Re: changes - need your advice

[Guest guest]

DawnHumphrey@... wrote:

>

> Hi Friends,

> I am considering the MGB w/Dr. Rutledge. My insurance HAS approved

> me, although I barely fit in the range at 252 pounds. Nevertheless,

> I have been 200+ pounds for over 20 years now and I know my odds of

> living into my 'golden years' is reduced with every extra pound.

>

> I just returned from a cruise where at every sumptious meal, I said

> to myself, " You will never be able to eat like this again. " Could

> you guys help me with this? I genuinely want to lose the weight, but

> I enjoy great meals with good friends! Eating is such a social part

> of our society - I am worried that I will regret not enjoying that

> part of life again! I am also concerned about meals with my

> husband. It seems life will change forever in so many different

> ways - good and bad!

>

> Can you all give me an idea of what to expect? I keep remembering

> the waiter coming over to one lady on the cruise who did not finish

> her meal and he asked her if she did not like the food. When that

> happened, I thought - after the MGB, I won't be able to eat what is

> on the plate - how do I respond without offending? Having the MBG is

> a private decision for me and I don't want to announce it.

>

> I will appreciate your help as I am ready to go forward, but I don't

> know what the future will be like.

>

> Thanks,

> Dawn

A good waiter would *never* think of commenting on how much food you did

or didn't eat (and I might add, his tip should reflect his boorish

behavior!). When he asks you nosey questions, simply respond by asking

" Could I get a container for this food, please? "

Your relationship with food *will* change, though. Instead of being a

friend, comfort, and response to all things, it becomes, just food.

Yawn.

However, you *will* be able to eat whatever you want, but you will find

that some of the foods you prefer change dramatically. I formerly loved

steak and pork chops, and ate chicken only because it was on sale. Now,

I'm not all that crazy about any meats. I can eat them, but they don't

hold first place in what I actually enjoy eating now.

You'll also eat less. This will not be as big a deal as it seems like

to you now, because right now, you don't *feel* your stomach very much.

When you get full, you have to be nearly busting to feel it. You

probably don't eat because you are hungry, but because you're not full,

or something looks good.

But after the MGB, you will *feel* your stomach. You will *feel* hungry

and you will definitely feel full after you eat. And it won't bother

you to eat a bite or two of this and a bite or two of that and pick at

your food for a half-hour. It becomes a habit just like the shovelling

habits I had developed over the years.

There are some habits you really don't want to keep if you think about

it, that got you where you are today, but if you could break them on

your own, you already would have done it, right?

The MGB is the best thing I've done for myself and I think it is the

*only* way I could have relearned good eating habits, short of having my

own personal diet cop with a cattle prod, shouting " NO! BAD DOGGIE! "

everytime I reached for something to eat.

Best wishes in your journey,

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn,

I'm so glad you've been approved already. I can certainly understand

your fears of losing your enjoyment with food. I was so afraid I would not be

able to eat ANYTHING

I enjoyed before surgery. I was so wrong. I am 7 weeks post-op this wednesday. I

can and do eat anything I want. I have been in numerous social situations

involving food since surgery. I can be very pleased with my ability to blend in

in regards to my eating.

I have on occasion told waiters/waitresses that I recently had stomach

surgery and that I can eat very little. My husband and I usually split entrees

and the kitchen gladly does this for us before serving us our meal. We eat out

more than we eat at home and it has not been a problem. Enjoy your friends and

the conversation and have fun. Food won't have a hold on you anymore.

Best Wishes,

Genz

DawnHumphrey@... wrote:

> Hi Friends,

> I am considering the MGB w/Dr. Rutledge. My insurance HAS approved

> me, although I barely fit in the range at 252 pounds. Nevertheless,

> I have been 200+ pounds for over 20 years now and I know my odds of

> living into my 'golden years' is reduced with every extra pound.

>

> I just returned from a cruise where at every sumptious meal, I said

> to myself, " You will never be able to eat like this again. " Could

> you guys help me with this? I genuinely want to lose the weight, but

> I enjoy great meals with good friends! Eating is such a social part

> of our society - I am worried that I will regret not enjoying that

> part of life again! I am also concerned about meals with my

> husband. It seems life will change forever in so many different

> ways - good and bad!

>

> Can you all give me an idea of what to expect? I keep remembering

> the waiter coming over to one lady on the cruise who did not finish

> her meal and he asked her if she did not like the food. When that

> happened, I thought - after the MGB, I won't be able to eat what is

> on the plate - how do I respond without offending? Having the MBG is

> a private decision for me and I don't want to announce it.

>

> I will appreciate your help as I am ready to go forward, but I don't

> know what the future will be like.

>

> Thanks,

> Dawn

>

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[Guest guest]

<< When that

happened, I thought - after the MGB, I won't be able to eat what is

on the plate - how do I respond without offending? Having the MBG is

a private decision for me and I don't want to announce it. >>

Dawn, I used to be a bonafide member of the " clean plate club. " I've gotten

very used to leaving food on my plate (or sometimes taking the remainder

home, if that's possible.) I've gotten used to enjoying the company rather

than focusing on the food. It's been very positive as I've learned to be

comfortable leaving food (and/or liquids) when I'm full. I don't even mind

the " cost " of not being able to eat everything or drink everything served to

me. I look at it as a savings: compared to what our grocery bill and my

medical/prescription bills used to be before the MGB, leaving some

restaurant food/drink behind is no biggie. Sometimes, I share a meal with a

close friend or my husband...we just ask for an extra plate. I've also asked

to be served a child's portion and that's never been a problem. You'll get

so good at handling this new behaviour, Dawn, that you'll not even notice it

after a month or two. Your relationship with food and eating is going to

change for the better. You'll be more available to your friends and family

during meal times than you are before the MGB. You'll be more participatory

than ever before. You'll enjoy the company of your family and friends so

much more after the MGB. You'll be able to focus on them and not on the

food/drink. Hang on, woman! You're about to gain the wonderful ability to

relate fully to those around you during a meal or social event. Dee in MI

((MGB 16 Dec 99))