Fighting With My Food

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Having the Lap Band surgically implanted around the top of my stomach was the BEST decision I ever made.  I am only 4 1/2 months out of surgery and I have only lost 20 lbs.  However, I have went down 2 sizes in clothes and even my shoes fit better or are now too big.

Once you get the lap band, you cross a bridge to a new way of viewing food (and life!).

Recap

Things change the day you get the band.  Life changes.  You can only eat 4 ounces at a meal, only 3 meals a day and 1 snack. And…you can’t drink liquids with your meals. You have to remember to take small bites and chew thoroughly or you end up “renting” your meal. This is no fun and something that we “banders” try to avoid for the obvious reasons but also because you could cause band slippage from vomiting or over-eating.

Because you can only eat 4 ounces at a time, you MUST focus on what you are eating.  Eating at least 3 ounces of protein at each meal and the other ounce being a veggie of your choice.  There is absolutely no room for bread, pasta, rice, and even a salad before your meal is pushing it…

My gripe

Now, today I want to vent…a bit…

I have now realized some of the reasons it’s so easy to gain weight.  Eating is fun!  It is also something we were taught how to do as we were being potty-trained so it is more an instinct than a skill.

You enjoy what your eating, even taking it for granted.  Until the day comes you can no longer enjoy a meal like you used to because you must slow down, beware of what you put on your plate and how much.

You now cut your food like you would for a 2 year old, worry over broccoli and cauliflower (healthy veggies that I used to love) but now struggle with because they are too fibrous.  Every meal now seems like a chore and I’m starting to dread mealtime…

I miss eating pizza and sub sandwiches sometimes!  Or eating warm scrambled eggs.  Anyone who has had bariatric surgery knows what I’m talking about.

Saving Grace

However, I went to a dress fitting today for my wedding that is in 16 more days!  And, I felt like a princess wearing it and having a waist line and knowing that in another year I will be even healthier and thinner!

I know there will be days that I get frustrated but I try to spend my meal time more with the company I am with now instead of focusing on what’s on my plate.  Mealtime is now a time to talk, read and enjoy what I have.  Plus get some food in me.  It’s no longer just about the food.

And, I’m hoping in time, I will get used to this new lifestyle and things won’t be as difficult but in the meantime,

  • I will continue to take that extra few minutes at the beginning of a meal to cut everything up until it fits on a small spoon before putting it in my mouth.
  • I will put my utensil down between bites.
  • I will chew thoroughly before swallowing.
  • I will not drink with my meal.
  • I will stop when I am satisfied, not when I am full.
  • I will be happy about it….NOT!
  • I will remind myself daily that this is a process that will help me learn to live a healthier life
  • and there is always chocolate when I am feeling down…lol

Do I regret the decision I made – no way!  Would I recommend this to someone researching weight loss surgery options – without a doubt!  Will I be ok in the long run – ABSOLUTELY!  Life is about living, not surviving, which is all I was doing before my lap band.

Here’s my question to you. Do you struggle with fighting your food or dreading meal time?  Let’s find ways to cross that bridge together, ok?