Absorbing the change: 2 weeks post op....The journey begins

[daadelishopeful 64]

Hello,

I am 2 weeks post op VSG( today is my 2 week surgiversary ) and I am adapting to the new way of life. Everyday has been a challenge but I tell myself that this is just a small part of this amazing journey. But as my body is healing, I have begun to experience head hunger(thank goodness for this site and youtube) issues and continue to deal with trying to get all of my fluids and Protein in each day. From all I have read, it will get better with time, as long as I keep working on these goals so I continue to hold on to that. But this surgery really showcased for me, how much food has played a role in my life and the emotional relationship I have had with my food. My doctor has me on a 3 week post op liquid diet, and it is fine, but I am concerned that I am not getting the appropriate amount of calories and overall nutrition goals met. I don't regret my surgery, and look forward to the long term benefits, but realize that I need a support group to deal with this. It is really difficult trying to explain what I am going through to people who have not experienced this journey. Any suggestions on coping with the emotional aspects of head hunger and or some best practices?

Thank you,

D.

[Believe 11]

D, you're singing my song . Just started my third week and can honestly say I can see my addiction to food for the first time. Before I would've had the desire and then just ate, not even realizing how powerful the craving was. Now I have to feel the craving and try not to fixate on it. I received a bookmark from the psychologist who did my pre-op testing that had the ten stages after weight loss surgery. The second was regret. I was so excited about the surgery I never thought I would regret it. But now, it's almost like admitting I won't ever get to loss myself in food again. Yet I know that I get to find me in the journey. I also have the same concerns with getting in enough Protein, but it sounds like tht is normal in the beginning. Our stomachs are jut to small to accommodate the grams. I am thinking about seeing a counselor to help support me in te beginning. Wish you the best of luck. Can't wait to see where ths journey takes us

[kjordan83 65]

D' date=' you're singing my song <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />. Just started my third week and can honestly say I can see my addiction to food for the first time. Before I would've had the desire and then just ate, not even realizing how powerful the craving was. Now I have to feel the craving and try not to fixate on it. I received a bookmark from the psychologist who did my pre-op testing that had the ten stages after weight loss surgery. The second was regret. I was so excited about the surgery I never thought I would regret it. But now, it's almost like admitting I won't ever get to loss myself in food again. Yet I know that I get to find me in the journey. I also have the same concerns with getting in enough Protein, but it sounds like tht is normal in the beginning. Our stomachs are jut to small to accommodate the grams. I am thinking about seeing a counselor to help support me in te beginning. Wish you the best of luck. Can't wait to see where ths journey takes us <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Can you share the info on the bookmark with us? That sounds absolutely insightful!!

I'm only 9 days out and struggling with this. I'm still on Clear liquids. Today, my DH and I took our daughter to the Movie Tavern where you get to eat dinner while watching a movie. My hubby ate an amazing pizza, and my daughter had mac 'n cheese and butter popcorn! It was torture!! I could literally almost TASTE the goodness in my mouth. After the movie, we met some family at Braums for ice cream. Again, PURE HELL! Both times I just kept sipping my G2 and pretended that it wasn't killing me inside. I definitely have an addiction to food and I am going through physical withdrawals!!

[thetattooedlady 114]

Can you share the info on the bookmark with us? That sounds absolutely insightful!!

I'm only 9 days out and struggling with this. I'm still on Clear Liquids. Today' date=' my DH and I took our daughter to the Movie Tavern where you get to eat dinner while watching a movie. My hubby ate an amazing pizza, and my daughter had mac 'n cheese and butter popcorn! It was torture!! I could literally almost TASTE the goodness in my mouth. After the movie, we met some family at Braums for ice cream. Again, PURE HELL! Both times I just kept sipping my G2 and pretended that it wasn't killing me inside. I definitely have an addiction to food and I am going through physical withdrawals!![/quote']

Well damn honey, I don't blame you for having some withdrawals 9 days out of surgery and being surrounded by all that yumminess! Poor thing

[artymama 170]

You are not alone!!! I am in my 3rd week post op and some days are worse than others. It is easier when I stay at home for meal times. Going to restaurants is torture! I just keep hoping it ges better in time!

[daadelishopeful 64]

D, you're singing my song . Just started my third week and can honestly say I can see my addiction to food for the first time. Before I would've had the desire and then just ate, not even realizing how powerful the craving was. Now I have to feel the craving and try not to fixate on it. I received a bookmark from the psychologist who did my pre-op testing that had the ten stages after weight loss surgery. The second was regret. I was so excited about the surgery I never thought I would regret it. But now, it's almost like admitting I won't ever get to loss myself in food again. Yet I know that I get to find me in the journey. I also have the same concerns with getting in enough Protein, but it sounds like tht is normal in the beginning. Our stomachs are jut to small to accommodate the grams. I am thinking about seeing a counselor to help support me in te beginning. Wish you the best of luck. Can't wait to see where ths journey takes us

Believe you are in my head! I told my husband that I realized that I would need counseling and to participate in a support group(or create one). That is part of the reason I joined VST. To gain support from like minded/spirited people like yourself who are on the journey as well. I am going to see if I can find the 10 stages if weight loss surgery. I absolutely went through the stage 2 regret stage right after the surgery and these last 2 weeks on some level. Would you mind sharing what stage 3 is? Thank you again and best of luck to you as well.

[daadelishopeful 64]

Can you share the info on the bookmark with us? That sounds absolutely insightful!!

I'm only 9 days out and struggling with this. I'm still on Clear Liquids. Today, my DH and I took our daughter to the Movie Tavern where you get to eat dinner while watching a movie. My hubby ate an amazing pizza, and my daughter had mac 'n cheese and butter popcorn! It was torture!! I could literally almost TASTE the goodness in my mouth. After the movie, we met some family at Braums for ice cream. Again, PURE HELL! Both times I just kept sipping my G2 and pretended that it wasn't killing me inside. I definitely have an addiction to food and I am going through physical withdrawals!!

Hi KJordan83,

That was me on the 4th of July. We had a family get together and I had to hideout because the food was so tempting. I really thought I could handle it, but I was sooooo wrong! This site and the stories you are all sharing are keeping me sane right now. Thank you for sharing as well!

[daadelishopeful 64]

Okay so I think I am going to pass on restaurants for now. My son's b-day is this Sunday and our family always celebrates with food. I am planning an activity that is not food focused. It is interesting, that my surgery is not only impacting me, but my family dynamics as well. It will be interesting to see how this change is going to impact our lives(for the better).

[Bredred 45]

Okay so I think I am going to pass on restaurants for now. My son's b-day is this Sunday and our family always celebrates with food. I am planning an activity that is not food focused. It is interesting' date=' that my surgery is not only impacting me, but my family dynamics as well. It will be interesting to see how this change is going to impact our lives(for the better).[/quote']

This Sunday is my daughter's birthday as well. I'll be 14 days out from surgery. Unfortunately, she has her heart set on going to PF Chang's. I don't want to disappoint her because she has her own food challenges (celiac and low residue due to ulcerative colitis). PF Chang's is one of the few places where she fells like she gets lots of choices. I guess I'll be sticking with the egg drop Soup.

[hopingtolose2013 81]

I was just thinking this same thing! I'm only 3 days out and have no desire or room to eat food. However, my brain keeps saying how stupid this was and I could be eating fried fish right now. I am hoping this will go away. I know I needed to make a drastic change but I keep thinking I could of just done weight watchers again. Ehy didn't I have enough power to make it happen without surgery? Grieving my old way of life when I ate what I wanted. I know that is sick thinking but it is where I am right now. I also have lost 7.5 lbs...and I keep saying oh you'll gain it back. Do u really thimk you'll ever be a size 8? Why do I thinl this way?

[daadelishopeful 64]

I hear you hopingtolose2013. It seems so surreal. I haven't even weighed myself yet and I am 2 weeks post op. I figure I would just wait until I go to my doctors appointment. I am gaging my weight loss by how loose my clothes are. When I put on clothes that I have not been able to wear for years(comfortably), it makes me laugh and smile. But I never kept a scale in my home before and I need to by one now. That is a pretty big deal for me. I think it has been more than 20 years since I actually went to purchase a scale...LOL....

[hopingtolose2013 81]

Lawd! I have always been obsessed with a scale. ..to the oz! I know I shouldn't but I weigh twice daily. It's been my way of life for twenty years! I.am.sick.obsessed! At least I own it! I'm too bruised to wear anything but big dresses! Hope that changes! My belly hit the purple swollen sore stage today! I feel better about food today. I am having trouble understanding the diet. I mean I don't get y u can eat cream Soups and yogurt but not fresh juiced fruit or eggs. Makes no sense to me but I'm doin it.

[daadelishopeful 64]

Lawd! I have always been obsessed with a scale. ..to the oz! I know I shouldn't but I weigh twice daily. It's been my way of life for twenty years! I.am.sick.obsessed! At least I own it! I'm too bruised to wear anything but big dresses! Hope that changes! My belly hit the purple swollen sore stage today! I feel better about food today. I am having trouble understanding the diet. I mean I don't get y u can eat cream Soups and yogurt but not fresh juiced fruit or eggs. Makes no sense to me but I'm doin it.

I am trying to make sense of my diet too. I love natural juices too, and can't understand why it is a no no. I am going to follow up with my nutritionist next week to see if they can offer a better understanding. I add natural juice to my Protein Shakes for variety and it helps me to get in my Protein. I don't know how I can have enough energy for work eating less than 800 calories a day. I only went to home depot and Sam's club with my husband yesterday and felt like I was going to pass out. I understand the need to let the stomach heel, but dang it!

Still haven't purchased the scale. May go get one today :0). My tummy is still sore at times and I am definitely wearing summer dresses more than pants. I did put on a blouse today that I haven't been able to wear for some time comfortably... makes me feel better about the journey when I do that.

[daadelishopeful 64]

You are not alone!!! I am in my 3rd week post op and some days are worse than others. It is easier when I stay at home for meal times. Going to restaurants is torture! I just keep hoping it ges better in time!

Today is my son's Bday and we always go to Cracker Barrel for Breakfast, but I explained what was going on with me and I passed this year. I just can't do it yet.