Anyone else feel like it won't work for them?

[Terps]

Hi everyone, so I don't know if this is a common concern or just me. But I worry a bit that the sleeve won't work for me. Not that there will be problems with the sleeve itself, rather I won't be able to do the right things so I won't lose weight. I know this isn't a miracle cure and I'm more than willing to do the work required (I'm very good at following instructions.) I've just battled food and weight for so long I'm afraid I may fail at this too.

[toutdesuite]

One of my coworkers who had gastric bypass last year said, it's a commitment. That said, I know what my weakness is -- SUGAR! Some people can have it on occasion, but I'm not one of those people who can. When I have sugar, I'm like an alcoholic who takes one drink after a period of abstinence -- I'm in full blown addiction again! So for me, commitment = no sugar for the rest of my life. I do still have a sweet tooth, and I enjoy my FroYo shakes (made with Greek yogurt, frozen strawberries, ice, milk, vanilla, and Splenda) and sugar-free pudding. I don't feel deprived -- I feel in control and for that, I thank God!

[bmiller140]

Sure we do. I have been great at following diet plans for a while but never can stick with the plan. I was sleeved last Thursday and was so excited. Then it really hit me - I will never eat a whole Sandwich again. What a silly thing to care about. The forever aspect has really hit home. But being healthy comes at a price and I just made my first installment payment. We will all succeed and fail throughout this journey. I've decided to embrace the journey and try not to focus on how fast or slow the weight comes off.

Good luck - Bonnie

[LivingTheSleevedLife]

One of my coworkers who had gastric bypass last year said, it's a commitment. That said, I know what my weakness is -- SUGAR! Some people can have it on occasion, but I'm not one of those people who can. When I have sugar, I'm like an alcoholic who takes one drink after a period of abstinence -- I'm in full blown addiction again! So for me, commitment = no sugar for the rest of my life. I do still have a sweet tooth, and I enjoy my FroYo shakes (made with Greek yogurt, frozen strawberries, ice, milk, vanilla, and Splenda) and sugar-free pudding. I don't feel deprived -- I feel in control and for that, I thank God!

Susie - my thoughts exactly. I too am addicted to Sugar - its like a drug. I have the same fears that I won't be able to control myself but I kept telling myself to look at the big picture. I will always want sugar, but I'm hoping that seeing big results and feeling good for the first time in my life will overpower the urge to stuff my face.

Good luck, I know you can do it!!

[toutdesuite]

Angela, best wishes on your upcoming surgery! Sugar was my drug of choice. Documentaries, studies, and books all document the fact that sugar can light up the brain just like cocaine does.

[woodi618]

If you read the head lines about sugar you fall for the hype, further looking at the studies (if you can call them studies) shows that sugar addiction is nothing like cocaine. I enjoy ac1/2 sandwich and a cup of soup. I had a Subway 6" chicken salad (hard to find a Subway that have them) on flat bread. Enjoyed 1/2 for lunch and the other 1/2 for dinner. I enjoyed it as much as a 12" sub that I would have eaten (with double meat and cheese) before my sleeve. I still put a teaspoon of sugar (evil sugar) in my applesauce I mix with cottage cheese and on my strawberries or bananas I slice in my cereal. I don't really think that the18 calories in the sugar is going to make me gain back the 105 pounds I lost. Don't sweat the small stuff. Eat y8ur protein 1st, veggies 2nd, and whatever you want 3rd, the 8 or 9 ounce capacity of America your sleeve will not let you gain weight. People gain it back by grazing and eating the food in the wrong order.

[Sarasjourney]

I don't have any food addictions like sugar or fatty foods (I used to be addicted to bread and rice but this pre-op diet has broken me of it and now I barely stand the stuff) but I do worry that having PCOS and being a finicky eater will hurt my chances with this surgery. I worry I'll stall all the time like I do now or that my loss won't be as much because I'm not eating this or that.

[Skibabe]

I think pretty much all of us had those thoughts pre-op, after all, we wouldn't be going for surgery if we'd succeeded at diets :-) my surgeon is fascinated by the changes in the brain that take place after surgery, and I can see why now. I used to drink wine regularly, and a lot (not an alcoholic, but had a very high tolerance). I loved a big bowl of pasta for a meal, or bread, wine and French cheese. Funny thing is, since surgery, I haven't craved any one of these, or chocolate, which I also loved. Not at all. My husband has eaten take away curries next to me twice (and apologised!) and had some beers, but I've barely registered. I've had no cravings whatsoever for any carbs, including wine. Unlike on a diet, I don't feel "denied" these foods. I don't tell myself not to walk down certain isles in he supermarket because of the foods I "can't" have...I simply don't even think about them. No inner turmoil or mental battles going on, it's actually easy to stick to, I'm finding.

So don't stress. You don't know how you'll feel after the surgery and when you see the weight coming off, it's a great motivator! I'm currently on a surgeon-prescribed diet til 6 weeks post op which can get pretty monotonous, so I'm learning how to mix up my foods so that I'm trying new types of meat or fish, different spices, etc, but I'm finding it easy to stick to. The one thing I've noticed that makes the biggest difference, is exercise. I'm a true couch potato, but I've been walking on my treadmill since 1 1/2 weeks post op and the lbs are falling off. If I don't exercise, it comes off, but incredibly slowly, which in itself motivates me. I don't regret my decision for one second, my half-way point is already in sight and I'm working hard towards it :-)

[cowgirljane]

Very common fear, one I certainly had. In truth, not everyone is a stellar success with WLS. So, my thought is to really educate yourself on what makes people successful and go into it with that "can do it" attitude. There are lots of tips and tricks people share, but I think that doing your best to lose well during the "honeymoon" period combined with the acceptance that this is a lifetime deal - goal is just a number and not really the finish line - is the right attitude to have. Eat small portions, always. Follow the rules, the very best you can. Change your lifestyle and you will reap the rewards, but you are right that success is not 100% guaranteed but is so much more likely than it was pre surgery.

[MYLUV2ME62]

Yes, I also have felt that way that the sleeve want work but, I quickly reinforce my mind with that thought to move away. If we had succeeded with our way NONE of us would be on this journey...I have not been sleeved but YES I believe many have experienced that same thought process...

[Empress]

Hi Terps,

I feel the same way but then I figure that it has to work if I can only eat such a small portion and my intention is to make my food count. I would like to give myself a healthy restart. I want to rid myself of cravings for bad foods and I think that this is my golden ticket. If this doesn't work then I don't know what will. When is your surgery? I plan to schedule mine for the 20th of June with Dr. Almanza in Mexico.

[ximmia]

What you're experiencing is common - I would be more concerned if you didn't experience any of that. As others have said, the sleeve is a tool, but you have to use it. There are four keys to our new life - protein, water, exercise, attitude. You have to commit every day, forgive yourself when you do something you wish you hadn't and start again the next day. Get into your good habits and you'll succeed. I've also found that as I've lost weight and sizes it's been easier and easier to make that commitment each day.

Good luck to you!

[apythia]

There are four keys to our new life - protein, water, exercise, attitude. You have to commit every day, forgive yourself when you do something you wish you hadn't and start again the next day.

Wise words and excellent advice! I think I want to make a sign of those important 4 keys to life!

[pattersonviv]

This must be an old post because Turps, you are rocking it out. In fact all those that posted have had tickers moving in the right direction ��

[toutdesuite]

Susie - my thoughts exactly. I too am addicted to Sugar - its like a drug. I have the same fears that I won't be able to control myself but I kept telling myself to look at the big picture. I will always want sugar, but I'm hoping that seeing big results and feeling good for the first time in my life will overpower the urge to stuff my face.

Good luck, I know you can do it!!

Ya know, I no longer crave it. In fact the further out I am from my surgery, the more I dislike processed foods. Am I perfect? No. My salad dressing has a little sugar in it but it's not one of the first ingredients. Do I still have a sweet tooth? Yes. But now fruit satisfies. I detoxed from sugar during my two-week pre-op diet and I'm so thankful to no longer be controlled by sugar!