anyone else afraid of eating now?

need a friend

I'm with you Diana, I've had a rough couple of days recently. I've dumped a few times and it sucks.

I'm afraid to start eating. I haven't had any of the nausea I've heard about, but have had some bouts of diarrhea. I have to be very careful that I don't eat anything with Splenda in it. At nine days post-op, I am not hungry at all, ever. I have to force myself to get in my protein and water. I'm still on full liquids, but haven't had anything besides my protein shakes, water, a little fruit juice, tomato juice, sugar free Jello and sugar free popsicles. Oh, and I tried a little sugar free pudding tonight. No soup, broth or creamed cereals yet, though. I do have cravings for "real" food, which scares me. Once I can eat it, if I tolerate it all, I hope I am able to control myself. On the other hand, if I can't tolerate it, I'm scared of dumping. I'd feel much safer if I could just take a magic pill that gives me all my protein and nutrients, and not have to worry about food.

I had some diarrhea early on after my surgery (the first 10-12 days, but none since. I had broth almost from the first day, and it doe**** the spot. The protein has been my number one concern, I take a Advantage shake, add 1/3 cup of dry nonfat milk and then add an additional 4 ounces of fatfree skim milk. It boosts the protein to almost 40 gms...but then it takes a long time for me to drink it all. I try to get two of those a day in, then worry about the water. I have not had fruit juice as my doc doesn't allow it, but have enjoyed the tomato juice. I did have cream of wheat the other morning, and used unsweetened applesauce in it, but could only eat a couple of spoonfuls. I'm lucky, splenda doesn't hurt me in anyway. My doc also gave me the go-ahead for eggs but then I dumped on them, and have continued to dump each time I try one, so no more eggs for me.

Hi Diana, Im just on liquids right now. Trying to get them all in. I know what ya mean though . I dont want to dump on nothing. Im just following my surgans plan and so far so good for me. I had lap rny on the 23rd of aug. Im here if ya need someone to talk to. k sheree

Hi Diana...try some nice hot chix broth,,they gave that to me in the hospital even! It feels wonderful going down and tastes awesome..just remember we have to (eat) even if it small amounts and get in our fluids or the weight loss will be very slow thats what it takes to make our new(tool) work...Take Care keep in touch Lori 287/249/140

Hi Dianna, I haven't been afraid to eat in general. Unfortunately, I got a blockage after eating scrambled eggs w/ turkey and it put me in the worst pain I've ever had for 12 hours so the next time I knew I hadn't chewed enough a piece of turkey it put me into hysterics (it ended up being fine). The lesson learned... your stomach gets more forgiving the further you get from surgery, follow your doctor's orders, and chew, chew, chew. As far as wanting 'real' food... I think it's a reality for all of us.. that fear we'll fail yet again. The good news is.. you have a tool that makes it really hard to fail. If you limit your food intake to a 20-min. window, 3 times a day, you CAN'T overeat! You'll pay for it with pain (picture the fullest you've ever been after a Thanksgiving dinner and increase it by say double). (Good news on that pain though... it eases up w/i 15 minutes as food leaves your stomach - or if you throw up easily, you may end up doing that instead) That's why we're treated kinda like a baby you're introducing foods to. It's our chance to learn what it feels like when our stomach stretches to that full point, and like the poor folks that have learned that Splenda and eggs make them dump, you learn what foods to stay away from. All-in-all, relax, enjoy not being hungry, and find the foods within your allowed post-op diet that sounds good and if you have to, eat them 3 times a day if needed. Dawn