One step at a time: Nutrition Orientation

Jun 09, 2009

This was a two hour session with the nutritionist who works with bariatric patients. I was included in a small group (5 or 6) of people. Along with the binder of information I received at the initial appointment, I now have a packet of very specific information on eating as a person who has had gastric bypass surgery. I'm sure a lot of people would agree that the fact that you have to change your habits overnight isn't fabulous or even fathomable. The before and after pictures are so enticing and most of the time all you hear are great things--but to sit with the nutritionist and be given realistic, visual evidence of what life will be like the day after and for the rest of your life... I can understand being overwhelmed.

As for me, I was expecting the class to reiterate all that I have researched and conditioned myself for. Many things were still new, however. The order in which the supplements and vitamins are taken, and especially the specific doses were things I really had to hone in on. I now fully understand the reasons for such dramatic weight loss during the first year or so. As gastric bypass patients, we are allowed only so much food or drink (and never, ever food and drink)--for a lifetime. That the pouch eventually expands to be able to withstand about 4 cups is promising.

I have always had reasonable doubts about how well I will do with so much deprivation so quickly. The list of foods that are allowed are absolute (under my bariatric surgeon's care, anyway), and I'm afraid growing up with a 24/7 steamed white rice cooker is going to make for some really tough mental battles. I'm just looking at it this way; it all began with all those delicious starches and carbohydrates--I can end it any time, with or without the surgery. I chose the surgery because I wanted true and constant control over my eating habits. I want to actually maintain successful weight loss. I'm no longer ashamed to admit that there is something about who I am that prevents me from falling back down from great heights like physical fitness. I don't consider this surgery a sign of weakness. I consider not trying something different weakness.

Well, here's hoping.

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