I don’t have surgery scheduled yet but I’m worried about not being able to eat my favorite foods ever again. I’m on a 1200 calorie diet and I keep thinking things like “I’ve eaten a Carvel ice cream cake every year on my birthday since before I can remember and now I’ll never have one again.” Or “I’ve had my last carmel macchiato from Starbucks.” Or “If I ever travel to Italy I won’t get to try their pasta, or other vacations that I won’t be able to try their local food.” I feel petty and I’m sure it’s a sign I’m not ready so I really need some guidance. Please help!
Favorite foods overcoming the loss
- Thread starter DCanyelle
- Start date
MANDY2910
Member
That’s a bad mindset to get into because it isn’t the last time for anything. This surgery is a tool. In order for it to be successful you have to use the tool. But that doesn’t mean you stop living. That doesn’t mean you go on vacation and don’t have some of your favorite foods. This isn’t a death sentence for food. It is a means to look at and treat food differently. Will you have a whole plate of pasta when you go to Italy? No you won’t. But it doesn’t mean you can’t have a few bites. You need to evaluate your relationship with food. That takes time and some soul searching to do. Food addiction is just like any other addiction, except you need food to live so you can never get away from it. But you can be more mindful and smart with your choices. Don’t look at it like you will never get to eat or drink these foods you love again because it simply isn’t true. My nutritionist talks about the 90/10 rule: eat what you should 90% of the time, but leave yourself room to have the little things you want as well. It’s all about choices and control. And that’s up to you.
Hi Mandy, thanks for the feedback. My surgeon said some people can’t have certain things at all after surgery like sugar, dairy etc so I guess that why I’m so terrified. I know several people that have had the surgery and can still have a small bite of something and be okay. I’m just scared that won’t be me or that I might get dumping syndrome.
MANDY2910
Member
Dumping syndrome is very real and most people can’t tolerate a lot of sugar. As far as dairy, there are tons of different option these days. I love oat milk! Your feelings and concerns are valid but don’t let this fear take ahold and stop you from making this decision. There are more important reasons to have the surgery. Health and being the best version of yourself is what’s important. The rest will work itself out. The food you eat now is what got you to this place. It’s what got us all where we are/were or we wouldn’t be in this forum. Look back at some of the old posts. Look at some of the fun recipes on here. There’s so much to learn and so many questions with answers. Don’t think so hard about what you can’t do. Think about all the things you wish you could do now that you will be able to do in the future plus more. That’s what’s important!
I like the 90/10 rule. Very practical. So on your birthday you can have a small piece of that favorite cake but you might want to give the rest of the cake to others to take home. Or freezing pieces for other events.the other option is finding a new favorite item out of healthy choices. Just make sure you you weigh and measure the portions. It is not a slip up as much as it is being accountable and planned in advance.
Thank you Roni! I’ve been doing so well on the 1200 calorie diet and not cheating so I definitely think it’s a psychological issue that I need to get past before I take the plunge. I’m so excited about surgery but that one thing is tripping me up. I don’t want that to be the thing that either prevents me from doing it, or causes me issues with maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the surgery.