Question:
Need Some Advice?

2 wks post-op- went through the full liquid phase and every thing went well, Dr tells me Im ready for my puree foods, tired of protein drinks, jello, yogurt, and soups, I just bought the magic bullet, I need something to satisfy my hunger, I have been drinking water, lots of it, but something just is'nt right , I lost 34lbs and hav'nt really lost any weight in the past few days, Im worried that this is going to get harder to satisfy my hunger and I dont want this sugery to fail, I dont want to be the one posting the questions why am I gaining weight, should I be planning my meals, am I doing something wrong, I feel fine, no nueasea, no sickness, Im crusing along here but need some help, thanks    — barry l. (posted on February 24, 2010)

February 24, 2010
i had my bypass surgery about the same time you had your surgery except for no exceptional appetit. i also lost a few more pounds than you. my answer to your question is to walk, walk as much as you can every morning after you awake and if you can find the energy every afternoon. walking is the answer. good luck.
   — Gary123

February 24, 2010
I had my surgery on Feb 18 so that will make it one week tomorrow.I am really amazed!I am having hunger to but I was told it is head hunger.I can start my protein shakes tomorrow,I am so tired of all the liquids also.They also told me to make sure I am getting adeaquate protein which is hard.I have no sickness I have actually taken one pain pill since I have had the surgery.It is weird my stomach doesn't even hurt.But let me tell you there is a book by Susan Marie Leach the name of it is Before & After ,someone else had recommended it to me and it has lots of info and tons of receipes.Good Luck I am sure you will do well!
   — davonjack

February 24, 2010
If you've lost 34 pounds in 2 weeks, that's great. my doctor said 10-20 pounds a month for first few months was good. i was allowed scrambled eggs at two weeks.I also ate instant oatmeal,or cream of wheat cereal.You can puree meat with gravy in the bullet, if you like the taste.Some people also bought baby foods, but watch sugar content if you do.Also try mashed potatoes and cottage cheese if they allow that.Good luck.
   — JOANNFV

February 24, 2010
Sounds like you are looking for a comfort food to satisfy your hunger. I mash 1 potato with cooked cauliflower with a small amount of butter and salt and pepper to quell my hunger when my head says I am hungry. If you check out hungrygirl.com there is a lot of low fat & low sugar recipes that help you substitute your old favorite foods. Joann
   — Redhead7977

February 24, 2010
At the pureed stage for me I was allowed refried beans!! Great source of protien and you can dr them up! The protien makes you fuller for longer! It sounds like you MAY be experiencing head hunger though. Good Luck!! Congratz on the loss thus far!
   — callen3640

February 24, 2010
You are having head hunger. You really aren't hungry at all. The nerves that control that function were cut during surgery and will take anywhere from one month to one year to grow back. You can actually feel them growing back when they do. It will feel like a tickle, butterfly feeling in your abdomen. Pay real close attention to the head hunger or you will get very frustrated, is a better way to put it. A lot of people suffer from depression as a result of head hunger. I would cook a meal for my husband and use a teaspoon and just sip the liquid from the pan. And that did it for me. Also, just cooking and smelling the food made it all better; knowing the food smells were still in the house was actually helpful to me. (read my profile, it might help you) I wouldn't elimate all food smells (cooking) if you can help it. You need to listen to your head and your pouch. You will soon know the difference between head hunger and real hunger. I kicked that food demon to the curb. I refused to let it ruin my wls. I hope you can find this email helpful. I am 4 yrs post op, and I have kept the weight off, so I always give the same answers to questions like this, to help people know they aren't alone. We all go through the head hunger phase. If you think you are hungry, try drinking water, you might just be thirsty. Most of us confuse thirst for hunger. I am real glad to see you are doing well. I have been following your posts for awhile. Congrats on the 34 lbs. It isn't an easy journey, but after time passes, it will be second nature to you. You won't have to think about what to eat or drink or how much to chew your food. You won't fail at this, just take one day at a time. Take care
   — Kristy

February 25, 2010
What a great reply from Kristen!! So true about the head hunger, and yes keeping yourself hydrated is a big help. It was so hard for me to do at 1st - espeically w/ my Vit. & @ work, then all of a sudden it became much easier! Best to you Barry!!!!
   — Lisa1212

February 25, 2010
Oops, meant Kristy - sorry!
   — Lisa1212