Question:
I had surgery a week and 1/2 ago and I swear I am starving to death. I can't eat

enough to even account for 400 calories in a day. I am dieing for regular foods...oh and just the thought of one more serving of soup makes me nauseated. I am seriously craving srambled eggs and ketchup...isn't that silly? I am so worried about my health from not being able to eat much. I sip my water all day because i am literally ALWAYS thirsty. I am afraid to try the protein drinks because they have so much sugar (boost, ensure, slim fast) and besides everything sweet tastes awful to me now and if I have to force one more spoon full of yogurt in my stomach I WILL throw up.... Did anyone out there cheat and eat after their RNY? HELP ME....PLEASE I had my proximal RNY on 10/19    — SherP (posted on October 28, 1999)

October 28, 1999
Sher, STOP!!!!! It's way to early to cheat, even a little. You are at the critical point in your recovery right now, where the most danger exists for your new stomach. You MUST continue on the diet your doctor has prescribed for you, it's tough now but in the end it will be worth it. Talk to your doctor about your cravings and concerns, he can tell you what is best for you. DON'T eat anything you're not supposed to yet. You don't want to end up back in the OR, do you? You have to hang in there. Time will pass, you just have to be strong. How about some Crystal Light, warm tea, jello, cream of wheat, popsicles....have you tried any of them? Good luck! Jaye Carl, open proximal RNY 7-29-99, sitting on a plateau but 68 pounds lighter than I was 13 weeks ago!
   — Jaye C.

October 28, 1999
i did start to eat early. i started with mashed potatoes, lots of mashed potatoes and moved on from there. i had malt o meal, bananas...but dont eat too many. i also had crackers but chew them to mush first. i got sugar free ice cream bars and chocolate milk. good luck
   — julie S.

October 28, 1999
Me too!!!!!!!!!! Although I have been able to have the scrambled eggs minus the ketchup. I have also handled real well ground chicken salad made with no fat mayonaise and stone ground mustard. My thirst has started to subscribe but I find that water fills me. Good Luck
   — snicklefritz

October 28, 1999
My nutritionist allowed the eggs and chicken salad before I left the hospital. Please check with yours
   — snicklefritz

October 28, 1999
I was dying for real food by 1 week too. I am only 2 1/2 weeks now, and just trying to take it one day at a time. I have tried a couple of bites of real food just chewed very very very carefully just to get the taste. My husband had steak and it smelled so good. I chewed on 2 peieces til the flavor and texture were gone and spit them out. I am allowed instant mashed potatoes and also scrambled eggs along with the things you mentioned. Try flavored mashed potatoes and even add a little creamed soup for flavors. Many people are allowed veggie soup too as long as everything is really mushy. Mark the weeks on the calendar so you can see progress toward real food. Who would have ever thought I would crave a tossed salad? Focus on one day at a time. Walk. It makes everything look brighter. Are you taking your Zoloft. You feel better and it makes getting past the cravings easier. Do you need a tastier protein shake recipe so you can get away from yogurt? Also, how about some sugar free pumpkin pie without the crust? See the recipes section. Also, when it is really tough, get on the chatroom.
   — Vickie B.

October 29, 1999
Hi Sher---As everyone else, I sympathize. I am 5 1/2 weeks out and still craving but not as bad as earlier. I would suggest a good quality protein like Designer Protein at GNC. It is pretty tasty. I did have to develop a taste. I take 1/3 cup skim milk or water, one quarter or half banana (depending on the size) a bit of vanilla and some ice. It is very satisfying and you get a good dose of protein. I have 2 - 3 a day spread out. Also, I go to specialty markets who have soup made up and get lental, vegetable, carrot or whatever. I take it home and blend it so there are no chunks. I strain if necessary and it is a special treat. I sometimes a very small amount over my mashed potatoes. They are really satisfying. I eat very small qtys of soup at a time. (1/4 - 1/3 cup). Also, no sugar added applesauce and a lot of the other suggestions you have already received. Be careful for this short period and it will pay off the rest of your life. Good luck.
   — Dot W.