I wouldn’t want to turn back the clock 12 months, as this time last year, I did feel pretty rough after my Gastric Bypass surgery! I weighed 14 stone 9lbs and my size 16 clothes were far too tight.
How things have changed over the last year! Today, I weighed in at 9 stone 7 lbs – my BMI is now 21.1. I am sat typing this blog wearing a size 10 dress. I never imagined that I would lose over 5 stone, since my revisional surgery from a Gastric Band. I didn’t have the surgery to lose more weight (although I really hoped to lose 2 stone), I had my gastric band removed to improve my quality of life and have a more varied diet.
So what can I eat now, that I couldn’t before?
Bread- Not necessarily a good thing, but it is so handy to be able to grab a sandwich or a pitta bread when I am very busy. I do prefer wholemeal and find white bread a bit “claggy”
Fruit- Satsumas, strawberries, melon, small bananas…. I hadn’t eaten hardly any fruit during the 9 years I had my gastric band
Lamb, Pork and Beef – Sunday roasts are much better these days
Pasta – only a small amount, but it is no longer uncomfortable to eat
Things I can’t eat now include:
Desserts – no more meringues or cheesecake and ice cream is a no-no!
Chocolate – I had 3 Cadburys Heroes recently and I won’t be doing that again (dumping syndrome)
Full fat cheese. I used to have a cheese drawer in my fridge. Now a small block of HALF FAT cheddar lasts weeks and weeks
Fatty and fried food. I have to be careful
Double cream. I had my first dumping session after a bowl of seafood chowder – so be careful with soup that may contain cream!
I find my Gastric Bypass so much easier to manage. It stops me from eating all the “bad foods” and I am now able to enjoy more of a healthy diet. Gone are the cheesy nachos, bags of crisps and chocolate. (All the things that Gastric Band patients tend to live on). And although I still have to chew my food (particularly meat), I don’t have to concentrate so hard during a meal. Plus, my food is hot! I have always eaten out on a regular basis, but now, I am able to have a greater choice when looking at the menu.
It’s not all hearts and flowers though. I still struggle with the “eating little and often rule” I have never been a grazer, and as my hunger hormone Ghrelin has been altered, I do forget to have my snacks. I also struggle with not drinking and eating at the same time. However, I am gradually making this adjustment.
I feel great though. It almost feels effortless. My expectations have been far exceeded. And although I can sense the start of the“slippery slope” as my sweet tooth returns, I am going to do my damnest to curb this by making the right choices over the next 12 months. I don’t want to have to replace my wardrobe again!
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Disclaimer: Please note that weight loss surgery results and benefits are unique to each individual and in such The Bariatric Group cannot guarantee specific weight loss goals as results for each surgery can vary. If you have any questions or would like to know more about weight loss surgery please contact our expert team.
