these are very common and real concerns. I think many of us had them. I had them a month after RNY and I found this group cause I was looking for a way to reserve this crazy change. But I promise you that by sticking to your medical teams plan, it will work and your life will be healthier. You can do this!!!

THANK YOU!! I really appreciate your kind words.

I had my RNY surgery on 2/12/15 and I thought some of the very same things you have, both before and after the surgery. Ultimately this is the best thing I have ever done for my health. I have lost 27 pounds so far, in 6 weeks and feel great. I have been on this support group for about 60 days and I think the people hear have great insights. One of the things someone said was something like the cravings are mostly in our heads. That hit home for me.

Thanks June2014. In my nutrition classes the instructor said the same thing; "your stomach does not crave anything, it is all in your head" makes sense. I have been told by multiple ppl that the cravings go away. I hope they do for me. I am a carbaholic and I have to give them up all together... :(

I had the same fears. I had a RNY 12/7/2012. It does work. Just stick to your plan.
I had a huge appetite . I feared I wouldn't handle having an egg sized pouch. But it all worked out fine.
I lost 130 pounds and got completely cure of diabetes! The RNY was a life saving surgery. My diabetic doctor recommended it. He told me that the way my diabetes was progressing if I didn't lose weight I only had a couple of years left. I am in better health now than I have been in years.
Your fears and concerns are real and common. While I have to say it is NOT the easy way out like some folks will say, it does work. Looking back most of my fears and concerns were unfounded. I had little to no pain. I never needed pain medication after leaving the hospital. I followed the plan to the letter and lost weight just like they said I would.
Hang in there and prepare for the most wonderful journey of a lifetime!

Welcome, Coolady!! I'm glad you found us!!

Honestly, I think being a bit scared is healthy - you are about to permanently change your body... and your life. GBS is a gift, but it does come at a cost. I used to drink Diet Coke all day. I haven't had one in over 5 years. I'll never drink one again. Pre-GBS, I also said goodbye to the Quarter Pounder with cheese and deep dish Chicago-style pizza. I mourned their loss. You know what? Although I can enjoy the way they smell, I don't miss them. I think of GBS as giving me secret super-powers over food. Food is now fuel, not comfort, entertainment, stress relief, etc.

And, I've learned nothing I can chew and swallow is worth moving through this world weighing over 300 lbs!!

Other good news is that GBS changes the way your body handles insulin. For me, it was like a "re-boot" to a metabolism I'd screwed up from a lifetime of dieting.

Hun, you aren't alone!! You are making a brave decision to get healthy. We're here for you!! ((hugs))

JJ

Welcome to you. All sounds normal to me. It's a very big decision, but 4 years after my sleeve, and 125 lbs. lighter, I can tell you I'm glad I made it!

Welcome Doollady25. Like everyone else has said, your fears are real and normal. It's hard to wrap your head around the process and what the end result will be. For me, it's been a year and a total loss of nearly 90 lbs. I'm 5'1" and stable at 130-132. I had an original goal of 125 but I'm so happy where I'm at. I can indulge in some carbs as long as I make sure their "good" carbs. I stay away from cake, ice cream, cookies and things like that. I've found things like the Adkins treats fulfill my cravings which I know are all in my head, but if I have the M&M's or Peanut Butter cups from Adkins that have 1 or 2 grams of sugar, I'm good. It cures the craving and I stay on plan. You'll find the things that work for you, but don't FOCUS on what you can't have. Focus on the awesome life you'll get to live. Welcome to the group and congratulations on choosing to take control. :)

Welcome !

Ditto what everyone else has said. Additionally I am one who stays away from carbs. Additionally note that immediately after surgery, it was an effort to eat at all so I had no cravings,and then what happens is that after you don't eat them for a while, you no longer crave them. I am 10 months out and have lost 128 pounds in total over the past year. I am currently afraid to start eating any carbs, for fear of slipping back to old habits. So far the example of my success is motivating me to not want to start with carbs. You will become a loser just like us !!

Hello Coollady25,
Welcome! This is a great place to come for support and questions. Hopefully you will use the fear and worry to educate yourself on every aspect of this journey. Read books, Google, and ask us lots of questions. The more educated you are about the process, the less scared you will be. Being educated will help you to be more prepared for what is to come. I joined DS five years ago before my RNY because I was looking for positive support. You will find that here. If you are interested please check out the post called "What Newbies Need to Know" at http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Gastric_Bypass_Surgery/forum/13157871-newbies-need-know
You can also "search" discussions for topics.
Best wishes!

Thanks everyone for the positive comments. I really appreciate it. I know in my heart I am doing the right thing. I think that when you depend on food for so many things other than fuel it makes the whole process real scary.

Hello,
Not to contradict your doctor but I have PCOS and had the gastric bypass (2 yrs out now). My medical team never told me to avoid any food group entirely (Aside from the super high sugary foods). I enjoy carbs as part of a healthy balanced diet, a little bit of mashed potato, a scoop of rice etc and I'm still losing weight. It is a big decision and it will change your life forever but if you stick to it, it will be worth it. We're all here and have been where you are and we made it through. You can too!

Good luck with your surgery :)

I had Gastric Bypass surgery back in 2011. At present I am having a really hard time. I find myself eating more. I had lost a total of 140 pounds but have gained almost 20 back. Everyday I wake up and say today is going to be better and I start off well but by the end of the day I have eaten something I should not have. I don't want to go backward and I am trying so hard to keep the weight off. I actually need to lose another 52 pounds. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to plan my meals for the day. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers and I am struggling.

Dancole09:
Do you have a support team at your doctors office? I would see if they could guide you with the meal planning. I know my doctors office offers that. Check it out, it may help you. Good luck you have done so well already.

Danco,

Are you getting at least 70 grams of protein a day? Eating dense protein? Not drinking with meals (or 30 min before/after)? Eating mindfully (sitting and just focusing on eating... no computer, watching TV, etc)?

I highly recommend Geneen Roth's book Breaking Free from Emotional Eating! It isn't geared towards those of us who had GBS, but it helped me immensely!

Rather than focusing your energy on NOT eating certain things, try focusing your energy on what you DO need to eat. Focus on nourishing your body, not depriving yourself.

It's worth it! I promise.

JJ