Why is the first month so hard to do after WLS

Hi Everyone,

Why to first month is so difficult. You are about to change everything you know about eating and your body. Your brain for all of you life has been used to you eating almost anything you wanted and large amounts of food. I never stopped and gave this much thought, when I wanted to have WLS. All I was thinking was about getting the fat off my body and feeling healthy again. I spent a lot of year being fat and this was my chance to change the roller coaster of losing the weight and regaining it again.   

So for me I had to spend the first 10 days having nothing but clear liquids. I could only have about a ¼ of a cup of anything when it was time to eat. I felt pretty good, but this first 10 days were the worst. There are only some many clear liquids. I had various kinds of broth—chicken was my favorite. I had Jello, white grape juice, apple juice, water with Crystal Light, decaf tea—Earl Gray and my life saver was sugar free all natural fruit popsicles. If my stomach felt quizy this really seemed to clam it. I had problems finding a Protein Drink that was clear that I liked. I since have found some. They are made by Syntrax and they are called Nectar—all kinds of flavors that can be mixed with water. It is very important that you try to get some protein the first 10 days. These first 10 days are difficult because my brain is screaming at me “I am hungry." We call these head games because your brain is trying to control you. Your brain can play some mean and ugly games with your mind and what you are thinking. You are NOT hungry; you are getting what you need for these 1^st 10 days. You NEED to give your new stomach time to heal and that is why you need to follow exactly what they tell you to eat.    

The next 10 days is so much better. 10 days of nothing but creamy foods. I thought I was in heaven when I got to this stage. I could have my favorite Protein Drink. I love Premier Protein Drink—I get mine at Costco. I have since found 2 other Protein Drinks made by Syntrax that I also love—Mint Cookie and Banana Cream. I could have cottage cheese, sugar pudding, yogurt, and creamy soups. Some Creamy style peanut butter. I still could also have any of the clear liquids I was having before. Remember you are only going to be able to eat about 2 oz. of anything when you eat. Your new stomach can now only hold food about the size of your thumb.   

The next 10 days are getting a little better. It is 10 days of mushy food. I found this stage a little harder, but I became a little creative. I took some home made chicken soup and put it in the blender, veggies worked great to make mushy, sweet potato was great instead of a regular potato. I also had applesauce at this point too. I tried to watch my carbs too—no more than 20 carbs per day. I always made sure I had my protein drinks at least 2 per day. I was told to have at least 70 grams of protein per day. Premier Protein had 30 grams per drink box.  

Another challenge I had was drinking enough water and getting the Protein Drinks down too. It felt like I was always sipping and drinking something. This is just what you have to do. Eating is like having a job and you have to do the best you can to get everything inside your body that you need.  

I had problems swallowing my medication during this time. I learned to smash the meds up into a power with a mortar and then mixed the powered medication with applesauce and that is how I took my meds. You may have problems with constipation too. I use 1 cap full of Miralax everyday in the morning. I put 1 cap full in with my Protein Drink and mix it in my Magic Bullet. I still use Miralax all the time. It is not habit forming and helps because we eat a lot of protein and that causes the constipation.  

Remember there is a reason you need to follow the diet that your doctor has given you. Different doctors have different things they may want you to be eating. These were what my doctor had me do. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me.  
Suzanne
Sleeved 10/28/2008    

Thanks for the words of wisdom!

Hi,

You are welcome.  If I didn't cover something and you have any questions please feel free to ask anything you want to know or have questions about.  We are all in this together and I am paying it forward because I got so much help from people on these boards.

Hugs,
Suzanne

Everyone is diferent. My first month wasn't hard at all. 7-12 week though? Ugh. Not only was I pissy all the time, but I ended up in the ER.

So don't be surprised if you have a hard time at first but don't be surprised if your hard times come later. And, if you don't have hard times, be grateful! 

Hi,

I am sorry yours came later.  For so many it is the relearning of changing how they used to eat and learning the new ways.  Hopefully thing are getting a whole lot better for you.

Hugs,
Suzanne

Um, I'm 3 years out. 

Hi

Congratulations life sure has changed for both of us.

Hugs,
Suzanne