Food & Social Help

Hi All, I had surgery on 11/15/04, no issues at all. As of today I have lost 41 pounds and the only way I know I have had the surgery is by looking at the scar. I think I am very lucky. The problems that I am having are mental. I miss food!!! I can't believe it but it is true. My meals are so boring and I can't think of anything interesting to make them mentally satisfying. I am also not sure what I can and can't eat and usually just give up and eat a boiled egg or a can of tuna. My other problem is that I am so lonely. I had the surgery on 11/15/04, got laid off my job on 11/19/04, started a new job on 11/22/04, left my significant other on 12/01/04 and now I struggle with my 4 year old and 12 year old ADHD boys and work and trying to do the right thing with my new life. It is very difficult to exercise as the kids just run amuck and I ended having to scold them or chase them in public, which still being of size, I hate to call attention to myself in this way. It is really not quality exercise. Some indoor quality exercise ideas would be great also. Finally, I would like to meet some like survivors in the Austin, Texas area in hopes of both providing and receiving some much needed support. Thanks for any input, my email address is [email protected]. Dawn

Hi Dawn, Not knowing what your surgeon has you eating, I can't help much with what to eat and how to get over food.... but I can offer a few of the things I ate when I was on soft foods and things I am starting to try now that I can eat "real" food.. and just so you know - the soft foods do get so boring but you do get to eventually eat real food, just not the quantity you were used to. So soft food list: Eggs - scrambled, egg salad, soft boiled Tuna - mix it up a bit, add some pickle, light mayo or light miracle whip, splenda Refried beans - make sure to have sour cream so that it isn't so thick Chili - with or without beans - eat this slowly Yogurt (lowfat and light) Cottage cheese - add fruit for variety Canned Crabmeat - good protien, easy digestion, tasty Smoked Salmon in the pouch - Yummmmmm Fish - poach it so that it is just done or even slightly rare - it flakes nicely and is a good source of protien and variety. Spice it or cook with real lemon or even butter, you can't eat enough for the fat in the butter to count for anything Chicken Salad - you can buy canned chicken. Make sure it isn't all white meat that is just too difficult to get down When/if you can eat real food: Fish (when is this not good for you?) Chicken (don't over cook or under cook - try poaching) You can put anything on it even bbq sauce, just go light - you wont eat enough to cause dumping in most cases, just don't go eating spoonfuls of it. Pork - again, don't over cook it or under cook it - I had this and it worked fine for me. Cut the pieces about 1/4 inch and chew chew chew. I only ate about an ounce and was perfectly fine. Beef - this is the last food you should try, including ground beef. If anything doesn't work for you, wait a month and try again. You can also eat vegitables - cooked first, then raw. Becareful of leafy vegis like lettuce of spinache because it is easy to forget to chew these well enough especially if you have other vegis involved - this could cause a blockage - try shredded lettuce if you really need/want a salad. For protien, go back to the soft foods list and add some chicken salad or crab or tuna salad, or even egg salad. As for exercise - your boys have adhd - so this won't hurt them any! Take walks! Or get in your car and take them to the park - they can run and play and you can walk the playground. Also, most gyms have childcare available - consider that. Your 12 y/o may benefit from joining a softball or soccer team - and they even have peewee leagues that the little one can go to. Try the local zoo - where else can a kid be a kid while you walk your butt off (literally). You can join most of them anually and get in all year long. Work outs you can do at home: Get some aerobics videos. Richard Simmons Sweatin to the Oldies is always a great choice. Get your boys involved doing this with you. You will really develope some special moments with your kids as well as get that exercise you need. Can you have a dog where you live? If so, get a puppy! This has been my saving grace I take my puppy on walks every night and every other I take my dog for the long 2 mile walk. Having a puppy may also help your boys to put their energy into caring for something else. Hope these ideas help! Best Wishes! Danielle

Danielle, What a great response you gave. Excellent! I have to agree with you, you have wonderful suggestions. I hired a babysitter to watch My 2 yr old while 6 yr old is in school so I can go to the gym. I also have a treadmill and pilates machine. My 6 yr old loves the Yoga for Kids Video we all do it together...at least I try , we also walk and dance! I think Dawn will benefit from your suggestions! Summer

Hi Dawn I too am struggling with the head hunger but I am going to make this work. I am sure this all will pass. My suggestion for exercise is Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds there is a 1, 2 or 3 mile walk. So easy to do at home and a good workout for not leaving the house. Check e-bay for used copies. Good Luck, Tina

I am so sorry you feel so lonely! I have read much about that, since we all used food as a companion for so long, it can leave very much of a void in our lives. I have heard the best way to get over this and the depression much of us experience is exercise. It gets us going and produces the feel good chemicals we all need to get over these humps. But, if it gets too bad, talk to your Dr. - there are so many things they can do for you to get you through this time!! I just love walking and doing light arm weights. My kids ride their bikes and walk with me and also, pretend to be lifting weights. I know one of the reasons I did this was to change my life style so my kids did not end up in my situation some day - so I think it is never too early to get your kids involved in exercise too!! As far as food, think about what your favorite things to eat are and fix that. There are always ways to make food taste much better with out adding a lot of fat or calories - lemon juice, capers, sun dried tomatoes, balsalmic vinigar. I just cook a regular meal and then separate it in 3 oz portions. Good luck! Just remember we are all here for you!!!!

I feel the same way about food as you do. I miss it!! Went to my inlaws yesterday and watched them all eat BBQ sandwiches and salads, chips and cake! I brought over my little piece of terryaki chicken. I have tried beef but my stomach doesn't tolerate it yet. So I just do the best I can do and experiment when I think of something new. But most of all I keep reminding myself that it is all worth it!! I agree with the others who said to incorprate exercise with the kids. I have 2 kids 6 and 10 and love when they can get in and exercise with me! It's great for all of us, and afterall I had this surgery so I could be a more active mom and be around for them for a long time!!

Hi All! My name is Cari and I have never posted to this board but wanted to let each of you know that you gave really great suggestions. Dawn - Have you tried posting to the Texas board? Generally there are always messages about support group meetings for places like Dallas and Houston. There maybe some Austin members on the board that want or need to get together for support. You might want to check it out. Another suggestion to liven up your food choices might be to look at Food Network.com. They have low-carb, low-fat recipes on it that are helpful. Each of the network shows is also currently doing a special on diet resolutions where they are providing heart healthy, low carb recipes. One show I saw the other day (Sara's Secrets) provided some really great, really fast recipes (i.e. low-fat mozzarella cheese rolled up in turkey slices which you microwave and top with salsa). Hope this helps!