A common question asked by new gastric bypass patients is “How do I deal with food loss?”
In the first few weeks after surgery, when patients can only eat gelatin or protein shakes or broth, patients frequently report food distress. After all, food is a dear friend to the morbidly obese. Now it’s gone and emotional grief results. The sense of loss is magnified during the postoperative healing phase because patients don’t 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 with the latest fashions of the season.
Practice accepting compliments with kindness so you’ll be ready when the applause starts rolling in.
Read a book on nutrition to be well informed and ready to take care of your new body.
Visit gyms in your area, meet the trainers, and consider how you’re going to work out by the time you’re released for activity.
Read LivingAfterWLS.com for information and inspiration. (Okay, I had to hook up my own site – SMILING!)
Connect with other WLS people 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 soft phase of eating is the beginning of his new life.
Kaye Bailey © 2005 – All Rights Reserved
