Is GBS like a tatoo on my forehead? - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes

LisaBoston · 12-28-2007, 03:49 PM

I am still here almost 2 years later. This is my only support group as I live in a small town. Yes, in some ways, I have become "more normal" but I guess it really depends on the person. In many ways, I am scared not to have the support - it keeps me in line and recognize that this is a process, of which I am only 2 years into. Some may not need the support, others more. For some it will keep them in line, others stray and do fine too. I can say that I am very thankful for the support here and hope that I give back to others too!

Claire-in-Texas · 12-28-2007, 03:50 PM

And Vanessa and Lisa are great examples of a student/teacher/longtimer who is a giver to the newbis and those of us who need their support.

marine · 12-31-2007, 01:17 AM

Dear Kenneth,

To your question my answer is YES, based on my 3 months experience. While I agree with all above, there is 1 reality:

You will not be able to eat any longer :
1. At the same speed
2. The same Quantities
3. Maybe the same choices.

THe consequence is everytime I am hungry or at lunchtime, I have to think about:
- Small quantity: my eyes are still bigger than my stomac .
- Good Quality: first proteins, then vegis, no sugar, limited fats, limited rice/pasta/bread
- Take Time: stop racing in eating, but eat in at least 20 minutes: a watch is compulsory device now for me

So the equation after WSL is :
Low QUANTITY X high QUALITY X TIME while eating -> LIFE LONG = Success for WSL

Yesterday I put an older pair of jeans I went from size 52 (in Switzerland) to 46 : HALLELUJA, what a joy. This is the great stimulation that allows to apply the above formula.

WSL transformed my life, I gave up the excess of food, for a daily pleasure of well being (despite my continuous eating problems that still continue).

Lovetoday · 12-31-2007, 01:54 AM

Hi there,

You ask good questions. I am two months out. How normal are you now? That defines how normal you will be post op. I have decided pre op already that this op does not define me, it is simply a tool I will use to let my inner self emerge.

One thing I was scared of preop was how much food would become a factor in my life. It has changed my relationship with food irrevocably. I no longer live to eat. I carried my food around with me for the first month ( you basically have to untill you start eating "normal" food again) but now, when we go to a restaurant, I order the lowest fat option in the best quality. If I order steak, my husband will sort out any leftovers or it just goes back to the kitchen. I don't eat something that is not particularly nice just because it is there anymore. I have been very lucky and have dumped very little. I think it is lucky but have had to train my brain to eat what I know is right and not depend on what my stomach tells me it cannot tolerate.

I go to people's houses and eat meals prepared for normal people- but I will only eat what I know I can. Someone has it on their signature- it is not important what you can eat- just what you do eat. Yesterday I went to my inlaws for lunch. A meal that would previously kept me full for days. There was nothing I could eat ( gammon, rack of lamb,cauliflower with a buttery white sauce, crispy potatoes,mediteranean veg done in lots of butter) but I took a salad, which I could eat. I don't make it a topic of conversation , I dish up a little of everything . I had some gammon ( spent better part of the afternoon in the loo with a runny tummy as thanks ) but the rest was salad.

You will be as normal as you want to be. It is not tattood on your forehead, but people stop staring at you, you get better service and if you then get the opportunity to eat in front of others, you eat what you can. I am never hungry ( BIG BONUS)

This is your life, your decision and if you already live with a vegetarian, you know the limitations out there. I avoid some restaurants because the starters ( which I now limit myself too) contain carbs and very little protein. But I have also become a fan of sushi ( it is hellishly expensive if you have to feed a normal tummy but it is fantastic with a smal tummy)

Good luck in your decision. I log on less than I used to pre-op but find the advice and support on this site very valuable.

LisaM · 12-31-2007, 03:49 AM

Kenneth,

You do ask good questions, and I did not see this before I started my own thread over in emotional support, or I would have answered it then. Here's my own take on the subject, at two and a half years out. GBS defines you at exactly the level that you want it to define you as you move further forward. I'm in a new job, new city and state, and a new place in my head. The combination, plus a half-dozen people who have told me lately that "I would never have known you had surgery if you hadn't told me," has pushed me to finish redefining myself as normal.

Yes, that comes with baggage all it's own, as someone else pointed out. But, it's the same baggage that everyone else is dealing with. There are days (like yesterday) where I am uninterested in food, but know I must eat or start feeling exceedingly crappy. Same as the never-obese, or "normal," people. There are days when I feel like I can't stop eating, but I control it because I don't want to be fat. Same as normal folks.

I feel I have been very much the teacher that Vim mentions earlier, but by moving into this newer me completely, lock, stock and barrel, I feel I'm continuing to teach, but now by example, instead of by my words. I also know that, if I start grazing and gaining weight and feel myself wavering, that I can come back here and hold myself accountable and have all the support I would ever need. Thinner Times is home because it's the place where they always take you in, not because they have to, because they want to.

Kinda long-winded this morning, sorry. Good luck with your decision and your other life choices as well.

Kenneth · 01-19-2008, 08:10 PM

Thanks for all your replies.

Two contrary comments really caught my attention.

'My eyes are still bigger than my stomach'

'I am never hungry'

I currently eat fairly healthily...but I have a huge appetite. What can I expect after surgery?

thedonnybrasco · 01-19-2008, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omaha Jim

I don't ever want to be normal.

I THINK YOUR OK ON THIS ONE. HA HA

marine · 01-20-2008, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenneth

'My eyes are still bigger than my stomach'

'I am never hungry'

I currently eat fairly healthily...but I have a huge appetite. What can I expect after surgery?

Dear Kenneth,

As mentioned every week is different than the one before.
Concerning my "eyes > stomac", I am re-educating them, meaning that I take the servings I should/can eat, and no longer the ones before. I calculate the Nr of spoons of food, so that I do not spoil food. The nice feeling of feeling fool stomac is just great. And thus is your appetite really reducing, and is controlled.

Concerning what you - big eater - can expect: I was also a healthy eater before (except the sugar excess), as I was not a type of ready food / fast food /hamburger /French fries/butter/sausages/ person.

BUT I was eating HUGE quantities (with 2x servings I would be happy). At the same time I only like to eat "Gourmet" things.
Therefore, my pre-op dream was after WSL to be still able to eat "Gourmet" and of everything, but just a tiny only. m dream became true. I enjoy very much all, I just avoid too fat (exceptions are the sweets, I cannot and donnot want to touch or eat them).

Result: my happiness to be able to cook, to be able to go to good restaurants, and still feel the excitement of my papilles in my tongue for any new taste is there, I only choose tasty food/vegetables/fruits, to maximise the pleasure while eating, and minimize the frustration. And I really enjoy it. And for that I am really happy, and .... the best of all..

When I think all the misery and lost years being focused on eating.... what a lost of time, life, money, and frustation, it is gone now.

And only after less than 4 months WSL - despite the strictures and other issues I have - I feel socially more integrated, people compliment me, and the best of all

I am happy AND in my head... AND in my body
If I would have known, I would have done it even earlier.

That is what you can expect.

Take care

coptergirl · 01-20-2008, 07:18 AM

I am a little late in seeing this post, so sorry if it seems like old news. I am almost two years out and have been here for 2 1/2 years. As mentioned, I came here A LOT before and read until my brain was so full of information that I had a headache. I still come here every day because these folks have become my family. I want to check in to see what folks are up to, and to offer encouragement and support when I can. I no longer have the questions and wow moments I posted on so often before, and I no longer post as often, and many days just check in, read, and sign out...or talk to folks via PM. No biggie.

As for ever feeling "normal": what is normal? Was normal when I was fat and could consume mass quantities of food many times per day? Or is normal what I am now? Yes - I will always have to be mindful of the choices I make when I eat because that is the lifestyle I chose when I made this decision to have surgery. When I lived in Cali, everyone who knew me knew I had the surgery and they all supported me. I have since moved to NY and no one could tell I had the surgery unless I tell them (or unless it is family that has known all along). I guess my point is that you adapt to your circumstances as they arise. The big thing here in WNY is "fish fry Fridays". I go to them with my family sometimes, but I eat half of a small fish fry - without the fried crap...I just pick my way around it and thats it. I do not eat the fired breading or the french fries or the colesalw and potato salad that comes with it because I know I will be "runny" for the rest of the day. Again - no biggie. One adjusts with this lifestyle in the same way one needs to adjust when they are diabetic or allergic to certain foods.

Food is fuel now. Food is not my comfort and is not my friend.

jerseygrl684 · 01-20-2008, 07:39 AM

My view on this is... some people come here before WLS to ask tons of questions because they are scared or just inquisitive (ohh big word). Others, come here for the support. They vent their frustrations, share their wow moments, and just look for other ppl who have gone through or are going to go through the same things.. These ppl normally post in the first few months, and maybe dwindle down to a few who continue to post.

I personally love reading the old posts of the members who have been here for 1-3 yrs. You see what they went through before, how they pulled through, and you see how they are STILL here giving advice and lending a helping hand when needed. They went from people NEEDING advice to people dishing out some of the most helpful advice and a shoulder to cry on. People like lisa & whitney (and others) are a dime a dozen.. They give a lot of hope to the newbies about their surgery, because at one point im sure most of us have been totally frustrated with our new "tool".

Normal? no. Hell most of us werent normal BEFORE surgery. lol. my mom is 9 yrs out and still.. when shes stressed or when she eats too much, it is a constant reminder that the "tool" is still there and it is still working.