Post Op Eating

Hi all~ I had RNY one week ago. I have lost 17 pounds and I am doing pretty good. I have two problems. One I am still on Full Liquid diet and I just don't know what to eat anymore, I am bored. The other problem is I want pizza, gyros, pizza puff's, burgers and the list goes on. I think about those foods alot and it depresses me. I am not an emotional eater but I love those darn fast foods. I am hoping that when I move on to pureed and or soft foods when I can actually chew something and feel like I am eating it may be easier. I just know that I am frusturated. I cried for a few hours today hoping I can do this. I am very committed to losing the weight and living life but it scares me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Tabitha

Tabitha, I had similar problems and honestly, chewing gum helped me a bit. Just the sensation of chewing helped alleviate the desire to ..well.. chew. Also, not that I'm any sort of expert but this is an ideal time to really evaluate your relationship with food. What does it "stand for" to you? What need did it fulfill for you? I'm trying to be delicate here but let's be honest.. you didn't wake up one day and you were suddenly obese. Nobody did that to you but you... and there are reasons why you put the things in your body that you did. You need to ask yourself some serious questions about what and why. Don't waste this golden opportunity. it's easy to say "I just like the way food tastes.." and that's legitimate.. but there's other reasons, too. For the record, you CAN do this.. you already did. In a few weeks, this difficulty will be a distant memory for you and the joy of the things you CAN do will replace the frustration of the things you can NOT do any longer.. Just keep your chin up.. one day... one MEAL at a time if you have to. And I don't know the terms of your liquid diet.. but if you're craving pizza.. try heating up some tomato juice, adding some oregano and basil (in your food processor) and drinking it. Tastes just like pizza!! Stef

Hey Tabitha ... that is the HEAD HUNGER playing a number on you! I would cry at Pizza Hut commercials ... PIZZA HUT!?!? ick. Anyway, just continue on your scheduled plan, you'll get there ... I practically lived on sugar free popsicles (the Good Humor brand in the yellow box -- they tasted best) and protein shakes initially, but I was moved to soft foods quite quickly (I think as soon as I went home). I'd caution you around chewing gum as another poster mentioned though. Although I chew gum frequently now, I was advised against it initially, in case you inadvertently swallow it. Since you're still swollen inside, you don't want to take the chance of it getting stuck ... I'm sure you'll find different opinions on that though. I'd say try the popsicles ... it gives you that crunch ... hang in there -- before you know it you'll be 2 years out saying "I can't believe I can eat SO much!!!" Take care, Karyn