Girlie issues and feeling full question :)
I will probably be all over the page (sorry) Hope, you can keep with me and add some friendly advice.
I am just about 2 weeks post op. I had bypass and since my surgery I can't tell when I'm hungry or when I'm full.
I know that sounds like there are issues, but I am really not having any. I just feel lost on how my body is supposed to feel. On top of that since my surgery I have had CRAMPS galore... And mother nature decided to kick in last night and I haven't had a T.O.M. like this in a long time. I think that this is part of my issues. With my cramps being so bad, I have a belly ache and my back hurts all the time. Tylenol isn't touching that pain at all. And I am craving foods that a woman normally craves when mother nature visits.... Scared and GRRR at the same time.
But I am having a hard time getting my water in and my meals, I eat because I feel like I need to and there are times I feel like I could eat double the amount easily. Any of you feel like that? When I go one pureed food or soft foods will it be easier to tell when my system has had enough?
I can tell when I drink too much at once, I get the air bubble/gas pressure feeling inbetween my shoulder blades.
I guess I just feel lost and was wondering if anyone had some tips :)
Since you're just a couple of weeks post surgery, keep in mind that your stomach and pouch are still in the healing process. You probably don't feel hunger or satiation right now because the nerves that communicate that have been interfered with. Most plans indicate a volume you should be consuming early out because you likely will not feel fullness. Check with your documents or surgeon directly. You don't want to accidentally eat too much as that can lead to discomfort and vomiting which is not great this early out. Purees may or may not give you a full feeling--again it's down to the nerves and healing.
Keep up with your water--right now you can't "catch up" with big drinks so you need to keep a constant influx of fluid to stay hydrated. A lot of people use 15 minute interval timers on their phones and such to remind them.
WRT to cramps, that's a thing I was worried about because in the past I'd used ibuprofen and I can't anymore due to my RNY. Fortunately for me Tylenol does the trick. If it's not working for you at all, consult your GYN or surgeon for a better non-NSAID pain reliever. Controlling the pain will likely also help with cravings since you won't be seeking comfort from food. :D
Take it easy on yourself and make sure you're super-familiar with your program and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it! :D
Jen
Thanks so much Jen.... That makes sense about the nerves etc... Never thought of it that way!
I am really working on my water and I usually make it to 40 + oz a day.... I don't count my sugar free pops etc... So I think I am doing ok there....
I am planning on going to the support meeting tomorrow night and I hope that helps, but I see my doc next week....
Knock on wood, I haven't had any issues like vomiting etc... I have been sticking to the plan the best that I can, I really don't want to deal with any dumping issues etc...
Thanks again!
The main problem people tend to have is testing their new pouch. The old "I wonder if I can eat..." My advice is to not even do it. Yes, full liquids and mushies are going to suck, but in the scheme of things, it's only for a little while. Try and get in another 20 oz of water and see if that helps. I wonder if your cramps are more intense because you might be lacking a bit of hydration? Have they always been intense or is this a new thing? Thankfully mine have slacked off as I've aged, but they used to be really bad.
Jen
Your immediate post surgery course sounds about like mine. I am 3 1/2 years out and still eat because I have to. My appetite is virtually nonexistent. I don't have problems with this since I had been able to eat non-stop before surgery.
Fluid intake can sometimes be s problem but it drink protein shakes as between meal snacks to get more protein and fluid.
Once you are on regular foods, you will know when you have had enough. Learn to listen to your body. It will help you regulate what you what and when to eat. But make sure you have enough protein first.
Good luck.
Did you say you were drinking sugar free pops? Is that short for popsicle? I am 6 weeks post op and have been told in no uncertain terms that carbonated beverages are no longer an option for me. If you are having pop two weeks out that could explain a lot of the pain as that would cause gas and irritate your pouch. Hope things work out for you
