Food is Fuel

A phrase that I saw that stuck with me is the title of this post: 'Food is fuel.'

What does that mean? To me, it means that there is no emotional connection to food. You're hungry so you eat and that's it. You eat protein, produce, and carbs like rice. You eat 400 calories and move on.

But what about the experience? What about when you've had an afternoon on the beach and you stroll up to a local ice cream stand, order a scoop of whatever you want, and dive into the cold sweet treat? Or when at the last minute a friend texts you for dinner plans for a margarita and queso after a long day at work? Or better yet, you're at your grandparents house and they offer you 20 different things to spoil you... Shouldn't that all count for something?

If I were to get bariatric surgery, eventually when I heal, I'll be able to enjoy what I like (if it doesn't make me sick), just in much smaller portions. It's the whole experience I'm thinking about, not the food itself; watching others eat is not fun, and thinking about what to order at restaurants seems exhausting when you consider that leftovers get gross. Thanksgiving meal is a big one- I want to be able to have more than 5 bites. In winter in New England, we often go out to eat or get takeout while socializing because it's too cold to do anything else if we don't ski/snowboard. I also have a bit of Fomo- Fear Of Missing Out... I don't want people to stop inviting me places because of the surgery, whether it's because they don't want me to be tempted of bad choices or it's too soon after surgery, etc,

Training yourself to find enjoyment in other things. I love watching tv and eating. why isn't just TV ok?

This concept is one of the reasons I hesitate on getting bariatric surgery. I have a nurse appointment on 5/29 and I'll go from there!