Mourning food!

[BeeGirl 8]

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!

[linz32 11]

Hi Beegirl!

food is an addiction for some people, including myself. When you've had a bad day at work or are craving something because you are bored... food seemed to be the only thing to make me feel better. In the bariatric program I attended, we had to see a psychologist to be cleared for surgery. One of the best things she told me was that I needed to be able to decipher whether it was my stomach telling me I was hungry or if it was my mind. I learned more about my body that way... If my belly rumbled... I was definitely hungry. Another thing I learned is that just like smoking, addictive eating is hard to break. So whenever i crave that cheesecake, I try to do something else that will focus my mind, my hands, and my tastebuds. I'm starting to take up cross stitching... Why? Because it keeps my brain focused, my hands moving, and I'll have sugar free Jello or crystal light near by just in case. I hope what I say helps, but either way, I know what you are going through... And you have to continue to fight girlie! You got this!

[sweetie716 270]

I think it is normal to hate liquids by the time you are done. I know I was definitely ready for something to chew by the end. I do still drink a shake most days at lunch, but it is awesome not to have to drink exclusively. You will probably start to feel better around the time you get to eat. It is a long stretch to be on liquids, but it will be worth it. Just stick with it. Before surgery I really had a hard time when I tried not to eat my favorites, but I had a 6 month preop diet and then liquids for a month before surgery, and then liquids for 2-3 weeks postop. By the time surgery rolled around I'd already made major changes to the way I ate and by reducing my carbs drastically by doctor order. I found that almost all of my cravings had already subsided. If you didn't have that time before surgery to get used to that, give it some time and you may find that it gets much easier as time passes. I wish you all the best!

Edited September 20, 2015 by sweetie716

[tjstark 74]

It does get easier. When you're on liquids all you can think about is what you can eat after, once you're on pureed and soft food and making healthier food choices it all gets easier.

[BeagleLover 1,020]

I found that I don't crave the foods I used to. Instead of fun, food became just fuel, so I could eat a little and then be done with it.

[Sharon1964 2,530]

I think it's a good thing that fear is a motivator in the beginning. Fear is what keeps me from eating things I should not. Gradually the desire for those things is lessening.

The only thing I'm craving right now is when the Little Caesers pizza commercial comes on and they dip the cheesy bread in the marinara sauce. I swear I can taste it and I can feel the crunch in my mouth. LOL!

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

Once you can actually eat soft foods you will probably have a different set of issues. At first eating solids again, even soft solids is scary. If you don't chew enough, or eat slowly enough, it can hurt. That will also change your relationship with food. You will get more to a point that food is just to get your Protein in, instead of a stress reliever etc.

[linzlou2000 193]

I'm still pre-op, but def worry about missing food.

[laguerr13 993]

Ironically I have to remind myself to eat sometimes, it's like a whole other person that is not me, occasionally I do get cravings but since they are healthy ones I can indulge, like Friday I had shrimp fish and oysters, it took me Til Saturday to eat it and my dogs got a nice treat, give a chance you will be amazed after you recover as to your cravings and hunger........... Fluids are the biggie for me

[linzlou2000 193]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[BeeGirl 8]

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!