I've been thinking a lot about the surgery, the post-op diet, the drastic changes. My doctor said that after surgery I'll probably only be able to eat 1/4 cup of food at a time. Suddenly I realized, Hey, but I like to eat! I may need to find something I like just as much to replace the food. I think I might need a therapist or a behaviorist to help me adapt to the new life. If history has shown me anything it's that I always start out well on a new eating and exercising regimen but after about 6 months to a year I "relapse".

I hope I'm not sounding like a downer but I just really want this to work. What do you all think? Have any of you started therapy or support groups? How are your new healthy lives (the diet and exercise) working out for you?

Nothing wrong with councelling help for this or anything else. I have had one for along time and I just vent or whatever and always feel so much better after. I go once every few months and get the stresses out hahaha

I really want to try Yoga. I hear it is amazing for stress and flexibilty etc.

I've been thinking a lot about the surgery, the post-op diet, the drastic changes. My doctor said that after surgery I'll probably only be able to eat 1/4 cup of food at a time. Suddenly I realized, Hey, but I like to eat! I may need to find something I like just as much to replace the food. I think I might need a therapist or a behaviorist to help me adapt to the new life. If history has shown me anything it's that I always start out well on a new eating and exercising regimen but after about 6 months to a year I "relapse".

I hope I'm not sounding like a downer but I just really want this to work. What do you all think? Have any of you started therapy or support groups? How are your new healthy lives (the diet and exercise) working out for you?

The funny thing is, as weird as it sounds, you won't be interested in food right after surgery. While you are initially healing, you will feel full all the time. Seeking the help from a behavorist, isn't a bad idea because once the swelling goes down and before your first fill you may be able to successfully eat anything and everything and that isn't good. You have to stick to the recomended diet by your doctor - they are all a little different in their plans, but stick with what your doctor tells you and find a support group to attend if you can.

You might be able to eat 1/4 cup of food for a bout 1 week after the surgery but not forever. I eat 1 to 1 1/2 cups of food 3 times a day with a snack. The thing I like most about the band is I can try just about anything with no problem so maybe you will be the same way. Good Luck!

I can eat about 1 cup of food with no problem....more, if part of what I eat is salad. When you are no longer eating large portions of foods, you will be chewing longer. You will learn to enjoy what you do eat and you won't have cravings for more because you will feel full. Then, those situations that make you think you love eating will become more focused on friends/family because you will not be focusing on your plate. It's a whole new world. For everything that changes that you are afraid of, another change which is positive will come along.

Thanks to you all for responding! I really enjoy hearing about everyone's experiences and especially their encouragement. I really am excited to get started. I feel grateful for this forum as a resource when I have questions (or have doubts). :drool: