Bored, Bored, Bored

[Tamlyn 107]

So, I'm having my surgery toward the end of this month, and I started my pre-op liquid diet yesterday. I had a laundry list of expectations based on things I've heard other people here say they've experienced... stuff like headaches, hunger, grumpiness, etc. And honestly, I haven't had any of that yet, but man, I am BORED.

I'm not sure if it's because I used to spend so much time thinking about/around eating and now that's gone, or what. And now that food isn't there to interest me, I'm looking for something else to fill in the gaps. Right now I'm binge watching Orange is the New Black and starting some new knitting projects.

I guess I was expecting more pushback from my stomach, but my stomach seems to be cool with it. It's my brain that's going to be the hard part to deal with.

Has anybody else had this experience?

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Go out and find a sport or exercise you love. The stronger you are preop, the better your recovery. Plus, if you love it and miss it during recovery, you will look forward to returning to it post op. The more you move, the better you will lose, look and feel.

[tfowler 31]

Hi, there! I'm having surgery 7/22 and started my pre-op diet yesterday. It hasn't been as horrible as I thought. I wasn't looking forward to the Protein Shakes at all. With that said, there came a point this past weekend when I was ready for the regimen. I'm so tired of the grab-and-go lifestyle and spending my mornings thinking about what I'm going to grab for lunch, even when nothing sounds good because I had to eat something. Sometimes the thinking about food interfered with work and would slow me down. The past couple of days, however, I've been concentrating on drinking my Protein shakes and splurging on some broth or a popsicle. It's just there. I don't really have to plan or decide; the decision of what I'm eating/drinking has been made for me. So, for me, I'm not bored; I'm relieved. But I get what you're saying. Enjoy the time, binge TV watching, and knitting projects!

[Fluffnomore 1,235]

I'm going to echo what Lipstick Lady said. I had a picture perfect recovery and I really believe the reason for that is that I started doing CrossFit about 3.5 months before the surgery. As a result, I had some muscle tone and abdominal strength and a nice goal to work toward once I was out of surgery (getting back into it.)

CrossFit is not for everyone…but walking or swimming might be. I also completely approve of the knitting. It's much harder to eat or drink when you have two knitting needles in your hands and yarn you don't want to mess up. With cheeto dust, or whatever. LOL.

[Tamlyn 107]

These are all great suggestions, thank you! I think what I'm experiencing is the big hole in my thoughts that used to be full of food. Protein shakes are nourishing, but they just aren't that interesting to think about!

I did start a new exercise program yesterday. I would love to start running, so I'm starting by walking a mile or two a day.

On the bright side, if this keeps up, everybody I know is getting Weasley sweaters for Christmas!

[moonlitestarbrite 902]

in the end, its all about what's in your head anyway. you just have s jump start on it,

take long walks.

[BeagleLover 1,020]

I bought a book you might be interested in: "The Bariatric Foodie Guide for Perfect Protein Shakes", also the blog "The World According to Eggface."

These are all great suggestions, thank you! I think what I'm experiencing is the big hole in my thoughts that used to be full of food. Protein shakes are nourishing, but they just aren't that interesting to think about!

I did start a new exercise program yesterday. I would love to start running, so I'm starting by walking a mile or two a day.

On the bright side, if this keeps up, everybody I know is getting Weasley sweaters for Christmas!

[McButterpants 2,846]

I agree with some of the statements above - be in the best physical shape you can before surgery. It will make recovery easier and you'll feel better faster.

[par1959 470]

I think it gets better. Going on to week 6 I do miss comfort/social eating, but there is no way I can eat it. A 1/2 cup and I am full. It's differenent knowing that if you snack before dinner you not be able to eat dinner. Going back on topic it is times like this when I have to find things to do. My garage and guitar are my go tos's to prevent bordem. Walking is also a great distraction.