I need some help please..

I just had my appointment with my surgeon on Tuesday. I'm really excited. He was sooo nice. I have some questions for you all that have had the surgery. Do the cravings stop? I'm worried that I'm going to see chocolate or even mashed potaoes and go nuts. I mean let's face it. I wouldn't be looking into this if I wasn't a food addict. I mean, I didn't get overweight not eating. Does the weight really just seem like it falls off? I'm so nervous and so excited. Anyone with any insight and would like to share would be appreciated!

Hi there In the beginning of your surgery, your appetite really isn't there.  This surgery is a tool we are given to lose the weight and  yes in the beginning it seems to "fall off".  There is what is called a honeymoon phase of weight loss surgery and within that first few months of surgery, no matter what the weight falls off of you.  I would say for the first 18 months..and then after that it gets much slower and you mus****ch your calorie intake and make sure you get your protein in first then veggies next and you must wait at least 30-45 minutes after you eat to drink anything.  Drinking while eating will only wash out the food from your pouch and you will be hungry again in no time.  Remember I said this surgery is a tool?  Well it doesn't fix our heads unfortunately and you must follow your surgeon's instructions to the letter for you to continue to be successful through your journey after surgery.  Carbs are things you really mus****ch...if eaten in large quantities you can gain weight back.  One other thing I would like to mention is that there will be times to where you won't see the scale move...but don't fear it is normal and as long as you are following your food plan from your surgeon and getting in some exercise like walking the scale will move again.  Stalls are a normal process we go through after surgery and if the scale isn't moving, then maybe there are inches that are coming off instead.  So I would suggest a tape measure so you can measure yourself during your journey.  I am almost two years post op and yes I do have cravings, but i think "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels".  Now do I give into cravings sometimes? YES i do.  Do I feel guilty for giving into those cravings? YES I do!!! Because my thinking is this...Why am i doing this when I went through so much to have this surgery to lose the weight.  That gets me back on track!    So, as far as the mashed potatoes and nuts go, find substitutions that are healthier for you later down the road.  In place of peanuts, cashews, etc...eat almonds or walnuts..they have the good fat in them..but remember portion control is a must.   As far as mashed potatoes, i have heard of people using cooked cauliflower and sprucing it up a bit.  Not the same I know..but it is healthier.  And maybe even use sweet potatoes.  There will be foods that you have eaten in the past that after your surgery will not agree with your new pouch at all.  So when introducing foods after surgery, introduce them one by one and very slowly.   Ok I feel like I am rambling now, but  I hope this helps you some.  Oh yes, the nervousness and excitement you feel are very normal.

Hey Judy How are you feeling? Haven't seen much of you lately.

HI Jen I am hanging in there.  Since I had my tummy tuck..anchor cut..i have been scarce around here.  I am dealing with taking care of a wound..that is actually 3 holes in one.  Packing it and dressing it 4 times a day. It is starting to heal a little, but it seems like that is all i get done lately.  I post when I feel like it ..other than that , I just tryto rest and relax as much as I can.  How are yo udoing? hugs

Before I can asnwer you on this . Please tell us more about you .  What type of surgery are you having .. RNY .. DS or Lap Band ??  There are so many variable on how you will feel , according to what surgery you are having .  And to answer you on this .. NO .. It does not just fall off . I worked my butt off literally , bu****ching what I ate .. exercise and following my doctors proticol .  RNY Is a tool . It is not a guarnatee that the weight will just come off an stay off . There are those that loose the weight and regain 20 to 30 pounds . Some as much as 50 . Why .. they did not use the tool .. or just graze a lot... As for me .. I will never let myself fail at this . I had a surgeon go in and re-arrainge my insides ... why would I falter ... any hoo ..  Please tell us more .  TInk

Well let me start by saying that I'm 35 y/o- I've been married for 15 years and have two children. I have been overweight all my life like most everyone here. I will be having the RNY procedure if I am approved for it. I don't see any reason why I wouldn't be. I want to feel better and be able to walk without my hips screaming at me to stop. I won't lie I really want to look better too. My self esteem is down to nothing.

Judy pretty much said it all.  Best wishes to you as you begin your journey. 

I agree with Tink.  I'm almost 6 weeks post-op and I'm working for every pound lost! Nothing is just melting off.  After the first week, I've lost an average of 1 to 2 lbs perweek. The difference is that it's successful work and what ever is lost is gone forever.   I'm following every durn rule the doc gives me, even EATING MORE!  Yes, to lose weight you have to take your body out of starvation mode.  I'm also doing cardio 2 x week and strength training 3 x week and working full time.   This losing weight is not for the weak minded or weak hearted.  The trial and error of what  my body will accept food wise is my biggest challenge - I like the known rather than the unknown - not too adventurous in regard to health now. This is one of the best rides I've ever been on in my life!

I'm just testing to see if my ticker works..

Hi there. I had my surgery (lap band) on 5/18/07. I'm down about 30 pounds and now the weight is going about a pound or two a week. So far I have not had a fill yet, but I've scheduled one for early August. I can tell you this, and maybe it will help: The morning after surgery I woke up and told my husband - I am 55 years old, and for the first time in my life I know the difference between feeling hungry and just wanting food. I physically was not hungry - and even if I was, I couldn't eat anything yet. But I was "head hungry." I mean I was thinking about what I would eat when I COULD eat; what I would buy, how I would cook it, what I would be able to eat. As for chocolate....I have it every week. I buy Russell Stover's sugar free chocolate truffles. I allow myself 3 pieces per week. As for mashed potatoes...EAT THEM. I eat everything, just very small portions; maybe a few teaspoons. BUT, I eat protein first, everything else after that. GOOD LUCK