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Hunger- help!

Joelle

Member
Im 9 days post op. Ive done no pain meds and except for the itching, i feel pretty good. Bowel movements arent solid but im still in phase II. But i desperately want something solid! And i have 7 days more until i see the dr and nutritionist. I was about to tap out when i decided to find a vegetable broth that i could make. It has saved me! I have the freaking protein shake- i make one and it takes all three meals to actually consume it. I told the nutritionist it was Arbonne and she said it’s expensive but ok. But now i notice it has 7 sugars and i was told under 5. I dont want to mess this up but dont know how im mentally going to go another 7 days on the shakes, sugar free popsicles, herbal tea, water and my veggie broth. Of course it’s a holiday weekend, so now the nutritionist didnt respond and i will have to wait to Tues.
How do you get through??
 
Okay, slow down and breath. Trust me I know. While my wife had an easy recovery; mine was horrible and painful. So eat. Whatever. You may toss some of it back up but you will learn what you can tolerate and that process will honestly go on for years most likely. It is still the best decision I have ever made. So do not question. Each of us knows why we went this route. It is expensive and painful. But constantly being disappointed with your body is pretty dang stressful and painful and with a little time you can put that all behind you. Now let's talk.
Take the meds if you have them. There's nothing to prove to anyone. Combine them with a piece of bread to help you keep them down. This is not just a surgery, it is a journey. Forget diet recommendations, because there is so much variation. I am 12 years post surgery, my wife is about 6 and my brother is at 18 months. I am telling about my family so that you will know that I am not just talking about my experience.
I have lost 120 pounds since the surgery. It works. And once you adjust, it will not be so overwhelming. You will be happy!
Drink the Arbonne shakes they are delicious and easy on your stomach. If you have them it does not matter if they are three meals a day if you like them. I am still drinking protein shakes for breakfast. But you do not have to do that if you do not like it. If your stomach can deal with it. My wife eats eggs, bacon, toast, etc. for breakfast because she can. I am just not hungry but I know I need nutrition so I usually drink like maybe a third to a half and then have the rest tomorrow and the next day.
You have made a life-changing decision. Life-changing means life changing. Do not graze. Period. You need barbaric vitamins, and whatever food sounds good to eat. Your body needs time, so give it. The first two or three months are quite difficult. But mostly because it such a difficult "life-changing" decision. I hope you were prepared but if not well you are here now.
You get through by accepting that each day may cause new challenges. You probably are going to need Kaopecate (not sure of spelling). I tried fiber stuff like Metamucul, but that stuff fills you until you stop eating anything at all, and that's not good.
Try to keep focused on why you made the decision to have the surgery. What ever they were, they still apply today. But there is nothing worth having that does not require some work. Press on, and know that in a short while your life may be difference but it will be so much happier that you will not care:)
 
Joelle, hello. Lets be real. Its 7 days. You can absolutely get through 7 days of liquid diet. The recommendation is for 5 supers per serving. If you're splitting it up between2 or 3 meals that's below 5 sugars per serving. Also, 2 extra sugars are better than something solid, which you may not be able to handle.

It gets easier. But its a struggle in the beginning. It is 100% worth it. You can do this.
 
Joelle, I'm 15 days post-op and I've felt the same way. I called the Dr office because my stomach was perpetually growling. What I've found that's helping in protein water, chicken bone broth (9gm protein per cup), SF Jello and NSA ice pops. Week 2 (where you are) in my plan added smooth Greek yogurt, low fat cottage cheese, unsweetened applesauce, mashed potatoes (prepared loose), plain or low sugar oatmeal/cream of wheat/grits (prepared loose). Of course I can only eat up to 2TBSP, 3 times a day- but it helps. By day 13, I added a 3rd TBSP. Friday I begin to add a half of a scrambled egg and up to a 1/4 cup tuna or salmon salad. I admit, I've been white knuckling it but I'm scared to pop a staple so that's keeping me from deviated too far from the plan. I just keep telling myself, this won't last forever.
 
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