Hello! I have been aware of the option of gastric bypass for well over a decade, but never wanted it. Frankly, I'm still terrified. I mean, it's ABDOMINAL TETRIS OMG. But I turned 50, this year has been a dumpster fire, I'm totally besotted with my new husband, and death is now less of an abstraction due to a laundry list of medical maladies. So! IMMA DO THIS.

I'm currently around 275. Bad knees, hypertension, lymphedema, occasional prediabetes, osteoarthritis... I just received The Binder of Information, and I speak to a nutritionist on Monday. It is assumed to take 3 months until my RnY. I have reflux, so I'm not a sleeve candidate. I'm coming to terms with that, and yep, I'm freaked out. I can deal with the idea that protein is my new bestie. I can deal with keeping the liquid away from the food-eating at least 30 minutes. These are concepts I can handle. But NO FRUIT? Awww! That makes me sad! My beloved black tea?

I'm currently working on adjusting my diet. Getting rid of caffeine is going to suck. Carbonation is going to be sad, but I can deal. Fruit is going to be very, very difficult, because I eat bananas and pineapples like they're life-giving magical unicorns.

What was the most difficult adjustment for you? Do you have any insight for someone who's trying to figure out how to navigate the initial shock of this paradigm shift? I have a supportive partner, but my relationship with food has always been emotional, and this is going to be one of the biggest things I've ever undertaken. I don't know why I'm reacting like this, actually! I think that hearing how others coped through their initial shock will help me get a grip. Thank you!