Almost two weeks post op!

[bmclark2]

Well, I have had a relatively complication free post op. I am feeling better every day, but I am still a little sore (I have a blood disorder, which is making healing a little different for me). Because I used to be such a foodie, I have been having a hard time finding foods I actually like. Another problem has been eating as much as I am supposed to (six liquid meals a day is rough), in addition to drinking enough water throughout the day. I have had two mild mental breakdowns, one for a fear that I will never be able to eat anything I used to eat ever again (this was three days post op, after a day of watching tv commercials for all the foods I used to eat) and the second one was realizing how much of a drug food really was/ is to me. The emotions that were attached to eating a really amazing bite of food are no longer readily available, so it was like the loss of imagined happiness hit me. Being around certain smells is even a challenge. I went to a concert at a basketball arena. All I could smell was nachos, burgers, beer, pizza... all things I know I won't be able to even have a taste of for a long time. Seeing a loss of 27lbs in a week was sort of scary to see as well. I'm grateful for having had the surgery and hopeful that it continues working for me. My breaking point for getting the surgery was having to ask for a seat belt extender on a flight, always having to sit at a table so that I don't have to worry about being uncomfortable in a booth and finally not being able to sit in a desk at college. I welcome any tips or comments.

[cindylutz]

I'm having the same fears and issues. I think it gets a little better every day. Keep on keeping on! It is amazing though at how much food is on tv!

[CandyCat]

Give yourself more time... The foodie cravings will go away and the urge for food in general will too. You will be amazed. From what I understand the hunger hormone located in th stomach is removed with the stomach portion. It's the head that is getting you right now but in a month or two you will find food is the last thing on your mind

[kdavis]

Just keep reminding yourself why you made this decision Think about the positives! I have had a moment where I thought I was going to tackle a colleague for his vegemite cracker, not because I was hungry but because he was eating something I couldn't... I just smiled and remembered why I couldn't and what the outcome will be if I stick to the straight and narrow

[Onmyway!]

I feel the same way. Food is my DRUG of CHOICE! Surgery was on the 11th & I was ok in the hospital but I can't seem to get enough fluids or liquid meals in a day. I feel like such an anorexic. Just for flavor, I took a bite of spaghetti chewed it & spit it out then I realized, "Food is really a drug." I have to avoid TV's, and the kitchen....I can't help but graze. Take Care!

[bmclark2]

My mini break down lead to chewing a frito and spitting it out, so I totally understand. Haven't done that since, but I still felt awful about it!

[Grace]

DVR those shows and ff those dreaded commercials!
Have a protein shake nearby and sip it as you watch.

[bobbybeegood]

Sounds like your off to a wonderful start. I can empathize over the food is my drug thing. I'd lay awake at night inventorying what was in my fridge. Can't get thru one meal w/o wondering what my next meal will be. It has a powerful hold on our psyche. As well as our culture has such a social aspect to eating, food & celebration. As they often say on this forum; they operated on our stomachs, not our minds!

[connie]

Thank you for sharing---I have not had my surgery yet and by you sharing your experience, I will be on the look out for similar feelings and actions that I will possibly experience. I will also be able to not feel like I am totally unique---the honesty and open caring on this forum amaze me.

[cindylutz]

i do admit that i bought a bad of cheetos just so i could lick the cheese off a few.

[beatle]

I have to force myself to eat. I do not crave food at all. I actually went to see Captain America, and my son order a pizza( he's thin) and I order water. First time that ever happen in my life.

[MrsPiggy549]

If all we ever did was to only lick the cheese off of a few Cheetos, we would not be members of this forum! LOL

[cindylutz]

well, i meant AFTER my sleeve LOL

[bmclark2]

Lots and lots of luck to you! While for me, it was a bit of hell, I don't regret it. I just hope I can keep progressing!

[connie]

OK---I haven't had the surgery yet---BUT since everyone else is confessing---I THOUGHT about chewing and spitting out AND licking a cheeto AND getting the puffed kind and just letting it melt in my mouth. I can't wait until Food is not important to me. 25 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks everyone for being so honest and open---sharing both success and maybe not so much success???? Blessings to all---