Feeling Normal? - ThinnerTimes

Mary W · 07-22-2004, 02:37 PM

Feeling Normal?

The one comment that I hear constantly on the various boards that I frequent is, “I had this surgery to be normal”. Unfortunately, we are not “normal”. We weren’t normal before we had surgery and we definitely aren’t normal after. If we were normal physically and emotionally we would never have needed this surgery. Morbidly obese people are different physiologically and psychologically. Research is proving that we are different chemically than those that are not morbidly obese. There is also an emotional or behavioral difference. Some of us have food addictions, some are binge eaters, we all obviously gain weight easily. We are not “normal”. We have a medical condition that we will have the rest of our lives, no different than diabetics, persons with heart disease, alcoholics, etc.

We will always have to be diligent about what and how much we eat. We will have to continue to exercise consistently and take our vitamins. We will have to stick to the rules of our surgery (Pouch Rules, Ten Commandments of WLS). We will have to avoid sugar, alcohol, limit simple carbs, etc. This is a life long commitment.

Now with that said, I know it is not easy. We would all love to be able to eat what we like when we like. It is frustrating to not be able to eat like a normal person. To be able to eat one piece of chocolate or fruit bar or whatever your personal demon might be. Mine is simple carbs. If I let them sneak into the diet, I start craving more and more and more. The scale starts to creep and so does my daily calorie count.

My husband is a recovering alcoholic, and he has said how much he wishes he could be like a normal person who could have a beer or two. He isn’t that type of guy. One beer leads to a 12 pack to a bottle of brandy, to falling down drunk. So… he can’t have that one beer. It is amazing how much we have in common. He will always be a recovering alcoholic and I will always be a recovering MOP (Morbidly Obese Person).

Love you guys

bridgetgirl · 07-22-2004, 02:47 PM

Great post Mary! I agree with you 100%!! You put this ithread in long term post op category, but I think the pre ops should read this and try to understand it... now before it's too late... as you know, and you have witnessed that these feelings cant push someone to ALMOST over the edge.... thanks for assisting in keeping everyone on their toes! I for one, appreciate it!

Christina · 07-22-2004, 02:51 PM

Mary,

That was a great post. It is important to us newer post ops to know what lies ahead in our future.. thanks to you and the other pre-ops who are out longer we are able to be more and more prepared for our futures after the honeymoon period. Heck this may be the only honeymoon I ever experience so I am going to enjoy it as much as possible..

Blueyz · 07-22-2004, 03:53 PM

Oh Christina, you WILL have a honeymoon. Prince charming is just around the corner.

Christina · 07-22-2004, 04:00 PM

Dale you are too funny girlfriend.. I'm just playin around. Actually I do have a man waiting for me in MONTANA!!! LOL He keeps trying to get my sister to get me out there again. He is a fireman that responded to my sister's call when I jumped off the roof at 289 lbs.. I missed the pile of leaves and ended up with a compression fracture to my L1 vertebra..

then had to drive home after that.. lol that was a fun ride.. broken back and all... hehehe Anyway sis says he's still single and still askin about me.. we got our picture taken together. When we have our next gathering I'll try and remember to bring it.. lol

How funny is that?? My sis just called up and said he's still askin about me.. just thought that was funny.. he'd crap his pants if he saw me now.. 90 lbs lighter then I was then.. she didn't tell him anything about me or my surgery so I am going to go up there this fall and see if he recognizes me.. hmmmm yummmy!! LOL

Blueyz · 07-22-2004, 04:34 PM

yeah, and he is a fireman, yummy. Next time you are up on a roof, he can just save you instead of you hurting your back. he he

Karen Wright · 07-22-2004, 08:45 PM

Well, I got a double whammy then.....I am a recovering alcoholic AND a recovering MOP!! I know that to me it is an advantage because I know there are certain things I cannot take even one of....ESPECIALLY a drink or a drug. It sets of my cravings and I cannot stop when it starts!! I do not eat a lot of carbs or any sugar yet so I am hoping to try to keep it that way. I also know that I do not want to set myself up and say "I will never eat sugar or carbs again." cuz I would be lying. Like Christina said, I am going to make full use of this honeymoon period and do the best I can!!

bridgetgirl · 08-24-2004, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christina

Dale you are too funny girlfriend.. I'm just playin around. Actually I do have a man waiting for me in MONTANA!!! LOL He keeps trying to get my sister to get me out there again. He is a fireman that responded to my sister's call when I jumped off the roof at 289 lbs.. I missed the pile of leaves and ended up with a compression fracture to my L1 vertebra..

then had to drive home after that.. lol that was a fun ride.. broken back and all... hehehe Anyway sis says he's still single and still askin about me.. we got our picture taken together. When we have our next gathering I'll try and remember to bring it.. lol

How funny is that?? My sis just called up and said he's still askin about me.. just thought that was funny.. he'd crap his pants if he saw me now.. 90 lbs lighter then I was then.. she didn't tell him anything about me or my surgery so I am going to go up there this fall and see if he recognizes me.. hmmmm yummmy!! LOL

Do you remember this? It was posted on 7/22/04, now here you are engaged! Man oh man... you totally rock sister! Has your sis called and told him your off the market now?!

Melody · 08-24-2004, 02:20 PM

Engaged? Christina girl.. you didn't tell me this.. I knew it was serious! Well congratulations.. you know I love going to weddings ;-)..

Melody
(pre-op dr. C)