10 days post-op....Depressed

Well, I'm 10 days post-op and not having the feelings I thought I would. I'm doing okay with pain (lap RNY) and starting to sleep better at nights. My problem is wanting food. I'm missing it so much that I'm wondering if I did the right thing. My family flew into town for surgery/holidays. Of course I wasn't going to tell them they couldn't have Christmas Dinner. I locked myself in my room and cried as a smelt the savory smells coming from my kitchen. Seeing people around me eating wonderful foods makes me so sad. Maybe doing the surgery over the holidays was a really bad idea. Anyone else with a similiar surgery date to me (Dec. 19th) feeling the same way? I am on full liquids now and I am so sick of protien drinks I could just spit! I'm supposed to be on full liquids through week 3 (11 more days). Anyone else able to start pureed foods before week 4? I've lost 14lbs since the morning of surgery. That is encouraging, but at times, I think I want food more than weight loss right now. Any encouraging words would help! Thanks so much! Jennifer

Hi Jennifer I hear you -- I had surgery on the 16th and yes food looks really good about now. I did a three week liquid before surgery and now two weeks so far and two more to go. The holidays are a tough time, but it is so worth it. Just hang in there -- try to grab a popsicle or chew gum. It's not turkey, but it helps me. Also try chicken broth with a little lemon. Once you can get to food, it will get easier, I am told. You aren't alone. Keep strong -- Stephanie

Hi! I am 7 days post op. It is difficult for me to see others eat too, especially around the holidays when everyone is eating all the really really good stuff. I have done clear liquids for a week and TOMORROW I get to do pureed!! I am so excited. I will be trying a little oatmeal for breakfast. I am excited about feeling some food in my mouth. I can imagine how difficult it has been for you to do liquids this whole time. I am surprised that you have to wait for week 3 and I only have to wait till end of week one. I had an open RNY which is more invasive than your lap. You didn't hear it from me...shhh...but I don't see why you can't just try a little pureed and see if you tolerate it. Cheer up..next New Years Eve we will be in little black dresses and they say nothing tastes as good as thin feels!! Sunny

Jennifer, I had surgery the same day as you. I have really been missing food, too. The holidays have made it especially difficult. My doctor recommends the same diet and I am also sick of liquids. BUT, I know this will pass and we will be so grateful in the long run. My weight loss is the same, too. How weird is that? I posted on the Texas board today asking if I would mourn food forever. They assured me that this is the most difficult part and that it will pass. Email me at [email protected] anytime. Maybe we can help each other. Sherry 260/246

Jennifer, What you're feeling is normal. When have you ever been able to lose 14lbs in less than 10 days? Celebrate the victory! I can't speak for anyone else but my love of food...make that addiction is what led me to WLS. I think your being on liquids is what's the hardest. I'm on pureed food and I can chew. This is only temporary. If anyone knows of a way to the head hunger please share. Chauncine ...down 18lbs since surgery.

Hi Jennifer: You are not alone. I too was wondering if this was the best decision to have it around the holidays. But, I waited 3 years to to have this surgery and I am going to go all the way with this. I miss all my favorite foods. I am on pureed food for 4 weeks but there is a list of things that I can't have like pasta, rice, bread, etc. and I wanted so bad on Christmas to have my mother's homemade stuffing and macaroni and cheese. I just keep in my mind that next December I will be 100 lbs lighter and healthier and can enjoy the things that I missed. I am having a hard time with the protein shakes but I am going to keep trying them until I find the right one that fits with my pouch. Don't make the mistake that I made and try foods that I shouldn't have done then I ended up having the dumping syndrome...it was awful!! I wish you all the luck and know that this too shall pass. We are going to be looking back next year at our ups and downs and encouraging others that are on the journey. JaNae As far as the food,

hi what exactly is the dumping syndrome, i've heard it before but never founda definition. thanks becky

Hi Rebecca! Come join us on Nebraska board! I see you're in Nebraska. I too just had the band in december. Jess

Hi Jennifer, I too had my lap rny on Dec.19. I hear what your sayin' about the protien drinks-yuck!!!! Try this, make up a package of sf pudding,add the protien powder to that. Put them in 4 small dishes and top with no fat cool whip, tastes pretty good. If your going to stray from liquids soup works good for me. Just avoid stuff like chowders and chew,chew.chew. Good luck.

Jennifer, I had my surgery same day as you and as of yesterday, I'm down 25 pounds. As much as I'm missing food, I'm thrilled to be losing so quickly here in the beginning. My doctor has me on liquids for 4 weeks post op...starting protien drinks today and full liquids on Sunday. I'm looking forward to having more energy. I think that will help a lot in dealing with the feelings of loss. Hang in there...we're all going to get through it and be happier, healthier people for it in the long run. Maria