Struggling

[SubieGal28 5]

I'm 4 weeks post op and I am really struggling mentally. I love food, which is partially why I am in the place I'm in.

I'm at the point where I don't know why I even eat. To get Protein -- I'll have a shake. There is no joy in eating anymore. It is just a chore. There is no flavor left by the time I am done chewing. My food gets cold by the time I am done eating it.

I just don't feel like eating anymore. I don't want to go through the hassle of cooking and eating 1/4 cup. I just wish I could eat normal foods, just less of it. Maybe eventually I can, but then I'm afraid I'll fall right back into a hole. I'm just depressed I guess. Food made me happy and now it is just a horrible chore.

[James Marusek 5,244]

I am 3 years post-op RNY gastric bypass surgery. The most important requirements after surgery are to meet your Protein, Fluid, and Vitamin daily requirements. food is secondary because your body is converting stored fat into the energy that drives your body. Thus you lose weight. Exercise is also important, around 30 minutes of walking each day or equivalent.

Eventually some of your taste will return. I found mixing food groups gave the food some flavor. I also found the soft foods (chili and soups) went down much easier than hard foods (such as steaks). I have included some recipes at the end of the following article. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf

[j16 166]

I'm on day 18 of my preop liver shrinking diet and I feel the same way. I'm using a lot more spices to try and make things taste better, eating outside on my porch to enjoy the view, and getting new flavors of herbal tea which helps a little.

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[hrmills84 26]

Hi Subie, I am also 4 weeks out and feeling the exact same way. I'm to the point where I just don't want to eat. The preparation and the task of eating just a small bit is such a burden. Especially when the enjoyment we once had is gone. I've read it gets better. We just have to do the best we can getting in fluids, Vitamins and Protein. This too shall pass

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[Imagine 1 63]

This will pass. You are in mourning for your old best friend, food. I called this my,. "The thrill is gone Phase.". I even got angry that I didn't enjoy food like I used to. Somewhere along the way you will get over it. I am one year out and, although there are still a lot of my old favs that I still don't have a taste for, I am over it. Once in a while I will get an urge and give in and when I do, I find that a bite or two is all I want. It still doesn't thrill me like it used to but I can eat a little and I'm no longer sad about it. I am starting to have issues with grazing but that's another post.

Like I said, it's been a year and I had to learn a new way to live my life. Food is no longer my master. I am loving life in a whole new way. 136 lbs down.. My one year labs came back and everything is normal. I'm a happy camper! ????

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[TXMissy 211]

I can tell you from experience it gets so much better. I eat and it isn't like before. I love veggies!! In the early stages I would roast them in the oven and use spices to change up flavors. It was a bit annoying that my food got cold, but it does get better. When the results start showing you find what food you eat(as long as you are meeting you Protein requirements and liquid intake) doesn't matter. It's going to be okay and in a year you will thank yourself and wished you had done it sooner. Hang in there!!

[Shrinkinqtpi 202]

@@James Marusek - you are an inspiration. Everytime I see a post from you it is supportive and motivational. THANK YOU!

[WannabeH 114]

I remember going through this phase. I was thinking what's the point, I've lost my so called 'friend', I could always count on food to make me feel better.

But then the weight really started coming off, and boy do I feel fantastic. Hang in there, it's worth it. It's true the relationship with food changes, and it can be a bumpy road, but other joys will come in and replace the addiction of eating.

[aimeebatson1 3]

I am almost 5 years since my surgery. At my heaviest I was 260, my lowest 128. For the last couple of months my weight has really fluctuated, and has had me seriously worried. On any given day I can gain 5-6 pounds a day(and I know that there is not way to eat 17,500 calories in a day) I keep track of what I eat everyday, I go to the gym, I eat foods high in Protein, low in fat, & sugar. The one thing I know I have struggling with is carbs. If I find foods that are low in carbs, its high in fat, or the other way around. My biggest fear when deciding to have gastric bypass was failure, I know that I shouldn't complain, but it is constantly on my mind. At what point do I call my doctor and ask for help?

[ckmkak 0]

I too am fighting with this love/hate relationship with food. I am almost 4 weeks post op. You feel like you are very hungry and after a few bites you almost feel sick to your stomach (or at least I do) The nausea seems much better but I am having difficulty getting all my Protein in. If I never see another Protein shake, that would be just fine with me! lol

Glad to have found these forums. My taste buds seem off too. As someone else said, this too shall pass. Hang in there!

Edited June 28, 2016 by ckmkak

[lindseyp1019 12]

4 weeks out too and feel the same way. When can I eat " normal" again! I am sick of only eating Protein shakes and chicken/turkey/tuna. I feel like I don't have ANY variety because I'm trying to get in my Protein. By the time I eat my protein serving, I'm full. I'd like some veggies or other food with my meals! I found myself snacking more than I should just so I can get something else in besides meat and shakes. I really need to curb that.

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[tonilouise87 1]

Guys it will get easier I promise! I too had this horrid feeling, once you're out of the stages of following strict guidelines and you're used to what foods you can and can't tolerate you'll be fine! I'm nearly 3 years post op and lost 13.5 stones, I done it to get a kidney transplant and I now have it ???? good luck everyone think positive and to your healthier future x

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[sarah.lancaster89 0]

I am 3 1/2 weeks out & eating hurts - literally!! Have an appointment Friday to see if something is wrong. I am not getting all of my Protein or Fluid in, I try, just not enough hours in the day. And the Vitamin supplements are the worst!! Just depressing.....

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[Nymea 87]

for those who are struggling with the Protein element - don't discount the protein found in vegetables like broccoli. It isn't as much as meat, but it still counts twards your daily total if you are craving something green.