today I wish I could eat....

[lrpresto]

I am having a hard time today. It's really hard when you have these days. Eating used to get me through but now that I have the sleeve (almost a month out now and 37 pounds down?!) I still can only eat sugar free pudding and yogart. This stinks! I had to get hydrated again today because I can't get enough fluids down. I have some wierd problem (freak of nature that I am!) that causes a blockage at the duodenum. Anything I eat gets stuck and feels like it's in my throat. On top of that I have really bad heartburn even though I take a double dose of Protonix everyday. When is this going to end?? Did I make a big mistake? Sorry, trying to find a new outlet that isn't food......

[This is it]

I am having a problem with finding an outlet that isn't food, as well. I always ate emotionally at night and I'm still doing so. Ice-cream is my downfall. I'm 6 weeks out and have lost 29 lbs but most people seem to have lost more so my emotions are definitely having consequences.

[Frangipani Girl]

I too was a little dehydrated today and woke up with a headache - the first time in 3 years as previously I was a migraine sufferer.

I saw my GP who said that it is important to ensure that I get enough fluids and protein in any way I can.

I am also trying different foods which I am allowed on the soft diet with some working and others that aren't - but I will try them again - eg: eggs, chicken. I have had two episodes since the surgery where if feels like I am about to explode. It was a horrible feeling but it was obviously due to either the protein being too dry or too much without realizing.

My dietician told me that until we get through this stage it doesn't matter how long it takes to get onto solids but to make sure that we are coping with eating and ensuring enough protein is eaten first.

I find that a protein shake/popper will help if I think I am hungry or peckish in between meals. Sometimes when we are not having enough water we get the signal to say we are hungry! Try water first and wait. If you still feel hungry then have something.

take care
Jenny

[kitsonk]

It will get better as far as the things getting stuck and the like. As far as replacing food, that is something we all have to face. It is something I am struggling with less and less. I am getting used to, slowly, not eating all the time. I am also finally thinking less and less about food, or where my next food is coming from, etc. I used to be obsessed with food.

I was visiting my dietitian/doctor on Monday and he remarked that I seemed to be doing better with the food thing than others. I think in part it was because I lost slightly more weight than where I am at now on my own only through diet and exercise. So I have already been down the "losing my friend" path and was slightly better prepared this time around.

You didn't make a mistake, but this isn't easy.