Surgery completed, now survival

I was surprised at "wanting food". My family had sub sandwiches for dinner the night I came home. They looked and smelled so good. I knew I couldn't have one but the thought did go through my head, "maybe if I just licked one, I could have the taste". I didn't do it. I was surprised to be craving regular food so soon. Is this the head hunger people talk about? I am now just trying to get the most taste, texture, smell, etc out of what I CAN have. It has been a little hard at times. Gas just bubbling around inside has been an issue too. How to aleviate it? Becky 12/7/07 lap RNY

Becky, Hi there. I know the EXACT feeling, except it wasn't the day I came home, it was last night and today. And I did just put a taste of turkey in my mouth. I find myself crying and crying and wondering if I did the right thing. I had the Lap. Gastric Bypass.... I had surgery on the 6th. And I had the worst possible time and I am actually hungry. I am trying to alleviate "hunger" pains with sugar free popsicles. The Gas pains I found tend to go away with the more you move. And I have found that I have had to "run" to my comode more than ever. I found myself crying when I read your post... I need some GOOD support people..... If you need to chat and have AIM, IM me anytime at tinamariemizzer... YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!

I don't have AIM, but I have Windows Live Messenger. I seem to feel like I have air in my stomach trying to come up the esophogus and gas in my bowels that are content to be there. I just feel like I need to deflate. It seems like what I eat is just creating more and more gas and it is very frustrating, to say the least. I have not had the popsicles yet... I think I will have to send someone to get them. Any other ideas for helping to get through this time frame will be greatly appreciated. I have been drinking pink lemonade Special K protein water... getting kind of sick of that. I don't drink coffee or tea. What are you drinking? What are you eating? I would love to chat with you. I guess I better go get some walking in... Becky

Hi, Becky & Tinamarie - I had surgery on Dec. 6th, too, (lap RNY gastric bypass) and understand what you are going through. Fortunately, I don't "feel" hungry, but I'm sure having a lot of dreams where I'm eating!! Then I wake up worried that I've done something horrible!! I also find myself thinking a lot about food - even watching a lot of the Food Network - which I've never watched much before!! (What's up with that?!?!) I've had a bit of trouble getting all the water in, but have found that raspberry lemonade Crystal Light has helped. I tried the regular lemonade one, but it was a bit too much for me. I also have liked the SF popsicles and jello. I can't eat anything for 4 weeks post op! I see the surgeon this Friday and should be able to add back in the protein shakes at that time, but other than that, he has us follow a clear liquid diet for 4 weeks post op... I wish you both lots of good health in your recovery and that the healing will go quickly. Please feel free to keep in touch with me as I really agree that the support and friendships here (and wherever you can find them) are lifesavers!!! Nancy P.S. Becky - I'll check out the PM you sent me and respond there, too! Glad you're doing OK!

Hi, Tinamarie - I also had surgery on the 6th and had lap gastric bypass so I'm right there with you!!! I'm so sorry that you are feeling down, but have heard that it's a normal reaction to something like we've gone through. My surgery went well and I was home on Friday, but I had a very bad day on Saturday and wondered what I'd done to myself! Finally figured out that I was having nausea problems and once I got meds in for that and started feeling better, my mood improved, too. I am feeling better every day... We all need good support people to get through this This is a life changing surgery we've gone through... Please feel free to add me as a friend and send me a personal message - I'd be happy to share with you and we can help each other get through the rough times! I don't have AIM, but can share with you my personal email if you'd rather correspond that way!! Take care and know that others are here and care about you! Nancy

Here's hoping you ladies relax and start to feel better and more confident! I had lapband on Dec 3, and I feel guilty saying it went well, and I'm back at work - and drinking my liquids . . . sure . . .I get hungry sometimes, and my stomach growls - but it's part of what we all have to go through. Drinking more water and Propel helps . . . I don't get to go on mushies until next Monday . . . but that is getting closer and closer. A lot of what you think of as hunger is head hunger . . . because your body is used to getting it's way! Do you have hobbies or projects you can work on to take your mind off thinking about food? Just put one foot in front of the other! We can all get through this :D And there is always going for a walk when the hunger monster is yelling at you . . . keep moving and moving and moving! Hang in there . . .this part will also pass . . . Chris

OMG! I thought that I was the only one with this! I had lap RNY on Dec 4th...and just had protein shakes added this past Thursday. My problem is Im not interested in sweets....so the protein shakes, jello, and popscicles are just yucky to me. People keep telling my broth, but the salt makes me gag (even the low sodium ones). I would LOVE to be able to have puree...some scrambled eggs would be perfect!! I have also been watching the Food Channel more and more...wishing I could have some of what they are making. Im at 2weeks this Tuesday and I can start to advance on to the puree...Im ready and have my food processor waiting!!! Do any of you have a sense that this isnt going to work? I feel like Im going to fail, as I have on so many other diets. The mind trip on this whole journey is the craziest ride I have ever been on! Sharon

Hey Sharon... you are completely normal... if it doesn't pertain to me, then I have heard other people say it. It is nice to know this is all normal. I am with you on the "fear of failure" type thing. I want this to work and I want to feel great. Things are getting into a more normal routine but the other night I cried because I was so sick and tried of the "menu" at this time. My magic bullet (blender) is ready and waiting too, but I have a lot longer ... probably till the 19th or so. I am trying to be creative with the choices I have though. It is frustrating that a lot of what we can eat is SWEET... GIVE ME A BEEF STEAK or something to sink my teeth in!! I am excited to move on. This is the hardest part of it all (so I have been told), I sure hope so! Are you able to get out and walk? I have been trying to get my 30 mins of exercise in. My head hunger still is there... frustrating, but it is less often. Take care and drop me a line Becky

I have tried to get 30 mins in, but we have had an ice storm (Im in Kansas) the day after I was released from the hospital and now we are in a snow storm. I live on the second floor of an apartment and Im scared to try to go down the stairs with them being so slippery. Instead I have been walking in my apartment...something is better than nothing.