CloserToFine

I was sleeved 6/18, so I'm not even 2 weeks out yet, but I totally agree. This is NOT head hunger. This is a yawning cavernous void in my stomach, and it's uncomfortable. One thing I've noticed: it's worse immediately after "eating" something (I'm still on the all liquid diet because of hernia repair) that challenges me. In other words, it's worse if I'm pushing the diet progression (for example, if I've had a thicker Fluid, something closer to puree than thin liquid. If I stick with thin liquid, it's not as bad).

@@Lisa61282 -- you and me both! I was sleeved on 6/18 and am pretty darn sick of Protein shakes and cream soups! Hang in there; you're not alone.

Oops -- "Optimum," not "Optimimum." That's post-surgery brainfog for you!!

I agree with @ShrinkingPeach. Focus on the liquid first. I'm curious about your Protein shake; they're not all create equal. My Optimimum Nutrition powder mixes invisibly so that the consistency is literally the same as Water. I'd try to find a powder that is as easy to mix. Good luck and hang in there!

I'm 8 days post-op and have had "hunger pains" (or whatever they are) for several days now. They're very strong and I feel them all the time. It makes me feel like I'm starving (which, technically, is true!!), but sadly can't drink/"eat" enough to fill that void. I'm on Prevacid, BTW... not sure how that affects things. I'd love to hear from others who've experienced strong hunger pains within a week of surgery. Does it ever disappear? Or am I condemned to have super-strong hunger pains (with a tiny stomach) for the rest of my life?

I had a breast reduction in 2003, and my VSG was just last Thursday. Not sure what the results will be -- but I'm definitely curious!!

Hi y'all . . . it's Day 5 after surgery. Thursday 6/18 was the day! I've wanted to write, but the energy just isn't there yet. So don't be surprised if this posting is a tad incoherent. My surgeon is awesome and the nurses on my recovery floor were pros. Still, I couldn't wait to get home on Saturday! (Bonus: no more crazy roommate who whined all the time -- not sure what her malady was. Worse still, she couldn't stop talking to her visitors/callers about the food she wanted to eat. I sat there fuming while she was talking about eating Lo Mein. Still, my takeaway is that all the hassle will be worth it -- and saying that on a day when I'm pretty uncomfortable is saying a lot. I had a sleeve and hernia repair. Let's not mince words here: this is major frickin' surgery. My abdomen feels roughly like 35 mules kicked me there (owww!) That being said, I only used painkillers for one day. My major problem in-hospital was nausea, and they used 3-4 drugs to control that. Taking variants of oxycontin and codeine make me very ill. The main reason I'm posting now is to get some of that incredlble support that I've seen on these boards. My mule-kicked abdomen will get better, yes? How soon? (I'd love to hear from a combo sleeve/hernia case, but anyone is welcome.) I will eventually be able to drink more than 2 ounces at a time without having pain, yes? I surely hope so. My post-op appointment is this Friday. In the meantime, I'm laying low, pampering myself, resting a lot, and will check these boards. xoxo

Hang in there, @JamieLogical. That's a lot of emotional information to process at once. Be good to yourself in the next few days/weeks!!

@@DIESELD47, so sorry about yesterday's discomfort. I can tell you that, without a doubt, I felt my absolute worst on Day 2. I really did. I was in surgery one week ago at this very moment, and each day after Day 2 has gotten better. The swallowing gets easier around Day 3-4. You will get pretty confident about how much you can drink without wondering whether you'll get sick. The best, best thing is just around the corner: taking in Protein. Protein is the key. When I started on Protein shakes yesterday, my whole self (body, mind, soul) felt better. Hang in there!!! We're all here for you.

As I put it in another post, my abdomen has felt like it was kicked by several dozen mules and the incisions aren't the prettiest things I've ever seen. (Don't get me started on the drainage tube.) The worst part is the fatigue and fuzziness. You really DO need someone reliable nearby to care for you, and watch out while trying to take a shower. (Use a medical shower seat if possible; I bought one for $20 online.) On the other hand, I have already turned several corners in only one week's time. First major corner: realizing that I can sip and take in nourishment without getting sick. (At least yet!) I'm very careful about that. Second major corner: yesterday I was able to drink Protein shakes for the first time after 5 days of a clear liquid diet. It made ALL the difference! I began to feel like myself again. My thinking became clearer, my mood improved, and I could just feel myself getting stronger. This process is an incredible teacher about the effect of food and nutrients in your diet. Third and final corner during this past week: I've lost 10 pounds since surgery. I haven't been too focused on numbers, but it's nice anyway! So between my 10-day full liquid diet (starting on June 8) and today (June 25), I've lost 17 lbs total. Congrats again on your decision and your surgery date. Let me know anytime if you have any questions!

Congratulations on taking the big step!!! On your DOS I'll be one month out from mine. Time will really fly until then and you'll be thrilled! :-)

Thank you so much for your insight @@JamieLogical, @@no onions; @@Daisy Girl; @antigone40; @@zonetracy!!! I really am in a "brave new world," and I'm grateful for your observations, advice and support. It really sounds like the 2-week mark is key!! Can't wait!! I'll update after Friday's doctor appointment. Thanks again for everything.

@@cuchas, I totally agree with @@Miss Mac regarding the dehydration. I'm 5 days out myself, and I can really relate to the emptiness, hunger, and (sometimes) lightheadedness. This surgery is not for the faint of heart!!! But then again, we are not faint of heart on this website. We need to be proactive and ask for help when needed. The thing I keep telling myself is: This is a process, and there are necessary stages. I am reminded of a quote from the movie "Apollo 13" in which the astronauts on the mission are fighting with each other. Tom Hanks' character says: "All right, there's a thousand things that have to happen in order. We are on number eight. You're talking about number six hundred and ninety-two." Similar to the film, if we focus too much on how many steps we need to take, we'll get overwhelmed in the moment and be unable to act in our own best interests. Please follow Miss Mac's advice about calling the doctor. Above all, REST and HYDRATE! Sending gentle hugs.

Sending huge hugs and good wishes!! PS -- my surgery is tomorrow!

It's tomorrow morning (6/18) for me!! Thanks for your good wishes and good luck on getting approval!

@@SoulGlo, there is so much wisdom and compassion in the posts above. I am grateful to be amongst this community of powerful people. That includes you! xo

I'd love to hear the answer to this, too! I was wondering about pure organic coconut oil?

@@Lizzie1957, regarding the issue of who you want to tell -- hope this isn't off-topic. In the last 8 months I'd only told 3 people (dad, son, and best friend). Today I told two more because they had been relying on me to drive them to the doctor, and I had to explain that next week I won't be able to drive. It was weird to finally say it, and part of me felt like I didn't want to give up my private info. In this case, though, it was necessary. They are good friends and I think they'll be supportive going forward, and hopefully won't tell too many other people.

Hi LadyinBlue, It's day 8 of my 10 day pre-op liquid diet. Surgery is this Thursday morning! Yikes!! It's been a real trip. I'm on one of the strict diets -- liquids only!! -- and I've followed it to the letter. I've been consuming about 1000 calories and getting in a minimum of 83g Protein every day. Day 2 was the hardest. My body was saying "WTF??" and I had a wicked headache. Things got much better on Day 4 and by Day 5, I felt like I was dialed in. That's not to say it's easy. My son is eating pizza at this very moment (and chewing loudly! ) and, needless to say, I'm hungry. I've been more cranky than usual, and I've had a few moments of "What the hell am I doing?" but I keep my eyes on the prize. Last week I told my surgeon that my liver would be such a perfect specimen on operation day that he'd want to take a photo and submit it with his next academic article! Being on this board helps ... people are incredibly kind, helpful, and affirming. Also, keep reminding yourself of the reasons you're doing this. The negative tapes that are playing in your head probably aren't really yours: they're society's tapes telling us that we shouldn't need to do this. Screw 'em. We've got one life to live, baby! Best of luck to you!!!!

Evening, Ladies and Gents! It's 7:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and I'm literally ready to collapse into bed. It's Day 2 of my 10-Day Pre-Op Full liquid Diet, and I've had an awful headache and felt slightly nauseous all day. (All the whey protein/dairy is not helping my tummy feel its best.) In case you're wondering, I've been completely compliant with the diet. I've had 82g of Protein today, and 92g yesterday, so I'm not lacking that. In fact, my Optimum Nutrition protein powders are really saving me! I'm eating (drinking) about 1,000 calories each day, and I'm drinking a ton of Fluid, so I don't think that's the problem. Maybe it's just the extreme change in my diet that's to blame. My body is probably saying "WTF???" In any case, I've got 8 more days to go before surgery on 6-18-15. In your experience, does it get better?? (Here's hoping.) Thanks for your advice.

@@xxjosettexx, your frappe sounds awesome! Hope you're feeling better soon. It's day 5 for me, and I'm feeling better -- although tired. I'm mostly sticking close to home so I can rest.

@@CowgirlJane, you totally rocked that uncomfortable situation! But it is so bittersweet that you literally lost your other half - your dear sister. I'm very sorry. {Hugs}

@@LipstickLady, I am speechless. That guy is a royal PITA (pain in the...)!!! Your first answer to him ("He's at work") was priceless, even if it was unintentionally brilliant. What sticks out to me in this story is that woman standing near you who tried to come to the rescue, saying she'd "found" your lost weight. What a display of sisterhood! Instead of carrying around your perfectly understandable anger -- which is also an unwanted weight! -- I wonder if you could say something to him next time you see each other. Maybe something along the lines of "I know you were genuinely curious, but it's a private issue and I don't like to talk about it in public." Or, if you're feeling less generous, pick out his worst flaw and broadcast it publicly . xoxo

Wow, @@no onions, you are tough as nails to start a 10-day diet one week early!! So glad you kicked the caca feeling and are feeling better! Best of luck with your upcoming surgery.