I know that sounds like an obvious statement, but despite the preparation, the consultations, dietitian advice as well as discussion with various doctors including the primary surgeon, I realized how much of this is on me and changing my thinking in relation to food. I never thought of myself as food fixated, or dependent. I certainly understand addiction and dependency from other things but food was always not only fuel, but a joy. I have fond memories of meals past; some of the great restaurants of the world, and the funky dives where I got a good meal.

I'm in a new place. I can only eat a few bite before I feel almost full. Cross that line and it gets disgusting fast. So, food, for now, is something I have to be very careful of consuming. Some things are readily digestible, other things, not so much. (I'm 8 weeks out from surgery, a baby but I gotta be responsible).

I realized that part of this is my mental attitude toward what I put into my body. It's like I have a much finer, more delicate filter. I certainly haven't gone to extremes but realize how sensitive my system is and it is my responsibility to follow through from the surgery to small steps in eating and exercise.

Given the hiatal hernia repair, I'm still a time slot away from weight lifting. That's what draws me to the gym- treadmill stuff is a joke- there's a thing called a speed board that is not motorized, and requires your leg power to make it move. It require balance as well. Very expensive to own one, and none of the gyms where I am seem to have one. So I walk in mega stores. But I'm planning ahead-- I'll plug in with a couple different MD types over the next couple weeks- checking bloods- I feel undernourished, but I can't handle the volume of food I would ordinarily consume without thought.

So I have to be mindful- and that is my main point-- you have a duty to yourself to be cautious about what you intake- both in terms of texture and in terms of volume. It seems like a couple of bites of 'regular food" gets me close to full; soft stuff, like soup, is easier. I'm taking all the supplements but am interested to see what the blood work shows.

In the meantime, I'll say that this is a huge upward learning curve that I have taken on, despite the preparation and I think I had good medical and related advice to prepare me. It's just the transition from intellectual to real world.

I'm learning.....

As I've seen said on here before, the most important weight loss tool you have is between your ears.

Most of us still have to diet and exercise, like everyone else. The surgery just gives us a little jumpstart on our weight loss, for the first year. We are given that small window of time to make changes to our mindset and eating habits. After that, it's all mental.

Great post. I’m a year out, and I like to think I’ve changed my eating habits somewhat. Then again, I’m on vacation now with some friends, and every time someone puts out food or snacks I’m like a kid let loose in a candy store. I marvel at the non sleeved people who have greater self control than me and just know intuitively when to take a bit and when they don’t need any. Umm, where was I when they gave out that intuition? Maybe it’s because to me, vacation mode always meant indulging all the way? It’s truly one step forward, 2 steps back when it comes to changing my deeply ingrained habits, learning how to really listen to my hunger and fullness cues, and to tune in to what my body needs nutrition wise. It’s not easy!!! It took me years and years to develop these bad habits, I guess I can’t expect it to be so easily changed. I try to remember how good I feel when I listen to my body and give it the healthy nourishment it needs and how gross i feel after going on a junk spree…

1 hour ago, Nomorecookies said:

Great post. I’m a year out, and I like to think I’ve changed my eating habits somewhat. Then again, I’m on vacation now with some friends, and every time someone puts out food or Snacks I’m like a kid let loose in a candy store. I marvel at the non sleeved people who have greater self control than me and just know intuitively when to take a bit and when they don’t need any. Umm, where was I when they gave out that intuition? Maybe it’s because to me, vacation mode always meant indulging all the way? It’s truly one step forward, 2 steps back when it comes to changing my deeply ingrained habits, learning how to really listen to my hunger and fullness cues, and to tune in to what my body needs nutrition wise. It’s not easy!!! It took me years and years to develop these bad habits, I guess I can’t expect it to be so easily changed. I try to remember how good I feel when I listen to my body and give it the healthy nourishment it needs and how gross i feel after going on a junk spree…

I can abstain- in fact, one of my horrible eating habits was to drink coffee and do work until midafternoon before I ate anything. The challenge for me is to put together tasty meals that are protein, veggies and a little carb. My wife has been great about this- she cooked a lamb steak for herself but I don't think that is easily digestible so she made me some baked chicken thighs and roasted some mixed veggies. I have a couple cookbook/online references for various recipes-to keep it interesting. I did hardcore paleo at one point and an insane work out regime 15 years ago and was in the best shape of my life. Now, at close to 70 years old, I can't work out that hard (hope to get back to the weights once the hernia heals) but it is putting together interesting meals that's the challenge right now. And getting enough nutrition in through those meals (I recognize that some of the supplements are for life, I can deal w/ that) but it is finding a balance with diet and my palate that is where I'm struggling a bit. As I can gradually eat more different foods, I'm happier, but it is still a work in progress here.

Thanks, all, for your input.

Deep 6

I've always thought - "the surgery was the EASY part " .... now the work begins .

4 hours ago, KathyLev said:

I've always thought - "the surgery was the EASY part " .... now the work begins .

Haha yes very true!!!