You Wanted to Know

The weekend of the liquid diet is over and went fine.  I was already eating 80% liquid so I didn't expect to have probelms, but I do miss the solids already.  I'm hungry all the time too no matter how much I drink.  Now, although I'm still scared of the surgery itself, I just want it to be over so I can have pudding again!  (protein pudding of course)

Talk to you all again soon.  Scot

Hang in there, bud - you're almost there. And heck, who wouldn't be hungry on all liquids - I drank a lot when I was on it, but it'll be done before you know it. The good thing is post-op you won't be hungry at all for quite a while - so even pudding isn't going to seem too appetizing right away. And if you do 'feel' hungry right after surgery it's really just head-hunger - and they can't operate on that.

You're doing great and almost there - I'm so happy for you!! Dr Boe is going to take good care of you, and so are the rest of the staff at Barix.

Kathy

Thanks Kathy. I'm still not excited about it but know it should improve my health.

As far as hunger, when you are out as far as you are, why doesn't your remnant stomach growl all day since it is always empty? Just wondering.

Scot

LOL - that's a good question! But that stomach is just a placebo now - its not active like it used to be. On the other hand your pouch will definitely let you know when its empty and needs to be fed. You will feel real hunger again, but not for quite a while. What will happen is once your transition back to solid foods and eating every 2 1/2 - 3 hours your body is going to tell YOU its time to eat, instead of you just feeding it randomly. Because we can only eat small portions at a time we need to eat more often - especially to get those proteins in - I eat 5-6 times a day.

Facing any major surgery is never easy (or exciting) - but knowing the results on the other side of it are. I'm no stranger to surgery having had both knees replaced, gall bladder removed, several cysts cut out, carpal tunnel release - to name a few! But in every case I knew the results of the surgery were going to make me feel better - same as with WLS. As the weight continues to come off and you become more mobile, able to do more things, fit into booths (and actually REQUEST a booth again) - fit into airplane seats comfortably WITHOUT having to ask for seatbelt extenders - all of those things and more are going to make you realize that you have done the right thing for yourself.

I don't know if you're on meds for anything related to obesity - I was - I was huffing Advair twice a day due to ashtma - taking Singular at night - wearing a C-Pap machine to sleep with because the weight was too much and affected my breathing - started on cholesterol medicine because it was too high. Now the only thing I take are vitamins and one 2.5 mg blood pressure tablet daily - and my doctor said I will always need that because I've been on it so long and it tends to run in my family.

So while the surgery itself isn't the most exciting thing in the world to look forward to, living life again should be. But remember, Dr Boe is only working on your stomach, not your head, so you need to realize that he is giving you the tool you need to succeed, but you have to work it.

Liquids ain't fun, but it's good to try to lose a few pounds before surgery.  Can you freeze any of your liquids and eat them with a spoon?  I froze some of my protein shakes following surgery, and it satisfied my need to 'eat real food.'

Scot,
I am on the liquid diet again due to my motorcycle accident until at least Monday.  I agree it is hard.  I am so hungry all the time.  I keep telling myself it is head hunger and try to get busy so I do not dwell on the fact that I am not chewing anything.  Keep busy and it will not be as difficult.  We are all here to support you.  We did it and you can too!
Sara

Thanks. I'm hoping to feel some support tonight at Barix group also. My "reward" after surgery might be an ice cream maker so I can attempt to enjoy protein shakes more. Not sure about the cold though.

Scot

Right after my surgery I couldn't tolerate really cold drinks and I was a huge ice water drinker - took several months before my pouch would tolerate that. A Magic Bullet or small blender may serve a better purpose for mixing protein shakes up front - you can add ice to make them thick, but be wary of really cold things immediately following surgery.

Hey Scot,
Hang in there on the liquids.....you can do anything you set your mind to!!!!  Try to find new interests to distract yourself from the 'head hunger'..... I know for me, I started crossword puzzles, manicuring my nails (ok that might not be on your top 10 list)... maybe woodworking?  maybe something artistic like painting/sketching....

Actually, at 2 years out, I honestly don't feel 'hungry'  its the 'head hunger' that is my demon!!!!

Keep on keeping on,
Jayne
 

Hi Scott,

I just wanted to encourage you to hang in there, and keep the faith.  In less than a week, you will be on the Losers Bench, and the worst will be over.  Barix is the best place to have your surgery.  I had mine there a little over four years ago, and then a hernia repair 15 months later.  You will be in excellent hands. 

In addition to the previous suggestions, I was going to suggest you take up journaling.  Whenever you think you are hungry, sit down with a drink, and a pad of paper and journal your thoughts and feelings about everything going through your mind.  It’s a great outlet for anxiety and helps you clear your head.  Another thing that helps me is deep breathing.  It will also help you prepare for the breathing you will have to do post-op.  In through your nose to a count of six and out through your mouth like you are blowing out a candle.  Do that for at least a minute or two, and it will help you relax.  The body relaxes when there is more oxygen in the blood, because it goes to the brain and helps you relax.  Focus on an object in the room and focus on the air going in and out of your lungs.  Try to get the air deep into your lungs. 

You will do great in your surgery.  Tap into whatever belief system you have about God, and trust that you are making the best choice for your life.

Hugs,

Trish