If I had a dollar for every time someone has asked me what I can or cannot eat and then proceed to feel sorry for me when they have food, I’d be rich and would have every Seungsik photocard purchased for my collection.
I say that very lightheartedly. I appreciate every person I either work with, hang out with, or live with considering the fact that I can’t really eat the way normal people do, but for the most part, I’m just pretty tired of having to explain myself.
Hi, I’m Liz and please for the love of God just eat your food in front of me.
I hate to see people who have food with them feel guilty to eat it just because I can’t have what they are having. The truth of the matter is that even if I wanted what they were having, I couldn’t have it in the first place. A lot of this first month after surgery has been me practicing to fall into temptation but also coming to the terms that my diet can’t be what it used to be before I had surgery. The whole “having your stomach being smaller” helps you not crave food as much as you think, so if anyone really has food in front of me and feels guilty for eating it, I’m pretty sure I’m not even hungry to crave what you are having.
As I appreciate people being aware of me now that I had this surgery, I really do wish that further down the line, people will start treating me like a normal person. I don’t need special treatment because my stomach is different; like enjoy your food in front of me! Let’s face it, if we’re eating together, I’m most likely bussing down a salad that is hitting the spot!
This journey for those around me is just as new for me as it is for them. I’m still learning the things I can have or cannot have. I haven’t mastered the whole “alternative to my favorite foods” scenario yet, but with research and my visits to my nutritionist, I’ll be able to have more options of food, and even tell those around me what I actually can or cannot have.
But for the most part, I hope the people I’m around don’t ever feel guilty for eating something I can’t have. It’s totally okay to have that cheeseburger and fries in front of me! Want to get an ice cream cone? Go for it! It’s totally okay to eat your everyday food in front of me; I really do not mind and encourage those who live their life when they are with me!
Thank you for being conscious and aware of my new diet and lifestyle; it really means a lot that those around me are supportive and helpful and know that I take this new chapter of my life seriously both physically and mentally. But, I totally insist and would prefer you to eat whatever you want in front of me. I will be okay.
Letters From Liz. 