I was starving to death. I have been starving all week and nothing was just making me feel full. It was horrible. So I cheated. I now feel so guilty, and when I logged in and seen how many calories and carbs were in what I ate I feel even worse!

I had chicken tenders and fries....

I have surgery Thursday and some days I feel like I am not strong enough and I am scared. I hate that food controls my life like this.

Am I the only one who has cheated?

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I had chicken tenders and fries....

I have surgery Thursday and some days I feel like I am not strong enough and I am scared. I hate that food controls my life like this.

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OP- you are not the only one who has cheated and so while not trying to beat you up- you rightfully should be concerned that you may not ready. This isn't to say that perfection is required but it is to say that there are countless people who have this surgery without being equipped with the tools to handle challenges. If a week or two pre-op diet can't be adhered to, what about a lifelong requirement to measure your food, eat Protein first, etc. You may or may not be ready but if you have doubts, then please resolve them before doing something irreversible.

Well the thing is, now I am starving. After surgery it will be different. Also, after surgery I was told to have a "treat" every few weeks. For instance, Pasta, etc. things will be different after surgery than they are now. Right now I have a huge stomach and I am use to eating a lot.

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Sigh.

They just reduce the size of your stomach. It doesn't reduce your desire to eat crap still. It isn't magic. You still have to actually use a little will power to make it work. You have to exercise and change the way you eat forever. Not just eat, but change the way you even FEEL about eating in general. Yes, there will be times you're even hungry. If you use food comfort now and can't delay gratification, will you have the tools to deal with that post op?

Please take all that into consideration and don't just assume surgery will magically change all your bad habits with food. People figure out ways to eat around these surgeries. Otherwise we wouldn't have a 42% rate of regain.

As long as you completely understand that, you'll be fine.

Okay. I am aware of what the surgery does, as I have been planning this surgery for a year. I will do what is right for me. I am willing to change and I want to change.... but I mean, you can't just stop wanting something because the doctor says so. If you were addicted to drugs and were told to just stop, could you? No.... it takes time, it takes support and I'm aware of this... but your "sighing" and pretty much telling me that since I cheated and ate chicken fingers and fries for dinner one night that I am not mentally capable of having a surgery is not why I am here. I am here for support.

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You indicated in your original post that you were scared that you weren't going to be able to handle post-op and food controlled your life. @@Babbs was explaining (politely) why it is important to get control before surgery as the mental aspects will not be resolved by surgery. If you came for support - you really should listen to what the successful posters have to say - not just look for validation that what you did is no big deal because others cheat as well. If you have been researching this surgery - I assume you've seen the difficulties many have post-op because food still controls them. "Cheating" on post-op could cause sign and life threatening complications. If your pre-op diet was low carb, high protein - even if you were starving - why didn't you just eat what was allowed on your diet. If it was simply hunger - yogurt would have sufficed. People are only trying to help you by being honest. This process is alot more mental than physical.

• OP- you're right, it's not about one night's dinner of chicken fingers and fries. In fact, I'm inclined to say no harm done; it was only one meal and several days out from surgery. What this is really about and what Babbs and others are pointing out is adherence. A LOT of people are unsuccessful. Haven't we ALL heard, "Oh 'so and so' had that surgery and she gain all her weight back". This isn't to say that you will be unsuccessful but to say that you have a choice.

I actually don't reply to a lot of posts on here because they are redundant (use the search bar people!) or pointless (seriously, how many times can people ask for Protein shake recommendations). I responded to yours because, I was you once. I remember posting during my pre-op diet how BADLY I wanted to eat. My diet was two weeks of liquids. The first week was torture! It was the people on here who kicked my virtual butt that bolstered me and I got through it. I made choice when I had surgery, despite all of the discouragement of those around me. I did it anyway. I made choice when I heard my doctor give me a goal weight that left me still 25 lbs overweight. I didn't accept that as my result and set my own goal. I want you to choose you. Good luck with your surgery. Where you go from there is up to you.

• OP- you're right, it's not about one night's dinner of chicken fingers and fries. In fact, I'm inclined to say no harm done; it was only one meal and several days out from surgery. What this is really about and what Babbs and others are pointing out is adherence. A LOT of people are unsuccessful. Haven't we ALL heard, "Oh 'so and so' had that surgery and she gain all her weight back". This isn't to say that you will be unsuccessful but to say that you have a choice.
• I actually don't reply to a lot of posts on here because they are redundant (use the search bar people!) or pointless (seriously, how many times can people ask for Protein shake recommendations). I responded to yours because, I was you once. I remember posting during my pre-op diet how BADLY I wanted to eat. My diet was two weeks of liquids. The first week was torture! It was the people on here who kicked my virtual butt that bolstered me and I got through it.
• I made choice when I had surgery, despite all of the discouragement of those around me. I did it anyway. I made choice when I heard my doctor give me a goal weight that left me still 25 lbs overweight. I didn't accept that as my result and set my own goal.
• I want you to choose you. Good luck with your surgery. Where you go from there is up to you.

Well said!

Don't worry about the slip up. Some doctors don't even have patients on a pre op diet.

Now, post op- you HAVE to follow the rules, even 2 weeks out when you feel pretty good. No chicken fingers! Those are my skinny son's favorite!

food addiction, which I believe most of us here probably have, is much like other addictions- gambling, alcohol, drugs. Your brain is flooded with dopamine in the same ways. It takes time to retrain your brain not to want to head for the pantry when you are bored, stressed out, about to watch your favorite TV show. I was not always a food addict but became one in my 30's.

I'm struggling and I know it will take time. The good thing is that I know I can't eat a pint of ice cream like before or I will end up very sick and in the toilet and I don't want to do that.

Take care and good luck!

Don't beat yourself up. It happens.

It's interesting that there are so many pre op diets out there. I'm allowed to have 100g of Protein each day (as well as my shakes and vegies). My surgeon said it is ok to have a tiny bit more meat if I'm still hungry. Whereas my sister's surgeon said 50g meat and as many vegies as she likes.

I'm curious. What does everyone's pre op diet entail?

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My pre-op diet was 9 days of full liquids and then 1 day of Clear Liquids. Sucked so much. I was never full and always hungry.

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Oh my goodness! Poor you.

I have to do clear liquids the day before, then of course nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

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Mine is two weeks of full liquids and one day of clear. Today is Day 1. I did it for 10 days the last time in anticipation of ins approval that didnt come. At least this time i gor sure am getting sleeved.

2 weeks of Protein shakes nooooo food at all.

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2 weeks of Protein shakes nooooo food at all.

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Yuuuuuuuup just super crabby time all around.

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I cheated three times in my one week pre op diet. Had my surgery on Monday and my Dr said I was a pleasure and that my liver was really good to work around. Btw I cheated with a Big Mac the day before my surgery. Don't feel bad, just give it your best, after all this is why you need the surgery right!!!

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I had chicken tenders and fries....

I have surgery Thursday and some days I feel like I am not strong enough and I am scared. I hate that food controls my life like this.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

OP- you are not the only one who has cheated and so while not trying to beat you up- you rightfully should be concerned that you may not ready. This isn't to say that perfection is required but it is to say that there are countless people who have this surgery without being equipped with the tools to handle challenges. If a week or two pre-op diet can't be adhered to, what about a lifelong requirement to measure your food, eat Protein first, etc. You may or may not be ready but if you have doubts, then please resolve them before doing something irreversible.

Well the thing is, now I am starving. After surgery it will be different. Also, after surgery I was told to have a "treat" every few weeks. For instance, Pasta, etc. things will be different after surgery than they are now. Right now I have a huge stomach and I am use to eating a lot.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sigh.

They just reduce the size of your stomach. It doesn't reduce your desire to eat crap still. It isn't magic. You still have to actually use a little will power to make it work. You have to exercise and change the way you eat forever. Not just eat, but change the way you even FEEL about eating in general. Yes, there will be times you're even hungry. If you use food comfort now and can't delay gratification, will you have the tools to deal with that post op?

Please take all that into consideration and don't just assume surgery will magically change all your bad habits with food. People figure out ways to eat around these surgeries. Otherwise we wouldn't have a 42% rate of regain.

As long as you completely understand that, you'll be fine.

Okay. I am aware of what the surgery does, as I have been planning this surgery for a year. I will do what is right for me. I am willing to change and I want to change.... but I mean, you can't just stop wanting something because the doctor says so. If you were addicted to drugs and were told to just stop, could you? No.... it takes time, it takes support and I'm aware of this... but your "sighing" and pretty much telling me that since I cheated and ate chicken fingers and fries for dinner one night that I am not mentally capable of having a surgery is not why I am here. I am here for support.

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I had a huge burger 4 days before surgery and a steak 2 days before it. You're exactly right that the surgery will help..you will finally feel full!! Don't listen to these naysayers.

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I had chicken tenders and fries....

I have surgery Thursday and some days I feel like I am not strong enough and I am scared. I hate that food controls my life like this.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

OP- you are not the only one who has cheated and so while not trying to beat you up- you rightfully should be concerned that you may not ready. This isn't to say that perfection is required but it is to say that there are countless people who have this surgery without being equipped with the tools to handle challenges. If a week or two pre-op diet can't be adhered to, what about a lifelong requirement to measure your food, eat Protein first, etc. You may or may not be ready but if you have doubts, then please resolve them before doing something irreversible.

Well the thing is, now I am starving. After surgery it will be different. Also, after surgery I was told to have a "treat" every few weeks. For instance, Pasta, etc. things will be different after surgery than they are now. Right now I have a huge stomach and I am use to eating a lot.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sigh.

They just reduce the size of your stomach. It doesn't reduce your desire to eat crap still. It isn't magic. You still have to actually use a little will power to make it work. You have to exercise and change the way you eat forever. Not just eat, but change the way you even FEEL about eating in general. Yes, there will be times you're even hungry. If you use food comfort now and can't delay gratification, will you have the tools to deal with that post op?

Please take all that into consideration and don't just assume surgery will magically change all your bad habits with food. People figure out ways to eat around these surgeries. Otherwise we wouldn't have a 42% rate of regain.

As long as you completely understand that, you'll be fine.

Okay. I am aware of what the surgery does, as I have been planning this surgery for a year. I will do what is right for me. I am willing to change and I want to change.... but I mean, you can't just stop wanting something because the doctor says so. If you were addicted to drugs and were told to just stop, could you? No.... it takes time, it takes support and I'm aware of this... but your "sighing" and pretty much telling me that since I cheated and ate chicken fingers and fries for dinner one night that I am not mentally capable of having a surgery is not why I am here. I am here for support.

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I had a huge burger 4 days before surgery and a steak 2 days before it. You're exactly right that the surgery will help..you will finally feel full!! Don't listen to these naysayers.

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Thank you!!!

I am on my way to have surgery this second! I am a nervous wreck.

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It will be over before you know it then after a few days of recovery you'll be where I am now. Good luck on starting your journey, it's exciting!!!

Ps. If you get gas build up in your chest, don't stress, I did because I wasn't told but it does go down. Just wanted to give you a heads up, not all get it but most do to some degree.

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My doctor told me there is a hormone in your stomach that makes you hungry and that is removed with the stomach during surgery so it does reduce your desire to eat "crap". You just need to be positive and know you can do this! You just had a slip, not a fall. Keep up the good work!

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The reason that we do this surgery is because, there is no "rehab" for food addicts. We can't just "stop" eating the way others stop smoking or stop drinking.

Cheating on a diet does NOT make you a horrible person! Cheating on a diet makes you HUMAN AND NORMAL!!

I'm 3 months out of surgery. I've made unhealthy choices since I've been able to eat regular food, however, my body now makes me sick if I eat something sugary or fatty and I just tell myself that I can eat anything I want but to remember my goals. So 90% of the time, I choose something healthy.

This is a process NOT a destination. Your goal is health and longer life. The number the scale is just a bonus. Listen to your body and NOT your mind. And as long as you do what's healthiest for you 80% of the time, the 20% of life when you don't, doesn't matter.

DONT BEAT YOURSELF UP!!

The first picture is in 2010 at 386 pounds. I lost 100 pounds over several years with several hundred "cheat" meals and feeling like I failed. The other picture is 3 months out of surgery and I've dropped 50 pounds. I've also "cheated" several times. Don't let those times define your entire journey.

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Edited September 22, 20169 yr by Deneishia

The first thing to changing something is to admit that there is a problem. For all of those critics, this person has been brace enough to reach out and admit that they have had a problem adhering to their pre-op diet. One slip up is not going to be fatal. It will slow down ketosis which helps with weight loss... yes I understand that but starting directly back on the pre-op diet the next day will recorrect over the next couple of days. Mrstkgreene, you will be fine. I am pre-op too and I carry the same anxieties about this surgery too. It is a big step to take. We have to learn to eat again post op but I have to just focus on my ultimate outcome of a thinner and healthier me.

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Thank y'all for your inputs

I am officially sleeved!

Pre op I lost 8 pounds. So here goes to this new journey in life. Wish me luck!

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