HELP!!

Hi everyone, I need some advice from anyone that can help me. I am four weeks out and am beginning to get concerned, I have no energy?? Is this normal, did anyone else experience this?? I am not able to eat hardly anything, food seems to make me sick (just the thought of food even)..no vomiting, I just get an upset stomach and feel miserable most of the day. I am getting in about 40 grams of protein in shakes, and am getting very little water. I work on water on day but it seems like I never get anywhere with that. The Dr. said I should be eating food on a soft diet but it has been hard and I am feeling really depressed...will this get better??? Thanks for any suggestions. Michelle Mejia

Michelle I was the same way for awhile - and sometimes still am at 9 weeks. It does get better. I'd listen to your doctor. Mashed Potatoes and Sugar Free Jello were my saviors. I also had a really hard time adapting to my water and even now during the week when I work it seems I do much better than on the weekends. But you will gradually get there. I even tried using a timer and setting it for every 10-15 minutes and then taking a drink. My husband said I sounded like a grandfather clock but it really seemed to jump start me into adapting. Good luck. Angie

Michelle, Yes it will get better. You said you are getting your protein in with shakes, however you are having a difficult time eating. It may help to force yourself to EAT something every 2 hours as at this point you really need to be eating the soft foods as instructed. It may help to use a baby spoon to give yourself small bites, chew, chew and go to town. If you are having an upset stomach you may want to use your compazine first and then some decaf hot tea to help ease your tummy and then move on to other foods. You can add powdered protein to SF pudding, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, etc. What are you doing for B-12? Are you taking the shots from the doc or using a sublingual? Your energy will increase when you are able to take more foods in and keep up all your nutrients. I KNOW it's hard right now, especially when you don't WANT to eat because it's making you feel bad, but hang in there. You went to Junction City, right? Also, I would contact the surgeon's office and talk with their super GREAT nurse (either Eileen or Karla) and find out what they suggest. They are wonderful at helping their patients get over humps just like this! Hang in there! Big hugs, Sharon

Hang in there, I was freaking out at your stage that I would never eat again...trust me, you will. I got so upset about it at times that I actually cried. My appetite is back with a vengence! Have you tried Taco Bell Pintos and Chees (w/o red sauce) or Wendy's Chilli? Both of these items were lifesavers for me once I got past the 4 weeks liquid/puree stage. Also, I still eat the Cracker Stackers (meat, cheese and crackers) at lunchtime; I use to only be able to eat three, now I could probably finish the entire thing if I wanted to. I'm a big fan of Crystal Lite Strawberry Lemonade (sugar free) when I get tired of water, and I will tell you I do drink out of straw which seems to help me get more H2O in...okay, the beatings on me can commence for my straw drinking! Just take a breath and know that you're getting better every day. Depression goes with the territory; each one of us had good days and bad days. I actually take medication to combat depression so it's probably a bit easier for me to deal with this issue, as it doesn't really affect me like others.

Hey Michelle... I know this part of the journey really sucks...It does get better!!!!! I ate alot of mashed potatos with the instant dry milk added in and the same with S.F. pudding. The Taco Bell pintos with cheese is a really nice change too. For me it was the blander the better but I know others that just used their imaginations and spiced up everything to get through that stage. 40grams of protein is really not too bad but you defineately need to try to start eating and DRINKING!!!! You HAVE to get more fluids in....dehydration is one of our BIGGEST enemys. Try ANYTHING without caffiene. Decaf tea, S.F. koolaid (I like cherry and strawberry lemonade) Country Time S.F. pink lemonade saved me many days. I'm still REALLY picky abou****er...it absolutely has to be PURIFIED, no tap, no mountain spring, MUST be purified. Go figure!?!?!?! Keep your chin up Hun...this to shall pass!!! BIG HUGS Deanna p.s. Exercise is a FABULOUS anti-depressant!!!!

Hi, Thanks for all the responses, they have helped me out alot. I thought I was the only one with these kind of problems. Now I can rest easy knowing that others have been in the same boat. I have to admit, eating is getting a bit easier now...I talked to Dr. Bollmans nurse and she suggested I use the medicine as much as needed until my new pouch gets use to food, so I have taken her advice on that and it does seem to help. You all are such great support, I don't know what I would do without this website. I am getting B-12 injections about once a month, is that about right for timing on B-12?? As to Calcium can anyone suggest a chewable or liquid that is good. Thanks, Michelle