Pre-surgery weirdness with food...

[Grace]

So it was about 2 weeks ago I went to an offical weigh in and lost the 20 lbs I had to lose before I could get an appt with the surgeon and set up a surg date. (We are required to lose 10% of our excess weight, but then we don't have to do the 2 wk liquid diet)
I was jumping up and down, hugged the bariatric coordinator... and then I left feeling all high, called my kids, mom, etc... and got this sudden feeling of nerves, like an "oh, Goddess, this is REAL" kind of thing.

I went out the next 4 days and ate pretty much everything I'd been denying myself (except for a chocolate bar, I managed to stop myself there). I had greasy, heavy stuff like I used to.
I noted two things immediately. They tasted really, really good, and I felt really really bad afterward physically after eating nearly fat free for 7 weeks to lose the 20 lbs.

I only gained back 2 lbs and now I'm down 25 total but I was wondering what the heck happened so I asked my terrific bariatric psych doc at our behavior modification class last night.

He said that it is normal, and it happens because when we meet a goal we have some trigger that says, Whew, that's over, let's celebrate! And for foodies, celebrating means food.
Also, it's normal to think we may never eat certain foods again and because they may have been comfort foods for us we are like kids giving up security blankets. Well, it's hard to snuggle up with a quarter pounder with cheese but I get the connection! I was concerned it meant I would not be able to be ok with my after surgery diet but he assured me it was a normal progression and they time the surgery a month after the weight loss goal so people can go through this emotional journey and be ready. Smart docs, I have. (hey when did Yoda sneak in here?)

Thought I'd pass along this experience for anyone else pre-surgery who goes through the same thing, because that's why we're here
Have a great day, folks!

[yippyskippy]

Wow, that is interesting, Nina! Thank you for sharing!

[Dee Leshuz]

Makes sense to me, I've done that many times after meting my goal weight after dieting, as I got older this became harder and harder and turned into a binge/deprivation cycle. Getting off flour and sugar and eating carefully portioned meals consisting of high protein, complex carbohydrates (vegetables) and small amounts of grain like brown rice cures me of that, sort of like a junkie getting off dope.

[jackiebthe1]

It's weird after this surgery how my cravings have diminished a great deal, but not totally. I don't crave through my stomach anymore only my brain. I remember the things I loved, so I will crave them only when I think of them. Some of the things I loved do not taste good anymore. I used to drink wine with dinner every night, and not anymore, just doesn't taste good. I hardly drink at all, which is a good thing, of course. Especially during weight loss phase.

[connie]

That is great information---Thanks Nina.

[celticmom218]

Oh I did the same thing. Splurge splurge before my pre surgery diet. My tastes have changed now after the surgery. Things I loved before I no longer love.

[Dee Leshuz]

I hope the things you no longer love, cm, are of the unhealthy not sleeve recommended things! It would suck to go through the surgery only to find you hated vegetables and dreamed of cake...

[newjoanie]

I am getting ready for house guests and decided to make a chocolate cake. It is baking in the oven...I cleaned the beaters and mixing bowl and was not even tempted to lick the batter - this is so weird for me. My Sleeve has taken away my terrible binges .