying eating... However, I did enjoy food that is considered healthy like tuna and chicken etc but not anymore. That's not something I think should be forfeited. The idea is that why can't you be healthy and enjoy what you eat at the same time? but I have to deal with this new reality.

I am looking forward to the day I can enjoy eating something that taste divine. But as of now my taste buds have not experienced anything really good. I'm glad you enjoy food differently now, hopefully that is my confession in weeks to come.

It will probably change, just like most of us get our hunger back eventually (still mad about that). Im 4 months out and in so enjoying chicken. But its probably because i couldn't eat it for so many years with the band. Now i can eat it and I savor every bite.

I don't enjoy food post op either.

I am never hungry and have to make myself eat.

This is very new to me!!

Was never a problem pre op... obviously! hahaha

I too hope one day I'll actually enjoy the taste of food again :)

  • Author

I don't enjoy food post op either.

I am never hungry and have to make myself eat.

This is very new to me!!

Was never a problem pre op... obviously! hahaha

I too hope one day I'll actually enjoy the taste of food again :)

So it's not just me... I don't remember hearing about this part. ????

  • Author

It will probably change, just like most of us get our hunger back eventually (still mad about that). Im 4 months out and in so enjoying chicken. But its probably because i couldn't eat it for so many years with the band. Now i can eat it and I savor every bite.

I hope it does, thanks for sharing ????????

  • 2 weeks later...

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