BeeGirl

I'm 15 days post op and my surgeon has me on liquids for the first 4 weeks, then puréed foods weeks 5-6. I was on liquid only for just 2 days prior to surgery, but 17 days on liquids has me feeling frustrated and deprived. I believe I'm going through a natural and necessary separation, but when will I stop fantasizing about the foods I used to eat??? God, I wish I could eat pizza or enjoy chips and salsa... I know I did this for my health and to change my life and I want to crave healthy options, not all the crap that got me where I am but that just isn't the case. It's almost scary to think what I'd do if I actually could eat these things right now. I'm frustrated with my limited options right now and it's making me, well, almost angry, bitter, frustrated. Is this normal? Am I that broken, or is this part of the journey for many? Is there a point I'll reach soon where I won't feel this way anymore? Where something "clicks" in me and suddenly I'm satisfied? Or do I need to seek additional help? There is NO WAY I could've stayed away from my favorite foods this long without the risk of serious danger to myself, so if there's one short term benefit of the surgery, it would be to put me in this place where I had to abstain. I would've rationalized bad behavior in the first 24 hours! Holy cow! Listen to me rant after just 2 weeks! What will happen to me when I can eat again? I didn't think I had that much of a problem with food... Boy, was I in denial. Wow. Please send your thoughts on this thing I'm going through. I feel a little nuts!

Thank you everyone! I feel a little better today - maybe just had to get that out there! This is an interesting journey and I'm learning a lot about myself. Now, what to do with that knowledge? - The right thing. Be conscious. Be thoughtful. Be intentional. Many of your stories are a lot like mine. Many of your stories inspire. Keep on keeping on!

I'm on day 6 and still on liquids only (3 more weeks to go) and Premier Protein is the best, but after even this short time I'm already so sick of them. I went through Bariatricadvantage.com and purchased Nectar brand protein powder and love it!!! I got peach (fuzzy navel), Caribbean Cooler (pineapple, coconut & banana) and flavorless - to add to soups and broths. I've been so frustrated that broth has only appx 2 grams of protein so adding the flavorless protein is a life saver!!! You've got to get your protein and nutrients in!!! Good luck!

I'm four days post op and love the idea of new options. I've been drinking Premier Protein shakes but am quickly growing tired of my limited options. I see food and feed my family and it all looks sooooo good. If only I could have just a taste... I relish the day I can blend up a meal to taste the same flavors! ...I listen to myself and wonder if this isn't part of my "healing" journey? Seems my obsession with food is a little strong? Either way, I love the idea of introducing some healthy blended options and love the ideas above!

I had my surgery Friday, 9/4, and was a model patient in the hospital - walked my laps, sipped water and ice chips, was in great spirits overall. Discharged yesterday afternoon, I headed home and experienced intermittent highs and lows since. Expecting all food would turn me off at the thought - I was surprised this was not the case. My family has been eating and it all looks and smells so delicious! I have a feeling I may be starting to mourn food as I used to have it at my every whim and I'm trying to stay aware of this so I can deal with it in a healthy way. Countless times I've been inclined to taste a bite of pasta, take a nibble of cheese, tear a piece of tortilla... No, no, no!!! My stomach constantly sounds like it's growling (hungry?), but it very well could be gas - I really don't know. In either case, super small sips of any fluid causes contractions within moments as I feel it passing through my stomach. I am looking forward to relief from this process. Since today was my first full day at home, I've been sipping water non-stop (in between naps that is) and can't seem to get my allotted fluid intake - I bought water with electrolytes and added some Mios Fit with extra B vitamins and electrolytes to the water as well. I had one small protein shake today, then at dinner the family got Chinese and I enjoyed a cup of strained egg drop soup. Yay! Now that was so comforting! My incisions look good and I'm anxious to heal up. Moments of higher energy (such as right now) help me feel optimistic about my healing process. Also, I'm still reminding myself that I've had this life-changing surgery and I'm starting to think about all the ways my life will be different. Im excited and hopeful that tomorrow will bring less pain and a little more energy. Thank you all for your posts that have inspired and educated me over the past several weeks! I'm on the other side!!!

I have that same rumbling! I can't tell if it's gas or hunger rumblings - or what?!

I'm on my 3rd day post-op and feeling much better today. I took only 1 week off work as well and seeing how I'm improving each day and today already starting to wonder what the heck to do with myself! - I think one week will be fine for me. Like others have said above, I'll rest when I need to and listen to my body as I go. Incisions look great, resting and taking it easy. Lots of gas today so it seems everything is moving along (no pun intended). No nausea here - thank goodness! Just very uncomfortable (borderline painful) to drink fluids. But strained egg flower soup from my family's favorite Chinese take out was awesome last night! ☺️Wonderful to be on the recovery side of things!!! I am so glad to be here, so excited about this new chapter! Hang in there!

How exciting for you! I'm so glad you're having a good experience. It is a journey for sure but sounds like these first steps have been a positive start to a whole new you! Yay!

I'm nervous and excited to finally have my procedure this Friday! I start my liquid diet tomorrow and don't have a lot on hand for post-surgery. I haven't been able to identify products online that I'll enjoy, so I welcome your suggestions. I just don't want to find myself in a weakened state with not all the right things in hand. Please share. ????

I think my first week will be clear fluids as well. ????

Sorry! That makes sense! 3 weeks high protein liquid diet, followed by 3 weeks puréed. I'm mostly concerned with the first three weeks.