WLS as prosthetic device

On a non-WLS discussion board I participate in that's focused around weight-loss, a participant observed, "In a way, it must be a real help to you on program that you feel so awful if you get off your plan very far."

Hmm.

Let's put it this way. I've been very aware and very grateful for the tools that this form of weight-loss surgery has given me. I chose a form that's the least restrictive in terms of what one can eat (i.e., no foods are off-limits, as they are with gastric bypass or the lap-band), but certain foods no longer agree with my digestive system very well: e.g., I'm somewhat lactose-intolerant; white flour products produce a lot of gas if eaten in large quantities, as do most refined carbs; chicken still does not sit well in my stomach; raw vegetables are iffy). I may be one of the luckier ones, in that I know there are other DS patients who have a greater number of issues with some foods after DS surgery (see Marybeth's recent post), but most of the DS patients I've encountered (and I've met many) are pretty happy with the quality of their food-related lives.

I'm happy to say that I rarely feel "awful" when I eat off plan but I definitely notice when I eat something that isn't good for me these days. What this means is that I now actually listen to my body and its reactions to foods in a way I was never able to do prior to WLS (too bad it took surgery to accomplish this, but at least it did). My connection to my body was radically broken early in life by a lot of sexual abuse, and despite a lot of recovery, my connection to food was still pretty messed up.

Ironically, this surgery has actually begun to repair that relationship. I think of it as analagous to a prosthetic limb: it's not natural and it requires training to work with it and make it work for one -- but if one does the work (physical and emotional), it can restore one to functionality and health.

Comments

[starr]

hey, Deluzy - this post hit home with me! like you, this far out, nothing is "off limits" but I know what I will "pay for" so I eat with more knowledge than before WLS. BUT ~ I eat with both more gratefulness and abandon than ever before! Yes, excess carbs make me wild about 4-6 hours later. But besides that, I eat protein like never before, I eat anything I crave in normal amounts, I enjoy cooking again, I partake of normal food groups (NOT low-fat, low-anything because I "should") and I enjoy the dawning of each day without worrying about food and clothes and how I will look. This is the most freedom I have ever had in my life. If something doesn't taste good to me, I throw it away!! Never did I throw food away in the past! But now it doesn't rule me and if it doesn't taste good - out it goes!!! Thank GOD for the DS!!!!!!!!

Congrats on your progress and your constant insight. Much love to you!!

[Deluzy]

Starrgirl!!!! How wonderful to hear from you ... my pal in that dark night in the woods! I'm so happy for you.

xo
me