Post-Op Blues

[lindsayb 0]

I was banded on Friday, June 5. I'm having trouble finding enough food to get full on, using the "liquid" phase (creamy Soup, cream of wheat, Jello, etc for 2 weeks).

I'm feeling discouraged and frustrated, and wondering if I've made the wrong decision.

Has anyone else felt this way soon after they were banded?

Would someone please share with me their liquid/mushy food "diet" for the first few weeks after surgery? I need some inspiration!

[slimpickens 0]

Hey LindsayB,

I don't know if I can offer any encouragement but I feel your pain. I was banded on Friday too and have been STARVING ever since. I was really hoping the hunger would go away. The liquids and even Protein shakes don't seem to help much. Really looking forward to the mushy food phase. My stomach is constantly rumbling, probably partially because of gas from the surgery. TMI...

Best of luck and let me know if you come up with anything to help.

[Angie65 7]

I too was having trouble on post diet in till I started drinking Protein shakes. Here what I eat

Breakfast

4 ounces of yogurt

2 ounces of Protein shake

lunch

4 ounces cream Soup

2 ounces of Protein Shake

dinner

4 ounces cream soup

2 ounces of Protein shake

snack

3 ounces of protein shake

I hope this helps. I am have trouble drinking Water. It makes my stomach hurt(too much liquids). I'm only drinking 12 ounces daily. I am trying to increase but, it's hard.

[2911plans 16]

Whatever you do remember to follow the plan. You have to give your tummy a chance to heal. You do not want to go through the effort to get the band and then end up causing damage to your band. This is a very short period of time. In fact you are lucky that you can have the soft foods so soon after surgery. I had a week on Clear Liquids then a week on full liquids. I can't have soft foods until day 15 post op. Soft foods according to my doctor is yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes. All I can eat now that is considered eating is s/f Jello along with Protein shakes, broth, s/f popsicles and creamed Soups. Am I tired of that? Yes! I keep telling myself that I am one day closer to the mini goal. That mini goal was to last the whole 2 weeks on liquids. There are so many temptations in my home. My husband, 19 year old daugther and 13 year old daughter still eat their regular favorites. I have not asked them not to eat in front of me because I want to prove to myself that I can do it and so far I have. That's a wonderful feeling!

You can do it! Its hard but take it one day at a time. I wish I could help with the hunger issue, but I am still not very hungry and its 11 days post op for me. I do want to eat, but its not because I am hungry for the food, I'm just in the habit of eating. I spend most of my day on this forum because it gives me something to do. There are so many posts that will scare you into waiting before you move to solids before they are allowed. I've learned a lot in the past 2 weeks. Hang in there.

Edited June 8, 2009 by 2911plans

[LisaD1111 0]

Just curious -- did you have a pre-op liquid diet? My doctor had me do a low-carb liquid diet for 2 weeks before surgery and it really helped me transition into the post-surgery diet. One trick I've been doing is doubling up on Protein in the same amount of Water (or milk if you like that yucky stuff :thumbup:. It gives you more Protein (which is more filling than broths and such) and usually more flavor. I do the unjury chocolate with a packet of Splenda. It tastes so much better because it tastes more chocolatey.

I just started the mushy phase, which according to my doctor is the stage that includes yogurt, cottage cheese, cream Soups and such. Isn't it odd how every doctor seems to have their own plan?

Good luck!

[September75 0]

I was banded on May 14 and was starving afterwards on the liquid diet. Unfortunately, you just have to stick with it to let your stomach heal. Once I started on the mushy diet I felt more sated, but still get really hungry (why does italian food have to smell sooooo good!). It's a battle, especially since I wasn't prepared for all the hunger after the surgery. I thought once my band was in that part was over. It's a shock, I know. Welcome to LapBand hell.

[lindas0809 0]

Hey Lindsay - I wondered how you were doing. I am still pretty sore(keep wondering how all these people say they work a day or two after surgery, no way). I haven't been hungry up to this point, but can feel it coming on. This week I can have Protein Shakes, broth, yogurt, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and popsicles. I still have a lot of gas, the trade off for the pain is no hunger. I think this week is the worst and it'll get better next.

[Carriedaway78 0]

Hey Lindsay - I wondered how you were doing. I am still pretty sore(keep wondering how all these people say they work a day or two after surgery, no way). I haven't been hungry up to this point, but can feel it coming on. This week I can have Protein shakes, broth, yogurt, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and popsicles. I still have a lot of gas, the trade off for the pain is no hunger. I think this week is the worst and it'll get better next.

You are right. Just hang in there ladies! I was banded May 20th and thought I was going to flip my lid that first week with broth, etc, it was hard. The one good thing is that I wasn't hungry. After that phase, and I could have Soups, cheese, etc, it was better, but I did notice myself getting hungry again. Just take it day by day and remember to follow your doctors instructions as far as your diet is concerned. It'll get easier. And the pain and discomfort from gas and stuff goes away soon too! :thumbup:

[slimpickens 0]

Reading this helps so much. I was wondering how people return to work so quickly also. And I was worried about the gas but not anymore since a lot of you have the same issue. No matter what I drink, I feel like I need to burp but can't. It is amazing how every doctor has a different plan. Thankfully, I'm only on liquids for three more days and then the glory of mushy foods!

[Carriedaway78 0]

Reading this helps so much. I was wondering how people return to work so quickly also. And I was worried about the gas but not anymore since a lot of you have the same issue. No matter what I drink, I feel like I need to burp but can't. It is amazing how every doctor has a different plan. Thankfully, I'm only on liquids for three more days and then the glory of mushy foods!

Oh my goodness, just wait til you get to mushies!!!!! It's like a 5 star meal just having a taste of mashed potatoes, lol. :grouphug: I do agree that this site is a huge comfort, it has helped me put my mind at ease on a number of topics. I think it's an amazing site full of great people!

[baylakeaverys 0]

I am so jealous. I was banded June 4th and can only have liquids for 2 weeks - s/f popsicles, Water, strained Soups, clear broth. I move to mushies on week 3. I would love to be able to eat yougurt or applesauce right now. I wonder if I could suck on a cracker until it turns to pure mush in my mouth (itty bitty pieces). Has anyone tried this and had no problems?

[lindsayb 0]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I am just trying to take it a day at a time, as a person suggested.

The other issue I'm having right now is feeling like I just want to focus on myself, while having all the people around me reminding me that everyone can't just stop what they're doing to focus on me.

I just feel so overwhelmed.

But at least the food thing is getting easier!

I knew this was going to be a lifestyle change, but I had no idea how much emotional turmoil was going to come with it.

I did get the hyemlic valve removed today, so that's been a big relief, easier to sleep at least!

[fattyfatty2by4 0]

I am so jealous. I was banded June 4th and can only have liquids for 2 weeks - s/f popsicles, Water, strained Soups, clear broth. I move to mushies on week 3. I would love to be able to eat yougurt or applesauce right now. I wonder if I could suck on a cracker until it turns to pure mush in my mouth (itty bitty pieces). Has anyone tried this and had no problems?

I was having some nausea post surgery and was told I could suck on oyster crackers. No problems at all!

[jessicastatzer 0]

How about trying "clear soup" from a Japanese restaurant or "Egg Drop Soup" from a local Chinese restaurant. Different flavors of yogurt, refried well mashed up Beans, cottage cheese with apple sauce or mashed banana, 100% juice, scrambled eggs.

I was allowed all of these during my second week. I am on my 3rd week now and I am adding things like well shredded chicken breast to my diet and I'm in heaven.

[astera 0]

I have been doing ok with the liquids it does get boring and I will be thankful when week 2 comes around but its ok now. I was banded June 2nd.

However the gas pain, and I don't mean from the stuff they inflated you with. I feel like I have to burp but cant all the time but I just have a spasm like a hiccup with no sound, my tummy rumbles constantly and its really uncomfortable. I have tried gas x with no relief and my post op is not until the 22nd. Any one else experience this?