The struggle is real

[apmcleish 27]

Well I am 6 days post op and I am struggling to even have the desire for food and or Water. Ugh. I was hoping it would be easier by now but I am really having to force myself to drink let alone Protein.

Ashlie M

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[Cervidae 2,389]

Hey Ashlie M.

I was the same way in the beginning. Nothing tasted good and nothing sat well and nothing satisfied me. food was just a huge annoyance that I didn't even want to have to deal with. But at this point, your stomach has just been through a HUGE trauma, so it's no wonder it doesn't want to have to do any work right now. Not to mention you probably still have a whole host of drugs in your system which can affect your ability and desire to eat. It may continue to be tough for you for the first month or two, or maybe even longer. However, I'm now 8 months out (8 months exactly today, actually, woo!) and I can tell you with pleasure and confidence that those days are long gone and nothing but a distant memory. I don't often actually feel hungry - usually only when it has been way too long between food or shakes for me, and that's real hunger, not head hunger. When I do eat, I wouldn't say I exactly enjoy it, but it's not usually an uncomfortable or frustrating experience like it was in the beginning. And when I eat a few bites of food, I feel full and satisfied. You will reach this point too. I promise it gets better! It's always, always hard in the beginning. Just focus on getting in your Water, Protein, and Vitamins.

Sooner than you know, these difficulties will be a thing of the past and you will adjust to your new body and new habits. Hang in there! Feel free to friend/message me if I can help in any way, or if you just want a friend to talk to.

[Renkoss 420]

Feeling the same way. Day 6 post op and I have no desire to eat or drink, but I force myself to do so. I'm actually having difficulty knowing if I'm full or not. Don't know if I am actually experiencing any hunger pains either. I guess I have to wait until the swelling goes down in my midsection. Today was the first day I didn't feel a need to take any pain medication (not even Tylenol). The "pain" has turned mostly into soreness, and getting mild at that. I've been eating mostly sf popsicles because I have quite a variety of them. Not drinking too much broth right now, or eating Jello, but I do incorporate them into the mix. Mostly Decaf coffee, Protein shakes, and popsicles. Don't get worried unless you cannot force yourself to drink or "eat" yet. It will be fine for a while.

[Debbie915 7]

Hello. I'm 2 weeks post op today. I'm feeling you! It is so hard for me to get down my Protein. I drink Water, Soups ok. But there's no desire for it...really doing it cuz I know I have to. And force myself to drink the Protein. I have very little energy...somedays better than others. Showers are tough...by the end I feel I'm going to pass out. I much rather sleep than eat.???? The feeling faint kicked my butt in gear....I've set my alarm to schedule my meals and Snacks which is the protein. I've been much better with this approach....although somedays I'll dismiss my alarm because I can't open my eyes...but then I get right back on track when I wake. This app has been a friend for me knowing I'm not alone and what to expect. Thanks for listening!????

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[apmcleish 27]

Hello. I'm 2 weeks post op today. I'm feeling you! It is so hard for me to get down my Protein. I drink Water, Soups ok. But there's no desire for it...really doing it cuz I know I have to. And force myself to drink the Protein. I have very little energy...somedays better than others. Showers are tough...by the end I feel I'm going to pass out. I much rather sleep than eat. The feeling faint kicked my butt in gear....I've set my alarm to schedule my meals and Snacks which is the protein. I've been much better with this approach....although somedays I'll dismiss my alarm because I can't open my eyes...but then I get right back on track when I wake. This app has been a friend for me knowing I'm not alone and what to expect. Thanks for listening!

Sent from my LG-H631 using the BariatricPal App

Definitely not alone. It's a change that our bodies couldn't have been prepared for no matter how much prep we went through. I'm struggling quite a bit with it too. So tired. Ugh. Keep me updated on you and I will do the same.

Ashlie M

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[mia150 43]

Me too I 31/2 weeks cant get anything in, constipated, tired and have an awful headache.

Yesterday i had one bottle of Gatorade drank it through out the day thats all

I feel awful I don't know how to force my self to stick with s plan when I have no appetite what so ever

[Debbie915 7]

Hello. I'm 2 weeks post op today. I'm feeling you! It is so hard for me to get down my Protein. I drink Water, Soups ok. But there's no desire for it...really doing it cuz I know I have to. And force myself to drink the Protein. I have very little energy...somedays better than others. Showers are tough...by the end I feel I'm going to pass out. I much rather sleep than eat. The feeling faint kicked my butt in gear....I've set my alarm to schedule my meals and Snacks which is the protein. I've been much better with this approach....although somedays I'll dismiss my alarm because I can't open my eyes...but then I get right back on track when I wake. This app has been a friend for me knowing I'm not alone and what to expect. Thanks for listening!

Sent from my LG-H631 using the BariatricPal App

Definitely not alone. It's a change that our bodies couldn't have been prepared for no matter how much prep we went through. I'm struggling quite a bit with it too. So tired. Ugh. Keep me updated on you and I will do the same.

Ashlie M

Sent from my iPhone

Well the last couple days have been better. After scheduling my alarm. Then my cousin came over and literally watched me drink one more ounce then usual. It seems that was the motivation I needed. I been pushing myself each time to just drink one more ounce. It seems to be working. Hope that helps. ???? I know we can get through this! Will be praying for you too as I often do for myself lol!

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[Debbie915 7]

Me too I 31/2 weeks cant get anything in, constipated, tired and have an awful headache.

Yesterday i had one bottle of Gatorade drank it through out the day thats all

I feel awful I don't know how to force my self to stick with s plan when I have no appetite what so ever

I totally understand. For me it was the scary feeling I got after almost passing out in the shower. ???? That's when I kicked myself in gear. We have the will or we never would have done the surgery. Did you find any solutions for the Constipation? Felt that for the first time last night after my first day of puree.???? Went back on Protein and liquids. But energy is much better. Let me know and I will be praying for you as well! ????

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[apmcleish 27]

Me too I 31/2 weeks cant get anything in, constipated, tired and have an awful headache.

Yesterday i had one bottle of Gatorade drank it through out the day thats all

I feel awful I don't know how to force my self to stick with s plan when I have no appetite what so ever

I know it's awful to say but it makes me feel so much better knowing I am simply not alone. Thank you Mia for commiserating with me

Ashlie M

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[pinkypearly1908 16]

Im 4 weeks post op and felt the same way when I was one week out. But dehydration and a infection landed me back in the emergency room. So get your fluids in its a must. A suggestion I wish someone had told me. Plain Water might taste disgusting right now so add Crystal light. Or real ginger steeped in hot Water, this is really good for upset stomach but make sure you strain it. Or Decaf iced tea. Or real apple juice watered down. For the Protein try the Isopure clear drinks. They have a little after taste but for me I just could not do any shake! It gets better, hang in there.

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Edited April 20, 2016 by pinkypearly1908

[Renkoss 420]

Knowing you are all out there helps a great deal. I have to really push myself to drink the Protein shakes. I just open one and sip it for however long it takes me to finish it. Sometimes its over an hour, but you have to get the Protein in. This also counts towards liquids, so its a two-fer. I just always keep something by me like a bottle of Water, Decaf coffee (I drink a lot of decaf coffee), popsicles, etc. I began adding a bit of pureed food to my diet and realized how very little it takes to fill me up. I probably pureed about 1/3 of a cup of chili and I was able to eat just a few spoonfuls before I knew I was full. Felt good to have something a bit more spiced than beef or chicken broth! I also have added some baby applesauce as well. Gerber has little rectangle containers that seem to be the perfect size. I also use a baby spoon to eat. Makes you feel you are eating more than you really are.

My most difficulties come with take the vitamins/supplements. I do not have chewable Calcium or Iron, and those two pills are kind of big. I may have to look for chewables until I'm back to regular foods and my pouch can handle it. I don't want to get anything stuck in the new opening.

As far as tired, we are only one week out from surgery. This was a major surgery; things were moved around, removed, changed, etc. A new way of eating and moving and such will come in due time. Take the time to rest your body and learn this new lifestyle. I'm sure by the time we hit 6 weeks, everything will seem so much better. I completely expected this first month to be a bit rough.

Keep your chin up and spirits high. We'll get through this together with each others support!