Post-Surgery & Feeling like CRAP

I am about three weeks out after surgery and I feel weak. I am unable to stomach any protein drinks, pudding etc. Every type of fake protein makes me want to gag. I have my boyfriend yelling at me every day to have some damn protein and it only results in our fighting. This is not going well for me. I have no energy today and it has put me in an absolutely rotten mood. Food is a horrid task for me at this point. There is no happiness in eating anymore. Unfortunately, this means that most of the happiness in my life is gone now. Food was 80% of what made my days happier ones before surgery. So I am losing weight... I feel like saying "so what" at this point. I physically and emotionally feel like garbage. I wanted to bring all of this up at support group but I am afraid of holding up the group conversation as there are so many people after me that have yet their turn to speak. I did not want to bring the whole group to a halt just to talk about me and my stupid problems. This makes it feel like the support group is a huge waste of my time. Also, on the other hand, I am afraid I would be verbally attacked by a large group for saying anything negative about this beloved surgery. Any input or advice is welcome.

What was your 2 week appointment like ?....did you tell your doctor what you said here..? Can you drink water and keep it down.....the important thing is hydration before protein.YOU MUST DRINK...... i would call the doc....thats my advice...Oh and the idea that food is more important than anything else....welllllllllllll.......food will loose its importance to you it WILL no longer be a priority....thats just how it is....you will adjust.........call the doc...

Hi Susan. You must have heard that the surgery fixes our stomaches but not our brain. I understand totally the psychological head games going on with you. That happens with many of us including me. I hit a rough patch when I was exactly where you are now. Whether you realize it or not, you are in mourning for your best friend - food. I didn't realize just how sad and angry about it I was. I never ever thought that I would be able to eat again, but different people advance through the various "stages" at different paces. Only now have I kind of mastered getting in a normal meal...and it will be that way for you - just be patient. I made sure that I posted here with questions etc. There is always someone who has the same feelings as you with good advice, tips and other goodies. The thing that I am concerned about is that it sounds as if you are not getting in all the nutrients that you are supposed to. You are not mentioning how well you are keeping hydrated. After your Drs. appt post - op, what did he say? Did you call the nutritionist about this? Please keep in touch and follow up with Drs. If there is nothing physically wrong with you, I promise it WILL GET BETTER. Food will end up not being such a big darn issue. It's hard to believe, but it just won't. Take Care~~ Keep Us Posted. Diane

Hi sweetie, I'm so sorry to hear you're having a rough time of it. Have you had the sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfasts? I know it isn't a lot of protein, but it has some. Use 1% or skim milk. They both have the same amount of protein. I have a 42 gram bullet of fruit punch flavored stuff. I haven't tasted it, yet, but it's all the rage for WLS patients and at the gyms. I got it at the Vitamin Shoppe. About $5.50 for 2. One thing you have to remember, which I had to be told, you can only absorb 30 grams of protein at a time, so if you get these, use 1/2 for each meal. I know when I had my psych eval for surgery, the head shrinker told me that I could contact him at any time in the future if the need arose. I guess I would begin with your doc and maybe consider speaking with a counselor. Please, never ever feel that when you share your feelings here, you'll be attacked!!! If that's the case, no one would speak out! *~*Blessed Be*~*

Hi Susan! I am sorry to hear that things have been hard on you. I haven't had surgery yet, not till this tuesday so I can't say I relate...well not yet. I wanted to tell you hang in there and NEVER EVER feel like you can't talk about what your going through. Thats why the support groups and this message board is here. There are so many people that have felt or feel the same way you are, your not alone trust me babe! I'd contact your doctor about not being able to get enough protein in, it doesn't hurt to give him a call. Well I hope things become easier for you in the next couple of weeks. Were here for you susan!!! Nicole

Susan, Hun first off take a DEEP BREATH! What you are feeling is so very normal, you have just been through some major surgery and it takes time for the body to get back to norm. Give yourself time to heal and get your strength back, it really does take a while for some (myself included). We all heal at different rates so do not judge from the time frame of others! I was so depressed for a while after my surgery, I was mourning FOOD! It was my love and my life back then! You will learn to eat for your life, NOT to live for your food but that also takes time to learn. We have to learn how to deal with things and not medicate with the food! I really does SUCK but once it start to click it is a very good thing I would try many things to try and get your protein in: ( are you on mushy foods?) Fat Free Refried Beans Cottage Cheese Archiev One Protein/Coffee drink Try sample packs for different kinds of protein, it takes a while to find one that you can take. (well once again it took a while for me) Isopure Clear already mixed protein drinks (almost like crystal light) I am not sure if that helped some! I wish you all the best and you SHOULD bring up how your feeling to the group, I know most of us have gone through these feelings!!! If someone gets mad then so be it, it is what YOU need to vent with at this time! Debra P

Sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time. I hope things turn around soon for you. You really should consider opening up at your support group, that is what they are there for. You may be surprised at the response. ~~Betsy

I have a great solution to your temporary problem... order yourself some pro source Ice pops. They come in Cherry and Lemon flavor. They are only 10 grams of protein, but easy to get downand they taste good. You can easily get 4 or 5 in a day and they will also serve you in hydration. They are a little expensive but surely worth it.

where do you get the prosource ice pops??? Jackie

Hi Susan, Sorry to hear about your struggles....it will get better, I promise you! I can remember feeling similar so early out. Your taste buds will change. Most important right now is water, vitamins and walking. Try different samples of protein drinks. The only one that I like is Achieve One. YOu can order it online at bariatriceating.com or purchase it as The Diet Shoppe. Although I am now 9.5 months out and prefer eating my protein. Are you up to the pastina or oatmeal stage yet? You should call Seema or Dr. Ahmad and see what else they can suggest. What you are experiencing is totally normal. as time passes and you are able to eat more, you will feel better. Good luck and I hope this time passes quickly for you,, Maryellen