Hello! I'd like some help...

Hi everyone,

My name is Riet and I come form Belgium. 2 1/2 weeks ago I had my Gastric Sleeve. Beforehand I was so sure this was the right thing for me. I was excited and ready to do the work. I weighed 227 lbs. Two weeks before the surgery, I had to do a diet consisting only of protein shakes and 1 meal with low fat meat and some vegetables. I lost 6,5 lbs.
Since I've had my surgery, I've been so unhappy. I'm so worried and I feel like my life is over. I have to work so hard to get down 50 ounces of water a day (I have not been able to reach that goal) and the protein intake has been so low, because I can eat so little.
I eat all the things my nutritionist tells me to (which is somewhat different from the guidelines I read here).

I hope that it won't be so hard later down the road, but I fear I will always struggle with food and I had hoped that that would stop. That was part of my decision, not being so dependant on food.

I know it's only been two weeks, but it feels like so long! Did anyone have the same feeling?
I've contacted the clinic's psychologist, because I don't now how to get out of my head. My sister has had a gastric bypass four moths ago and she seems so happy. My family is really supportive.

How has the journey been for you guys? Are there people who regret the decision? Do you still struggle with food after a few years? Are you able to eat 60 gr op protein and drink enough water?
I hope I can get some reassurance here.

(My apologies for the negative energy, but I can't seem to help it) :(

It was hard for me in the beginning, and some days I wondered what I had gotten myself into. But each day it gets better and better and before long you will be able to meet your fluid and protein goals. Do you have someone with you who is supporting you in your journey? Anything you need, come back to the forum. There are a lot of great people on here with a lot of great suggestions and ideas!

I think its a great deal of change at once, in the beginning. Yes, I think it gets easier. I had a very hard time the first few weeks with the water -- it made me feel seasick. But you find what works.

Protein first, then vegetables that are healthy, then if you have any room, carbs like a sweet potato. I still have a protein drink split in my coffee half/half in order to hit the number of grams per day, but I'm over two years out and my weight is quite stable. BMI is 23.

RELAX! Everything you are describing is temporary. Everything your are describing is normal for a sleeved person at 2 weeks. Every day will get easier. Sounds like you're doing great. Get that positive attitude on, you are beginning your whole new healthy, smaller sized life. What could be more exciting?

It can all be a little overwhelming at the start.
There are so many things to remember and you are not feeling great (you have just had major surgery) but please believe us when we say it does get better.
In a week or 2 things will have settled down you will be into a new routine and I can guarantee that you will be feeling better about the whole process.
Once you are onto "normal" food (some weeks away yet) you will have forgotten how you feel now as you will have so much more energy and you will be shrinking away :-)
As Sharon says, get your positive attitude on and start enjoying this very exciting time.
It is totally worth it :-)

Hi neighbor, welcome here!
Yes, the guidelines in Belgium (and The Netherlands) are very different from the guidelines in the U.S.
I do not agree with the guidelines in Europe, I think they are really very stupid, I follow(ed) the US guidelines, that was and is what suits me best.
So, first clear liquids, after that thicker liquids, pureed and soft foods.
By then you will be about a month out.

You just had major surgery, don't forget that.
And I would say it is very logical, that you have a hard time with solid food.
You stomach is stil swollen, bruised, and the stitches are not healed yet.

So, take it easy.
Drink shakes, eat yoghurt, cottage cheese, platte kaas (sorry, I don't know the English name :D, this is the Belgium name, in the Netherlands we call it "kwark").
Drink pureed soups met a cheese triangle laughing cow cheese pureed into it.

Drinking is far more important than eating at this point.
You will get there.
I would go back to the liquids, if I were you.
That will be much easier for you.
I couldn't eat veggies until I was a couple of months out.

You will feel better soon, don't worry.
I was sleeved almost 3 years ago now, and I can eat what I want.
Not that I do that, but I can.

I guess I didn't have to take the time to answer.
The question was posted 9/22 and TS has not been back here since.

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the good advice. At the time I was really desperate and in need of some advice. Thankfully I visited the hospital's psychologist en she helped me as well as my friends and family, who are really supportive. That being said, I also find your posts really helpful! So thank you for that.
I'm doing a bit better now, I still struggle with finding this new relationship with food. But I can slowly start to enjoy some meals. I still have a lot of cramps when I eat, which according to the specialist can happen in some cases, so I learn to deal with it and regularly eat/drink liquids and soft foods.

I've come to terms with the fact that it will take some time to adjust to the new lifestyle and I'm working on it every day.