A common question asked by new gastric bypass patients is “How do you deal with the loss of food?”
In the first few weeks after surgery, when patients can only eat gelatin, protein shakes, or broth, patients frequently report grief over food. After all, food is a dear friend of the morbidly obese. Now it’s gone and the emotional grief results. The feeling of loss increases during the postoperative healing phase because patients do not feel well enough to do anything. That leaves time to focus on the foods we love but are no longer allowed.
How can a patient distract his thoughts from food? Here are some suggestions to help “newbies” get through this stage!
Read fashion magazines and daydream about your new body in the latest fashion of the season.
Practice accepting compliments politely to be ready when the cheers start to come your way.
Read a book on nutrition to be well informed and ready to take care of your new body.
Visit gyms in your area, meet trainers, and consider how you are going to exercise the moment they release you.
Read LivingAfterWLS.com for information and inspiration. (Ok, I had to connect my own site – SMILING!)
Connect with other people at WLS and share your common experience.
Start a journal of your weight loss experience. Be sure to include statistics like weight, BMI, and measurements.
Begin your walking program – Most patients are instructed to begin walking the day after surgery.
Have fun! This gentle eating phase is the beginning of your new life.
Kaye Bailey © 2005 – All rights reserved