Anybody that can help me!?

I have a few things I have been wondering about for all of you that have gone through this.. I am 5 days out of surgery and I don't really feel hungry but when I see my family eating... I want to join them!Is that normal? I guess it is just a mental thing? I have also been dreaming about food as well! I know in the end I will adjust and benefit so much from this.I was also wondering... I have alot of discomfort if I try to sleep on my side and it is sore to sleep on my back because it has been hurting me.... Any ideas as far as how to get comfortable?

I totally understand. I am 17 days out of surgery at this point. I think the part that has been hard for me is that, eating was our recreation. Now that I have had the surgery and I can't join them in eating the fast food my husband brings home (grrrrr), I feel a bit left out. Besides, I think there will always be that part of me that wants, not needs, the foods I should stay away from. But it's totally a mental attatchment. I also had the dream about food so don't feel bad. I bought a fluffy, king sized pillow and curling up to that and having the pressure against my incision helps me get comfortable. Don't get discouraged and if you need a friend, I am here. Mandy

YUP... I had surgery on the 15th and I have that need for something in my mouth (something crunchy like chips). I guess it's an oral fixation thing...But I'm glad I've had the surgery because at least it can help me control my intake! I'm on the full fluid diet and if I try to take any more water etc in I think I might explosed!!! I'm definetly expereincing no hunger and fullness but can relate to the thought of eatting!! Keep yourself busy. That's what I'm trying to do tonight. Good Luck Stacey

Hi Bonnie, its perfectly normal what your feeling be glad your not hungry as well. It will take time for our habits to change. Then we will be healthy and lighter. A far as the discomfort when in bed use Lots of pillows. Your going to have alot of aches and pains while your body is healing. I promise it will get better. if you'ld like to chat feel free to contact me. Take care, Lisa H. (Bakersfield,Ca)

Thanks Lisa for your advice! The pillows have definately helped! I am feeling so much better now and know that it will get better everyday. Dealing with my mind and emotions as far as food have been difficult but each day I feel that I deal with it a little better... I know it will take time but in the end it will be worth it!! Thanks again for your support! Bonnie

I got that beat... I had surgery on 3/14 and on 3/16 my family was talking about having corned beef and cabbage for dinner the next night... and I thought "boy, that sounds reaaaaalllly good" I also had the exact same think about a milkshake, doritos, cookies, etc.... But when it comes to actually putting it into my mouth and chewing it up... blehhhh.I just figured it was a form of head hunger versus belly hunger. Also, try sleeping on the couch. SLightly different angle takes pressure off sore spots. KC

Bonnie.....I've also had dreams about food. Pizza, fast food ( especially Arby's because they are on TV ALL the time), pizza again, sandwiches -- you name it I've probably thought about it) I'm at 12 days out, and now that I read your post and think about it, most of that was happening at about the one week mark for me. It's subsided quite a bit, although I do still have cravings for certain foods, mostly italian and mexican food for some reason. At first I thought it was because I'm hungry, but now I think it's an emotional attachment or something. I'm lucky because it's just my hubby and I here at the house (daughter is away at college at Univ of Vermont ----- Go Catamounts, beat MSU today !!!) So I don't have to cook for a family like so many of you do or watch my family eat all the time. All I can say is hang in there on the pain, that will go away. I don't have any pain at all, can sleep anyway I like, but that also came about the one week mark. Let me know how you are doing.....Karen

Karen, I am glad I am not the only one having those feelings! In fact everyone must go through it at one point or another. I am feeling much better now and I know it can only get better everyday!

Yes, Bonnie - I have been experiencing the EXACT same feelings as you at mealtimes. My husband and I had a tradition of dining out together every Friday night just to catch up on each other's week and give each other undivided attention. Our Friday night dining out would last for hours because it wasn't so much the food but the socializing and intimacy over food. But NOW, I am pining for our Friday night dine outs. We sat in the house Friday night and I sipped on liquid protein. I almost wanted to cry. But I know those days will return but this time, I will have high self esteem and make healthier choices. I do miss it, though...