gastric bypass taboos

I'm currently 10 months out so I certainly don't claim to be an expert on gastric bypass.  But I did decide to share some of my experiences thus far, even the "controversial" stuff.  I know when I was first starting this journey I had so many questions, so if this helps at least one person considering this surgery I will be happy.  I realize that to some I may be considered "non-compliant" but I do the best I can and I want all the people considering this surgery to realize you don't have to be perfect, and you have to find what works for you.  I know every case is different, so those considering this surgery please be aware you may have a completely different journey than me.  Best of luck on your way!!

I don't drink protein shakes, protein supplements, or force myself to eat/drink things that I hate.
I do always eat protein first, and try to center my meals around protein.

I don't and never have counted protein grams, carbs, etc.
I do try to eat healthy, balanced and protein rich foods 90% of the time.

I don't and never have seen the nutrionist at my surgeon's office, except for pre-op.
I do make sure to see my surgeon on a regular basis and keep up with my labs.

I don't break the bank with expensive "bariatric" vitamins and supplements.
I do make sure to take my vitamins, calcium, etc every day (purchased from Walgreens)

I don't kill myself exercising every day, which I hate.
I do find fun ways to get physical activity such as taking walks with my family, swimming, canoeing, riding a bike (many of which I couldn't do when I was overweight).

I don't deprive myself of foods I enjoy.
I do eat in moderation and monitor my refined sugar intake.

I did eat a small piece of cake on my son's 5th birthday.
I did not allow myself to feel guilty.

I do not drink sugary frozen ****tails anymore.
I do enjoy a light beer or glass of wine on occasion.

I do not drink regular soda.
I do drink diet soda when I want one.

I do not obsess over my gastric bypass surgery, and sometimes it's easy to forget I underwent the procedure.
I do remind myself each day how grateful I am and how I must stay on top of my eating habits.

I do sometimes have bad days, and fears of what my future holds.
I do not have enough bad days to make me regret having had gastric bypass, ever.

Love this! Thank you!

Good for you. I felt exactly the same way until I was 2 years out and the **** hit the fan. I gained 10 pounds instantly. So now I track everything.

Laura

Laura, hello my friend.

Yeah, three years out and MY poop hath hitteth the fan.

Glad I'm in good company, girlfriend!! We've missed you here. Hugs!!

That is an approach that I think more than a few follow as well.

Well said!

You well adjusted people confuse the hell out of me.

But that's what you seem to be. Well-adjusted. Nothing wrong with that.

There are a million and two ways to do this lifestyle. This is yours. And I think it's working for you, so congrats!

Yeah, but some will need to do some things differently after the honeymoon is over...

Well not necessarily. It depends on what your goals are.

I know plenty of folks who got to their bottom weight and bounced and were perfectly happy and still eat the way they always ate post-op. If it is your goal to maintain a certain weight, yes you may need to revisit your plans. If you are happy where you are, your plan may very well continue to work for you in the long term. None of these folks I know gained beyond their bounce and are happy as clams not to be morbidly obese anymore.