Going CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!

[holly11 1]

I have my 2 week post op appt on Tuesday. I am still on a full liquids and I am going crazy....I need something with texture, something besides Soup. I know most of it is in my head but I have been so upset today because I can only have liquids. I am questioning why I did this to myself and then I say this is not forever!! Please give me some tips on how you handled this stage. I am not hungry at the moment but it will be soon time for dinner and if I have to soup I think I will just go to bed...I can't do it....would mashed potatoes or cream of wheat be so bad??? PLEASE HELP!!!!!!

[80s_chick 2]

I was on all liquids for two weeks also. I have to admit that I snuck in some mashed potatoes. I shouldn't have done it. It is hard when everything on tv looks so good. I cried when I was hungry. It is normal to go through the emotions. I would advise not eating anything with texture. There is a possibility that you could hurt yourself. Don't do anything that your doctor doesn't advise. Sorry if I am not much help.

[barbara9460 1]

I just finished my 10 days of post-op Clear Liquids. I started full liquids yesterday. I'm still hungry too, but I'm not willing to possibly hurt myself. It takes several weeks for full healing to take place. Of course, some docs are not as strict and let their pts. have full liquids after surgery for a few days and then on to mushies, but perhaps they have a different outcome?

I think it's a good idea to do exactly what the doc says to do. You can do this! Really, you can! I know what you mean, but hang in anyway. It will all be worth it later!

Barbara

[phyl808 1]

Guess what , you're normal. I also went though the "wanting to chew something" stage during my 10 days post op liquid diet. I even tried chewing sugarfree Jello and popscicles. Hang in there, you'll be eating soon.

[jbflorida 1]

Holly--let's pretend that you ate the mashed potatoes. How do you now feel about the decision you made? Was it worth it? Are you now going to spend the next 6 months worried that you agitated your stomach and may have a slip? Are you going to be upset that once again, you gave in? That you made food more important than surgery success?

Sure we're hungry. AND SO WHAT? You will not die. This may not seem supportive, but it's TOUGH LOVE. Do YOU want success for yourself as much as I want you to succeed?

My head and heart is so much louder than my stomach. They are yelling, GO GIRL! You can do it! You are a strong woman in charge!

I just started my 4th week of liquids and have 3 to go. I have lost 24 lbs. I am a powerful woman!

And so are you--you just don't believe it yet.

hugs, Judy

[Kitcat 0]

My doctor includes cream of wheat on the full fluids part. I know all doctors have different guidelines though.

[Luscious 1]

I totally agree with Judy (JBFlorida). Just ask yourself is food really more important than your long term health?

I followed my instructions to the letter during various phases of the post op diet. Before the surgery, I thought it seemed impossible, but in retrospect, it really wasn't that hard, and I have amazing sense of achievement for having got through it.

Edited May 21, 2008 by Luscious

[notsotinydancer 0]

I too am on the liquid diet. I just recently added thicker liquids like Slim Fast and creamy Soups. The soups made me nausiated so I backed off of them. I have sugar free Jello and popsickles. To help my urges I suck on sugar free hard candies. They seem to help get me through the between meals urges. I was so sick of broth out of a can that I went to subway and ordered the chicken noodle Soup and told them to give me only the broth. It tasted so much better and was satisfying. Try different soups but don't eat the noodles.

Don't give up. This is the hardest part(from what I'm told). It does get better.

[jaylow 1]

Can you chew gum? I'm three weeks post op and in a mushy stage. I would love a piece of gum but not sure if we should be chewing? Anyone, have an opinion on this???

[watchout 1]

Guess what? You are so not alone! I'm also on a liquid diet until at least June 10th. I hate it too. I "cheat" by having a bite of this or that, and I hate myself for it. I'm just sick if the Soup and Jello. I can have cottage cheese. But that's the only thing I allow myself to eat that's semi solid. I think cream of wheat might "expand" in my new stomach so I won't have that until my doctor says it's ok. I know it's hard and it won't last forever. This forum helps with motivation so just keep reading. Someone always has the same problems and alot of people give great advice.

[holly11 1]

Thank you so much for your all your help!!!! I went and walked instead of eating which is a first and then came home and had some Soup. So one more day down. Hopefully at my 2 week check up he will say I can move to mushies. But the nutritionist says I can't have them until 4 weeks....who do I listen too??? Again thank you so much....you have no idea how much you have helped me!!!!!

[Northwest_Nance 0]

I feel so for you guys. I only have to be on full liquids for one week after surgery, then mushies for one week. Tomorrow is my last day on full liquids and it's really already getting old already. So you are really dealing with a big challenge and I admire you for sticking with it. If I were you I'd ask my doctor about it but in the end, each doctor has a reason for their orders, and I think we should listen to the doctor we trusted to do our surgery (kind of easy for me to say right now, I know.... sorry!)

[Sarah8714 2]

I could have sent this post myself today. I am craving flavor and to actually chew food. I went to the doctor on Monday for more Protein Powder and a work release and the nurse said that if I wasn't getting satisfied with Soups is to make some instant mash potatoes. It took me 3 days to eat 1 pouch of mash potatoes. I added some homemade salsa on top tonight. It is definetly different feelings than any other diets I have been on. Usually I am famished and want quantity. I do have trouble with coping reflex of wanting to stuff my face when being upset!!

[Anita Sue 0]

Saw my doctor today for my one week pre-op visit. She said I could move to the pureed stage now and on Sunday (which would be only 11 days out from surgery) I could move to 'solid' foods! Excited! So, yah all doctors are a little different about the severity of the diet. And like you, I though I was go crazy not having something to chew on! I did a pre-op diet, all Liquid Protein shake, for 2 weeks before my band was placed. So all together, I have been without solid foods for three weeks! I'm read a couple of books about the Lap Band and realize that this is just a tool. It will help me, if I help myself. Can't wait for my first fill, which will be in 5 weeks! Was banded on the 14th. Did the first two days out from surgery on clear and have done the past week on Soups, jellos, popsicles, etc. And I did eat some Cream of Wheat/Malt-O-Meal on the third day out from surgery. Dr. said today that there isn't any real restriction now and just some post-op swelling in the band area. So, technically eating is still able to be done. However, I do not want to do anything that will tear the stitches in the stomach area or stretch the pouch in any way. I MISS my carbonation!!! Now just the soda its self, but the refreshing bubbly-fizziness! LOL! Hang in there girl. It's a journey that will bring us to better health and wellness.

[Sandy Beach 4]

I know what you mean. I just got my second fill today and I am back on liquids for 3 days. I forgot how boring everything liquid can be. Just remember you are one day closer to your goal. GOOD LUCK on your journey.