3 1/2 weeks post-op

[lsubabe33 23]

I'm sick of all the foods I can eat. I'm not getting my Protein bc I can't stomach any kind of shake. I'm not getting enough liquids.. Tired of Water, Powerade, Gatorade etc.

I feel so weak and tired. No energy!

I have just about giving up.

[JamieLogical 8,707]

You have to shift your mindset in these early days to eating for fuel and not for pleasure. Do the shakes get old? You bet they do! The minute I was allowed solid foods, I switched to Protein bars. Water was a real challenge for me in the early weeks. Even the tiniest sip caused my esophagus to contract painfully and produced a bunch of gurgling and burping. But I sipped, sipped, sipped anyway. You have to just stay focused and determined. It's all temporary, I promise! Every week will get easier. As you are allowed more foods you will be able to have more variety and it won't seem so monotonous. You'll even eventually get to a place where you can ENJOY eating again! Hang in there!

I know when you are in the moment, it seems like it's never going to end and 3 weeks seems like 3 years, but I promise it gets better. It really really does!

[anna9/15 93]

Thank you for this post i feel the same way..no appetite and protien shakes are yuck...im even having depression because of it

[saraburnett 16]

I feel the same way! Tomorrow will be a month post op. Today has been bad I am so nauseated I haven't been able to get much down. I hate puréed foods and everything is super sweet????

[lsubabe33 23]

Thanks you guys for the input. At least I'm not alone. ????

[TurboToo 12]

I am also about 31/2 weeks out. I agree Protein drinks are sooooooo sweet and gross. I have learned from a few people to make them as cold as possible even blend with ice. I get mine very cold and Premiere Protein is the least sweet to me. I am only drinking them because I know I have to have the protein and liquid. It is a struggle to get them down as I am not hungry and nothing sounds good. I have also used unflavored Protein Drinks mixed with Crystal Light and that works ok. The lemonade is the one I like the most. You can also add unflavored to Soups, cream of wheat and so on. Hope it gets better for you.

[Shainadelphia 69]

I went through the exact same thing. Then my NUT told me that unless you get the Protein your body needs it is going to start to burn muscle, not fat - and that lite a fire under my butt!

But I did add Decaf to the shakes and it really helped the taste. In fact I kind of like them now!

You can do it- it's worth it!

[deevancliff 44]

I'm 2 days out of surgery...still a little pain but decided to just take it slow...water not sitting to well so I sprinkle crystal light in it and it sips easier!! I found sugar free Water ice to be a savior along with broth.. broth makes me feel like I'm actually eating something!!

[radrae 1]

I had my sleeve surgery on September 22nd so I am only 2 weeks post op. I have been eating foods cautiously, as long as I chew it until it is complete mush. I am also sick of Protein Shakes but I make myself drink them so my Protein doesn't get low. I don't feel like I'm injuring my stomach but who knows. Has anyone else deviated off of the pre op diet early?

[mandycandy 5]

I can't stand the SMELL of any protein!!! I am trying to force them down but it takes 3-4 hrs for one drink! Glad I am not alone. Thanks to others for sharing it is all helpful!

[JamieLogical 8,707]

I had my sleeve surgery on September 22nd so I am only 2 weeks post op. I have been eating foods cautiously, as long as I chew it until it is complete mush. I am also sick of Protein shakes but I make myself drink them so my Protein doesn't get low. I don't feel like I'm injuring my stomach but who knows. Has anyone else deviated off of the pre op diet early?

It is very very dangerous to deviate from the post-op plan. Even if you feel like more solid foods are going down fine, you have no idea what they might be doing to you internally. It's not just about your ability to digest them, it's about your healing along the staple line. food getting caught in the staple line can cause ulcers or leaks down the road.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Give up and do what?

I guarantee that you will feel much worse if you DON'T follow your program. You DON'T want dehydration, severe malnutrition, or complications due to erring the wrong things.

Things do get better. You just have to go through this phase. Avoiding it will only make it worse and prolonged your discomfort.