Independence Day for us all!

**ILgal** · 07-03-2011 08:43 PM

As we celebrate our Independence Day tomorrow I think..........Will I truly be independent of food after this surgery? Will food no longer be downfall of my health and happiness? Will I truly be able to look at food differently? I actually read when post-sleevers talk about looking at food and not feeling that "love and longing" for food any longer. I hope and pray this is what happens for me!

**TankMan** · 07-03-2011 09:20 PM

I am positive that the surgery has broken the link between my stomach and my brain.

The "love and longing" is just not there. Someone tried to tempt me with peach cobbler and ice cream yesterday, I was completely not interested.... Later I thought, wow things have changed. Two months ago, I would have followed right along and probably helped out with my own tub of ice cream, just to make sure that I had enough!

I will definitely celebrate my freedom from a lifelong obsession with food. My celebration will include swimming laps and working in the yard...both good, healthy activities for me.

I am certain that you to will enjoy the same "liberation" and will be telling us all about your victories.

Tim

**ILgal** · 07-03-2011 09:27 PM

Tim,
Thanks so much for letting me know! I worry much about that and I too would follow the peach cobbler up with a a tub of ice cream too! Glad to hear about your healthy life and your "independence" from food!

**newjoanie** · 07-03-2011 09:28 PM

Wow that is great and a real bummer cause I make the best peach cobbler ever!

**Amymbd** · 07-03-2011 10:31 PM

It hit me the other day when I voluntarily got out of the line at Taco Bell. I thought...why would I spend this money on junk to nourish my body??? That's when I knew the beast was unleashed! I'm not saying that I haven't had some challenges because I have. But overall, the obsessing is getting better. Good luck and may you truly become independent of this anchor we have all worn around our necks!

**mommabear9603** · 07-03-2011 10:41 PM

I am so happy to read this. But after almost a year post sleeve, I still love food. Have always, and will always. The sleeve is awesome, and I am so happy that I got it. But just because some people have an aversion to food, don't think that if you don't that you are a failure. I would have eaten the peach cobbler. Albeit a smaller piece, but I still love food. And I doubt that's going to change. And I'm ok with that. Because I've lost a lot of weight. My blood sugar and blood pressure are under control, and I am healthier than I've been in years. So, I'm good.

**Dana** · 07-03-2011 11:53 PM

My sleeve is fairly new but it has crossed my mind several times that even though sometimes I think I want something in particular that iif I get it it doesn't have the same satisfaction or I can say no and go my way with no looking back. Its not totally a breeze but its much better. It IS independence. I can eat if I choose to, or not! My choice not an uncontrollable urge. I didn't realize there was a difference before and more than ever I understand the illness, disorder or disease behind it. I feel better bc now I realize I'm NOT just weak, I was truly sick.

**grammysyd** · 07-04-2011 02:42 PM

The sleeve HELPS break the food obsession chain, but doesn't do it completely. You have to MAKE UP YOUR MIND that you are going to eat to live, not live to eat. Think about that. Mind over matter. I am almost a mo. Post op. I have to say that I have done very well considering my history. I do want bread, pasta, noodles, and I can't have that at all. We aren't allowed to have anything that will swell after eating it because it will stretch your pouch. I miss the bread/pasta alot! I also haven't had beef in 5 wks now, which is a record for me. I would also love to have a cheeseburger, the healty kind. Can't have that for another month. I make turkey burger on the grill and it's pretty yummy - no bread. Of course, I can't eat the whole turkey burger. My favorite snack is melon - cantalope, honey dew, watermelon. I also love italian fat free, sugar free water ice. Hope these ideas help all you sleevers out there!

**mommabear9603** · 07-04-2011 06:13 PM

I was never given the rule about not having bread/pasta/etc. So just keep in mind that just because your doctor told you something, another person's doctor ,ay not have the same regulations. I eat bread and pasta and have had not have any real issues. I'm not a big fan of bread anymore, because it does swell. But I've never had that issue with pasta. And the reason that my doctor said that I should have the sleeve instead of the lap band is because the sleeve would leave me with food options that the band would not.

**Sara** · 07-04-2011 09:40 PM

Great post ILgal! I was thinking today about planning a going away party before I start my pre op diet to say goodbye to the old Sara!! Silly I know, but how fun would it be! The extra encouragement from friends and family to say GOODBYE!! I have my consultation appointment the 14th and hope to get a better idea of when my surgery will be and to start planning my goodbye party! Best of luck to all!!!