I feel like a hermit

Okay, I am definitely mourning food and the part it played in my life. Hubby and Son are going to MY FAMILY reunion today (its yearly) and I am not. Why?? Because the whole event is centered around food. Not everyone knows about my surgery and I would prefer to keep it that why and of course they would wonder why I am just sitting there with a drink and not my usual platter of food.

Other than one time, I have been NOWHERE with the exception of picking my so up at preschool. I do nothing right now, because in my mind, there is nothing I can do that does not involve food.

I guess this is pretty normal, right? To be going through a "withdrawal" of food?

Well if the reunion was for a few hours you could show up a few minutes late and just state that you just came from another friend's gathering and just finished eating a large volumn. Might run into issues if it was for the full day though.

Is it normal to be missing food and experience so much change in your life? Yes, of course, it is. As a society, so many events are centered around eating. The kitchen is the center of the household; we celebrate everything with meals and food. Some of us have taken it further than others, obviously.

However, this is the perfect opportunity to find new focuses in life and (I have no children so take this for what it's worth) the perfect opportunity to teach your young son a different style. Visit the zoo, museum, park, etc. to have good times and get you out of the house. Ride a bike, take a walk, etc.

You've just had surgery-- so maybe it's easier to avoid the social situations right now. But I assume your hubby is going to offer some excuse for your absence at the reunion.  Why not just go and say that you're having some tummy issues but you didn't want to miss the event?

My point is---don't go hermit--go out and enjoy your new life as you're feeling better. You're going to love it!!

I think its probably normal, I'm sorta feeling the same way. I'm only 2 days away from being one month out but it seems like its been FOREVER since me and the hubby had a date. We used to go on Friday night dates and I always looked so forward to it, usually dinner and a movie but most times it was just out to eat somewhere nice. Now we just sit at home all weekend and stare at each other lol. Other than church and work we just don't go anywhere now and I'm really missing our date nights. We can't even go to the movies and just skip the dinner part b/c my hubbys favorite part of going to the movies is the buttered popcorn and candy. I know this time will pass and someday I can eat again and things will return to normal but I'm feeling like a hermit in the meantime too!

Yeh alot of things revolve around food .  In just a short time you will be repulsed by the amount that people eat. I never noticed it before because I ate that much too...but now that I eat much smaller portions ..I am just really turned off by the amount of food that people eat..and the amt of carbs!!  no wonder so much of America is fat!!  Don't mean to judge..because I was right there with them enjoying all of that food...but it is just not normal
   You can go to things...just make good choices.  I also sometimes just Play with my plate..and no one noticed.  You can just say..I am watching what I eat and making better choices...which is true.  You do not need to tell them that you had surgery.  I hate to see you miss a reunion just because of the food...think about it!    Go and enjoy without the food part...you will have just as much fun.  Just remember that you wanted a healthy life more so you got the sleeve.  Keep your eye on the prize..it is worth it
Good luck
Patty

Agree with Patty and Elaine. You can enjoy things without the food. And with a little ingenuity there are ways you can work your way around the food situation without sabotaging your diet. I find found focusing my life on other things besides food has really made a difference. Support group has been a good example plus I have increased my outside activities (gym and union activity). I was more of a hermit in the preop stage than I am now.

I know once I am able to eat something, life will be easier....but right now I seriously doubt the family reunion is serving yogurt and baby food ;) I sooo look forward to the weather cooling off...(I am in Fl and that does not happen until late Oct) There is a local park here that my little man and I LOVE taking hikes in. I know this year, I will be able to go farther, and maybe even get to the end of the trail. October is a busy time here with festivals and fairs. There is so much to look forward to, and I know I will......

I am really just going through a depression right now, which I know I wil l eventually snap out of. Its just a whole new lifestyle I have to learn.

Might bring some string cheese. It is easy to diget and is high in protein. Also as you get farther along you could have finger food such as pieces of meat or cheese that are high in protein and will not hurt your diet if done in moderation. Hope this helps.

I hate to sound like Pollyanna, but you can leave the house and you can enjoy the reunion with a strategy, depending on where you are post-op.  First there will probably be people you haven't seen in  awhile.  Focus on the social not the food.  Drink a protein shake on the way there. Keep a bottle of water with you and sip all day (bring crystal light packets if water doesn't work for you)  Then socialize!  If you keep mingling and circulating, no one will notice what you eat or don't eat.  I think those of us who are/were fat focus on food more than those who haven't ben or aren't fat.  Check out the food table.  If you are on solids, fix a small plate with cold cuts, cheese and veggies in the amount you can eat.  I often bring low fat tortillas to usr instead of bread or rolls and make a wrap.  Somebody always thinks it looks good and wants to try it.  I even did that with Sloppy Joes burrito style at my brother's house.  I've done it with hot dogs and hamburgers too.  I've also used a big leaf of lettuce for a cheeseburger bun.  You can eat 1/2 of the burger and "share" with one of your kids or your hubby.  Sounds like some time with the big group will do you good.  Another idea?  Bring your camera  and take short videos or a lot of photos.  You can make little albums to give as holiday gifts.  If you have an activity it is easier to stay away from food.  Organize the kids in some outdoor activities like a game of duck duck goose.  I really needed to work on a new mindset after surgery because I need to focus on anything other than food.  These are some of my tricks.  If It's not working for you, a migrane coming on is a great excuse to leave early.  Give it a try.  We didn't have vsg to stay home.  Good luck.  If you do stay home enjoy your alone time with a goodbook anb bubble bath or even a workout without worrying about what the kids are up too.  Sorry so long!

I did stay home, and styled my hair for the first time since surgery. That really does make me feel more human, even if I am not going anywhere ;)