Lessons Learned

[Corey]

Was thinking this morning what lessons I have learned since having the surgery. Then started wondering what lessons you guys have learned and that it might be a good idea to share, so others (who are both pre and post op) might be able to pick up a few hints and tips from our experiences?

So, for me, it's portion sizes, and I am still learning.......... I have always had big meals, and always ate what was placed in front of me, OR what I served myself. It's been difficult putting smaller portions on my plate and to leave food on my plate when I am full. Still, I am slowly learning that lesson, the indigestion is a killer!!

My second lesson - is to chew, chew and chew before swallowing. Pre-op, I would chew perhaps once or twice and then gulp down my food - if I do it now, I vomit. This was an increibly quick lesson to learn, happened twice and I have no intention of it happening thrice!

 

[yasmine-samara]

I have learned not to have too much cheese cos it give me really foul smelling wind and BM.
There's a nice thought for a bank holiday monday...lol!!

 

[Mazza]

Hi Corey

With you on the portion sizes and learning that its ok to leave something on your plate. You really dont have to polish it all off, lol

 

[iinklii]

Excelent thread thank you for thinking of us

 

[Corey]

Hi Corey

With you on the portion sizes and learning that its ok to leave something on your plate. You really dont have to polish it all off, lol

But I feel so guilty if I don't!

 

[Mazza]

But I feel so guilty if I don't!

I know, what are we like I suppose thats how we got where we were!

 

[ladybird_gal]

Great thread. Portion sizes, learning to recognise the signs of being full. Leaving a long enough time lapse before consuming something else either food or drink.

 

[gaelic girl]

What a helpful thread for those of us who are pre-op. Thanks x

 

[Corey]

Leaving a long enough time lapse before consuming something else either food or drink.

I'm working on that one at the moment - it would be a lot easier if I didn't have food in the cupboards!

 

[Mazza]

I'm working on that one at the moment - it would be a lot easier if I didn't have food in the cupboards!

Are you still on sloppies Corey, I have moved onto introducing real food again. Hard work, so tempted to just blend everything!

 

[fat-girl-slim08]

I have learnt that you only need to Eat to live and NOT live to Eat.

 

[julia in bath]

great thread for us pre oppers, thanks. Keep posting those lessons learnt for us!

 

[Corey]

I am supposed to still be on sloppies - but tend to have stuff with some kind of sauce or gravy.

Have to say it has been hard not firing up the BBQ this weekend and throwing a few half pounders on and some bangers!!!

 

[Mazza]

I am supposed to still be on sloppies - but tend to have stuff with some kind of sauce or gravy.

Have to say it has been hard not firing up the BBQ this weekend and throwing a few half pounders on and some bangers!!!

Sauces or gravys are a must - dont know what I would of done without my parsley sauce! Cant be long before you start reintroducing food.

Mmm - the smell of bbq's yesterday. We live near a country park and there must of been hundreds of bbq's going off!

 

[Corey]

my dietician doesn't want me to move onto "proper" food until I have my first fill - not sure if I can go a further 3 weeks! It seems my surgeon and dietician both air on the side of caution (hence the long pre op, and long post op liquids / sloppies routine).

Have to say I can't wait to fire up the BBQ and have a nice burger with a ton of salad.

 

[Mazza]

Veggie burgers only for me! cant wait either. My first fill is June 15th.

 

[Corey]

Our first fills are both on the same day

 

[Mazza]

Cool - i had to wait a bit longer to get my appointment in Birmingham as its a very busy clinic. Are you nervous?

I allready feel like I have a restriction but I have no idea what size my band is or if I have anything in it!

 

[phatgirl]

The two most important things I have learned post-op:

1. My body was never my real source of my weight problem, it was my head. You could NEVER have convinced me pre-op that it was true but I know now that my head told me when to eat, what to eat and not to bother with exercise which is what made me fat! Now that I know where my weakness was all along, I have the strength to fight it and I am winning!!!

2. I can always find something healthy & tasty to eat no matter where I am. It is all about education, if you know what to look for you can find great food you can enjoy without much effort. I still love food and enjoy eating but it is a hobbie now and not my full time job!

Nic

 

[hopelesscase]

1, first exploring food post op what ever went on my plate got halved then halved again. If i managed thet i would do the same again. that how i learnt what my true portion size was.

2, Also when coming to the end of a meal if i put something in my mouth and i get a oh can i manage this. spit it out or it will come out biting.

3,Certain foods may have contributed to me being the size i was, as i never want to experiance obesity again i will steer clear of chocolate, fried foods and foods containing sugar (also the fear of dumping )