Silvernova

I do not know where to start. My immediate family (Husband, tweens) support me verbally, but they continue to eat lots of processed food, fast food, etc. I’ve asked that they keep that stuff in the pantry, but the request is ignored. (He actually brought home a case of Girl Scout cookies tonight!). I can ignore the take-out and fast food for myself, but I get really depressed when I make something I can eat for the whole family they take a few bites (like slightly seasoned taco meat) and head for the bag of chips. I knew this was going to be an issue before surgery, but I brushed off how hard it would become mentally since I’m struggling to find a good eating pattern at 7 weeks post-op and find myself still drinking one shake a day to get 1/2 of my protein. Has anyone else encountered this problem and how did you get over the emotional/mental block of everyone in your house being the exact opposite of you? I should clarify that I’m not preachy or pushy with them regarding diet since getting the sleeve was my choice, but I need to get more animal protein in the house for me at least. (Tuna is not tolerated—so that’s out. Eggs are too since I’m allergic to egg whites). I’m really sick of beans and cheeses at this point and almost caved with with McDonald’s fries last night when they were brought home. I’d also appreciate if anyone has any go to meat based recipes that freeze well in small portions that they could share, so I can wean off my reliance on shakes. thanks for listening. My head and heart needed to vent.

Update: husband moved GS cookies out to the garage since I do not spend time out there and he pointed out that he quit buying soda last week (I didn’t notice since soda isn’t my vice) since he felt he didn’t “need” it and was getting concerned that one kid was drinking up to 3 cans a day which he felt was excessive. So, small steps/victory. I appreciate everyone’s support here!

Thank you for the validation. I’ll going to try the individual area route and if that doesn’t work—garbage can it goes. In fact, I did a small clean out today and so far no one has noticed.

😂. I laugh, but you are so right.

Thanks for the ideas. I tried some deli turkey too soon I think at week 4/5 and it didn’t set well. I’ll have to try again now that I’m more healed. I did find a recipe for meatballs using ground chicken that I’m going to try. I’ve never been a meatball fan, but I’m thinking I’ll soon become one. 😊

This is my surgeon and RD too. I’m really sick of cheeses and beans. I’m going to try making chicken meatballs tomorrow as I’m really struggling with transitioning to more normal food at week 7 post-op. I would actually love to eat a salad, but haven’t been cleared yet.

I seem to have 1 good day followed by 2-3 bad ones. On the good day I can do some light housework and answer emails, etc with two ten minute walks in the afternoon. Good protein and fluid intake too on that 1 day. Then in the days after I feel weak, want to sleep, and feel generally achy, irritable, and foggy headed. I don’t even have the energy to eat and do not meet my fluid/protein goals. I keep reminding myself I had a major surgery that I’m still healing from. Still it’s hard as I was hoping to have much more energy than I do and that puts me in a bad headspace. Then the cycle repeats. 😒

This thread is exactly what I’m looking for. I’ve always battled depression with appropriate treatments, but this is a new level I haven’t experienced. I think what is so bad is the weakness/fatigue I have daily even with getting in vitamins and short walk around the house. But, I’m also struggling with the soft food stage. I’ve only been able to tolerate cottage cheese and a super tiny amount of wet ground beef with cheese. Everything else comes up even if I chew to apple sauce consistency. (I can tolerate apple sauce though). :/. I’m 5 weeks post GS and would appreciate hearing similar stories and/or encouragement.

Thank you for sharing. I’m 5 weeks out from GS and feel like I’m starving on some days. It’s been difficult for me to tell the difference between head hunger and true hunger. I’m also fatigued easily and struggling with depression (which really caught me off guard as I was doing good with Prozac).

I’m like you. I’m only 14 pounds down at week 5 after surgery. Started at 214 at 5’4”. I expected my loss to be much slower though and I’m happy with the 14 at the moment. I’ve decided to only weigh myself once every two weeks in order to not become scale obsessed.

This is flat out amazing. I’m a bit jealous. I didn’t think of half of these items for variety’s sake, but adding some to my shopping list pronto. 👍

I’m 3 days post op and I will not lie and say it is easy. I’m home after a two night stay and working slowly to get my fluid intake Back up where it needs to be. I have rather bad nausea and the zofran makes me sleepy. I thought I’d have more energy, but instead have been dozing and then walking a bit after getting up for the restroom. Hoping I’ll feel a bit stronger each day. Cheers to recovery mode!

Thank you for all of these ideas. I did let myself have a good “anxiety cry” this morning and it helped me to reset and put those big girl panties on.

Congratulations! Your hard work shines through.

I’ve been trying to distract myself with games and Netflix. I took the dog for a 20 minute walk a bit ago, but wound up hyper focused on the surgery. 😄

Yay. You are my surgery twin. I’m having the sleeve on the 6th too!

January 6. VSG. I’m experiencing terrible pre-surgery anxiety. Any advice on how to handle these jitters?

Yay! I’m happy to have a surgery buddy. We can do it together. The fact you’ve lost about 20lbs pre-surgery is amazing to me. I struggle getting to that point too. I just keep thinking about how wonderful it will be to get off meds and hopefully have energy instead.

This sounds very similar to my program.

I was told to drink protein shakes for first 6 weeks, but I can try supplementing with unflavored protein powder during the soft food stage if I get bored with shakes. My program is all about eating real, unprocessed food by the end of week 6 and do a liquid “reset” for a day if I find a food my body does not tolerate it. My surgery is Monday too! Good luck!

I plan on this being my strategy. Surgery is in a few days. I’ve chosen to stay private except for immediate family, but I don’t think I’ll have a problem telling a random waiter/waitress why I need a doggy bag. 😄