Grieving My Old Stomach

[Lilechka 17]

So, I am very grateful for the opportunity to have had this surgery. I've battled weight for years. However, at 1&1/2 weeks post-op, I'm realizing I'm grieving my old stomach. This is rough. Has anyone else felt like that? How do we get through it? 'Cause right now I feel like I won't be able to enjoy food again and it's sad.

[MizzouGirl 148]

To a certain degree, I can relate. So much of my social life and what I did seemed to be centered around food (dinners, happy hours, movies, etc...) - it's tough in the early weeks as it's difficult to eat anything away from home. I'm in my 4th week post op and I can say it DOES get better. My husband took me out to dinner Friday and I was able to get a yummy red snapper filet --- I could only eat half of it and none of the sides but it was so good and it was nice to be out and eating healthy!!! I took the other half home and enjoyed it over the weekend. I think you will find it's much easier in a few weeks when your food choices aren't so limited. Hang in there --- it's not easy but the rewards are fantastic (I think!). Good luck!

[swimmom 124]

It' totally normal to grieve your old stomach at this point. First of all, this soon after surgery, your hormones are going crazy, and most people go through some depression - I know I did. Second of all, you are super limited right now on your intake - in six months, it will be different. And third of all, it take a while to process this as your new reality. Give yourself time, and you will be much happier with the arrangement!

[Guest]

Yes, I did but it passed very quickly. I am 3 weeks out & feel 100% normal. I love the fact that I can't eat huge portions.

[Molly3 495]

Day 6 was my.....WTF did I do day!? I think most (not all) experience this in the beginning. Just remember what you & your new tummy just went through! All I can say now is, each day gets better & better! My day 6 was at night & lasted maybe 10 whole minutes......Thanks to my amazing supportive hubby!

[Lilechka 17]

Thank you guys so much for the affirmations and support! I really appreciate it! It is so nice to know that others have experienced this and that it gets better. I definitely can't wait!

[Molly3 495]

Keep your chin up, girl! It really does get better!

[skittlejessi 18]

I have never regretted this decision, I did 2nd guess myself before the surgery. But I came to a relization that you don't get to 340 pounds just because I had 2 babies. I have had what I think is a very easy recovery. The best part of this has been my lack of want for food. I eat because I have to not because I can or I feel like I am starving all the time. On my 2 week pre op diet I watched alot of supersize vs super skinny on youtube. This show really helped my deal with the amount of food that I was eating. I highly recommend it to anyone.

[oldskoolsooz 24]

Long story short..it takes awhile emotionally and physically to stop mourning the old stomach and the old you and understanding and accepting the new one. I'm at seven weeks plus. After going through a rough healing process and the normal yet difficult liquid to puree to soft stages it/I have finally started to feel normal! I eat everything now. My only complaint is that I CAN eat everything and much more than I expected. It's still nowhere near what I ate before surgery but for instance my husband and I ordered a loaded pizza for dinner tonight. He had his usual two slices. I had one. I have accepted I'll never be one of these posters that eats two teaspoons and gets full. I haven't decided how I feel about that lol..but I can assure you..it gets better and you'll be happier :-)

I had a really hard time with the food denial stages too. After the fourth week when you can start eating semi normally you'll definitely stay feeling less..sad..depressed..anxious..deprived etc :-) hang in there!

[Fabsfluff 15]

I JUST had this experience tonight, I'm 1.5 weeks PO and went out to dinner with my cousin. The smell of the biscuits made my mouth water...as an avid carb monster...this hurt my feelings. I ate a fraction of my fish, a few bites of my mashed potatoes and was STUFFED. She took half my food home, and said "maybe I'll learn to eat healthier if I hang out with you" I felt a little better...but was slightly annoyed because she walked away with half my meal. Eating out is a lot easier with other sleevers...and a lot easier on the wallet! Lol.

[kiwi63 22]

Whenever I've eaten out since surgery I've only eaten a little of my hubby's meal. If he has meat and veg I just take a few spoonfuls for myself and he eats the rest. Saves money!!! I still enjoy my food, just eating way less.