Images of Beyonce and Destiny's Child waving their fingers in the air came to mind as my nutritionist ran down the list of No's. In case you need an update, I am strongly considering, probably about 83% set on, having gastric bypass surgery this summer. With that comes a whole lifestyle change that is both exciting and frightening at the same time. I have days where I am all in followed closely by bursts of anxiety and thoughts of calling the whole thing off. More often than not, the positives far outweigh the negatives and so I forge forward in this process. One thing I can appreciate is that my doctor doesn't just rush folk into surgery and there are a series of medical and psychological clearances as well as personal goals/changes that must be met prior to the procedure.
About the No's : /
My nutritionist is kinda hardcore. On my first visit she basically laid down the law like we're not going to bullshit or skate around the issues and I'm going to let you know day 1 what you will no longer be able to eat once this surgery is performed. This way you know what you're getting into and you can either get on board or back out now before we waste time. I can appreciate this approach because it forced me to examine my life and decide if this was right for me. So here's the list. Just imagine and see if this is something that you could do.
No drinking during a meal, 15 minutes before or 15 minutes after a meal.
I know it's kind of random, but basically your stomach size is going to be reduced significantly and you have to allow space to get food/nutrients into your system. If you drink immediately before, during, or after a meal there will be no space in your belly.
No Straws
Similar reason as the first. Straws allow air to get in the belly which can be extremely uncomfortable.
No Concentrated Sugar
Limits on the amount of sugar you can digest. And since there is sugar in just about everything this may be the most extreme change. That's no cake, no candy, no juice, basically nothing sweet. The part of your stomach that breaks down sugar will be diminished and you will be unable to break the sugars down. Result....sick, sick, sick. She assured me that everyone tries to sneak at least once and just once. The result is something called dumping. This can occur very quickly and basically your body will get the excess sugar out whatever way it can. That can mean being pushed out of every opening. Have you ever had a really bad stomach bug and had to sit on the toilet and hold a bucket at the same time? Yea...this is similar.
No Soda
Small belly + carbonated beverages = bad idea
No Caffeine
No Alcohol
Small belly + alcoholic beverages = drunk,drunk,drunk
So the part of your stomach that breaks down alcohol will be completely bypassed meaning any alcohol consumed is going to go straight into your system. Over time you may be able to tolerate a few sips or 1 drink but that could be years down the line.
Whew, that was as exhausting typing as it is thinking about on a daily basis.
Hummmmmm....IDK Atann....while I want you to be healthy and happy, i'm not sure gastric is the way. Is your relationship with food probelmatic? Are you unwilling to excercise....either way both of those things will have to change and get better regardles of the surgery. My advice, if you have not done so already, is to try eating and excercing the way you are supposed to as prescribed by your doctor and see what results you can get. Try the "no, no, no's" first and see how that feels and what results you get.....execercise more....Me and you love a good couch potato sit, but get out and bike ride, run, walk, dance, zumba, jazzercise, something....make it a habit and make it fun....see if you can get results from that before going under...Now if you have tried all this already and it doesn't work...then ignore everything i just said....but if you haven't....do....cause that will become your life after surgery.....You know I love you and we share similar struggles...:)
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