A common question new gastric bypass patients ask is “How do you deal with food loss?”

In the first few weeks after surgery, when patients can only eat Jell-O or protein shakes or broths, patients frequently report food affliction. After all, food is a dear friend of the morbidly obese. Now it’s gone and the results of emotional grief. The sense of loss is magnified during the postoperative healing phase because patients don’t feel well enough to do anything. That leaves time to focus on the foods we love but are no longer allowed.

How can a patient distract his thoughts from food? Here are some suggestions to help “newbies” get through this stage!

Read fashion magazines and daydream about your new body with the latest fashions of the season.

Practice accepting compliments politely so you’ll be ready when the applause starts rolling in.

Read a book on nutrition to be well informed and ready to take care of your new body.

Visit the gyms in your area, meet the trainers, and consider how you’re going to work out the moment you’re released for activity.

Read LivingAfterWLS.com for information and inspiration. (Okay, I had to plug in my own site – SMILING!)

Connect with other WLS people and share your common experience.

Start a journal of your weight loss experience. Be sure to include stats like weight, BMI, and measurements.

Begin your walking program – Most patients are instructed to begin walking the day after surgery.

Have fun! This gentle phase of eating is the beginning of his new life.

Kaye Bailey © 2005 – All Rights Reserved