Harder than i thought

let me first say that i am extremely grateful God allowed me this surgery.  i don't believe for a second it wasn't meant to be.

but it's hard.  you think you will be so glad not to be able to eat, but when you have had an emotional relationship with food, it's hard to know how you will react.  i am only about 10 days post op and my doc should release me to pureed foods tomorrow.

  i just got home this morning from the hospital for dehydration and a potassium deficiency.  i can tell you those potassium pills are as big as my face and i am still a big girl!!!

i think about the future and will just be excited to eat solid food.  prior to surgery i mentally couldn't wrap my head around small portions.  even if i was physically full i was so used to eating large amounts that i kept doing it.  now i am a little worried i will attempt the same thing.  i think to myself, "can i eat of a saucer, leve some food behind, and be satisfied?"  or perhaps i am overexaggerating just how little we can get down?

i think the emotional recovery is harder than any of the physical things we go through, but i will say that this forum has given me wonderful support...thx to everyone!!!

Sorry you are having a hard time.  It is a whole new way of life and does take some time to adjust.

One thing that I would suggest is that you weigh or measure your portions and only eat what you take.  If you fill up a plate with the intention of stopping when you feel full, you may eat too much.  It's hard at first to tell when you are full.  You need to eat very slowly, especially the first few weeks.  Also take small bites and chew until it's mush.  If you eat too quickly, or do not chew enough, it will feel like someone is sitting on your chest.

I am almost 7 months out and currently eat about 5-6 ounces of food.  Meats I can eat 3 or so ounces at one meal, more if it's soft food like yogurt.  I can eat just about anything, but smaller portions.  Tracking your food helps too.  I use Sparkpeople.

Life does return to normal...a new normal anyway.  I can pass up the sweets now...never thought that would happen.  I was very well behaved in the buffet on a cruise.  I did gain 4 lbs, but I think a lot was from the sodium as I don't use much at home.  It all came off (and more) very quickly when I got home.

Allow yourself time to adjust. :)

 

"potassium pills are as big as my face"  I think you have a beautiful face and a lovely smile.  I can hardly wait to see your progress and your journey.  Jackie

It really is something that you have to work through.  I still have a hard time not finishing what is on my plate...even if I'm full.  On a few occasions I've overeaten because I couldn't leave food on my plate...what's wrong with me? 

I can pass up food with no problem but if it's on my plate that's where my issues are.  I know it has to do with being part of the "clean plate club" when I was a child, (that was my father's rule) or eat what's on your plate because there are starving children in Ethiopia.  

You will be satisfied with small amounts of food.  It's the head games that are the problem.  

Good luck to you...I know that I did not give you any advise but just know that you are not alone with your struggle!  

I ground my potassium with a pill grinder (from your pharmacy) and mixed it with sugar free apple sauce. It gives a little salty taste, so I mixed in some cinnamon and it was great. That was the only pill I couldn't take as a pill right after surgery.

It is hard, but the sleeve makes it possible to take it off and keep it off. Not easy, but possible. I'm 49 years old, and today at 8 weeks out weigh a few pounds less than I've ever weighed in my adult life.

Stick with it!