6 weeks post-op and hate meal/protein time

Is this normal? I swear it's such a chore to figure out what to eat at mealtimes that I just often default to shakes because that doesn't require me to think. If we are going out to eat, I enjoy small bites of new/different flavors, but when at home I just dread eating.

I don't experience hunger, so I also think that's part of the turn off for me. I'm to a point where my protein hot chocolate (which I used to look forward to) now has to be choked down. If it wasn't for needing the protein, I probably wouldn't eat at all right now.

I'm just wondering if this is normal or if others have experienced the same thing. I'm hopeful this is temporary but for now it just stinks!

JC

You are perfectly normal!

I had a lot of issues post op with eating. I could find something that tasted good, then next time I would try to eat it, I could not stand it. Don't remember being hungry but by eating by a schedule to get my required protein and supplements in.

That is how I found my favorite protein powder and did rely on it a lot initially (still use it every morning 5 years later). Skim lactose free milk became my favorite beverage. I think I lived on chili, or white chicken chili for months. One batch at a half cup serving, went a long way. I also lived on re fried beans with taco sauce cheese and a dab of sour cream for weeks too.

Hang in there and remember your hunger will return, so follow your program to stay healthy and on track.

Yay on being normal!! I make sure I get in my requirements as far as protein goes - but it's more like choking it down. I'm sure it will get better as time ticks on. Thank you for the info!

JC

Maria - I think you and I must have eaten exactly the same things during those times!  I also remember living on FF refried beans with salsa/cheese/sour cream.  That was my go-to meal - good and easy.  Chili was also a staple (Wendy's).  

That's exactly how I feel. Food is just a PITA. Go with shakes--play with them and change them up a bit.

--gina

It's so odd to feel like that too!! Thanks for the advice!!

I remember totally not caring if I ever ate again.  I was not hungry for what seemed like months, then it got to be that I would feel empty, but not hungry.

My best food early out was homemade chicken veggie soup that my sister made and pureed for me.  The taste was just right, not too strong, sweet, etc.  She froze it in ice cube trays like we used to do when we made baby food years ago.  I could get our a couple of cubes and it was wonderful.

I did totally eat on schedule and my Dr group was fine with shakes so I did those a lot too. 

Yep, you are right where many of us were at this point in our journey.  Wish I still didn't get hungry now!!!

I would have to agree that it is normal. At first I hated trying to figure out what to eat. But it does get easier. As for protein I would suggest trying different ones until you find one you can tolerate. Personally I like getting an unflavored protein powder and mix it with water and Crystal Light. I have actually become pretty fond of that drink. 

Hope you find a way to make things work a little easier!

I think from the other posts that you should realize that you are Normal.....YEAH!!!!!!!  I struggled early out because my taste buds were going crazy.  Everything tasted extremely salty, sour, sweet etc.  It took me a good 3 months before I could actually eat "normally". 

Early out I ate a lot of soups like bean and bacon and beef vegetable. My pouch seemed to like warm instead of cold.  They were easy to get down and not a lot of chewing and I didn't have to worry very much about anything getting stuck.  I also ate Saltine Crackers (still do) with Laughing Cow Lite Swiss Cheese spread, Peanut Butter, Pureed Meat, etc.

As far as Protein goes I couldn't find a powder that I could tolerate early out but I was trying to buy them at GNC, the Vitamin Store etc.  I think those are more for Body Builders not for use for everyday meals or for drinking the rest of your life.

So....early out I bought unflavored Protein at GNC called AnyWhey and I put it in everything I ate or drank.  Soups, Crystal Light, SF jello, SF pudding, NSA Hot Chocolate etc.

It took me about 3 or 4 months before my taste buds got back to normal.  Now I use the Syntrax Products.  You can buy a 15  sample package here:  1-866-333-7403 EXT. 800 for $16.99 (includes postage) They also make the Matrix brand and I am in LOVE with the Mint Cookie.  I can send you a sample if you message me your name address.  It is a Chocolatey treat every single day!

Hope this helps!!!!

You are so sweet!! I actually use Syntrax now both in chocolate truffle and mint. I have found protein drinks that work, but now just find I don't want to drink them. I can tolerate them, but as I'm drinking them I just get queasy or just find I'm choking down the last little sips. I didn't have that trouble before, so maybe my taste buds are changing again. 

Anyway, it was so kind of you to offer and I sincerely appreciate it. It helps to know I'm normal (at least from this perspective -ha!)