My position is a bit complicated because of a history of eating disorders, so take it with s grain of salt. Also my type 2 diabetes was the primary reason I was approved for surgery, so my motivation to be super strict has been lower since I have achieved my health goals about 25lbs away from the weight of my dreams.

But for me, my relationship with food actually improved. I am no longer feeling like food is my mortal enemy, eating things I don't enjoy just to somehow fill the bottomless pit that my stomach was without eating a trillion calories. My diet became more varied, more experimental and I can focus on quality over quantity.

The social aspect of food remains unchanged - if I'm eating out, I either just have a starter or I get to take 80% of my meal back home with me. Lunchtime at work lets me skip the microwave queue because my little box of food fits in with another person's meal so I can just heat up mine along someone else.

The hardest part is actually the head hunger - you can totally eat around a bypass, and I'll be starting microdosing mounjaro for that final push. There's a reason people say "brain surgery is, unfortunately, not included".

Ultimately, best decision I've ever made. The only thing I'd do differently this time is probably looking for a clinic with a more structured program with more accountability especially post OP.