Question:
8 days post-op and I want to eat!

I am 8 days post-op from having the lapband. So far I am down 19 lbs and feeling great. I am walking 5 miles a day and throw a little bit of jogging in there..problem...I am dying to eat something..anything! I take my protein and drink all and then some of my 64 oz of water (i only sleep about 4 hours a day). I am not saying I want fast food or a big greasie pizza...but i would love to have a salad with some grilled chicken...ahh my mouth is watering!!! Any idea as to when my life will go back to normal food?!?!??!    — ReneeKelly (posted on June 22, 2010)

June 22, 2010
WOW i wish i would have been able to have the band! Im 3 weeks post op n from opening me all the way up still having pain mgt issues and only lost 10lbs but about all off meds now just still lotsa swelling in my muscles. I did though start eating just after out of hospital. Slowly with et foods though.I jsut wanted to say congrads more then anything and to say with all the activity it seems like u really do need some more food esp with less sleep too. Dont overextend yourself and if your not...horay sounds much better then where im at!
   — AmyElizabeth76

June 22, 2010
I'm astounded that you're walking 5 miles a day so soon after surgery. Good for you! I'm sure you've heard of "head hunger". That may be what you're sufferring from and it is probably the hardest part of this journey to work with. I had RNY three years ago and dreamed of having a big meal when I knew I couldn't . I wanted a hot pastrami sandwich so bad. The weird thing is - I'd never had a hot pastrami sandwich in my life! That's how I knew all that was head hunger - just bad habits. Good luck. You are doing great.
   — Muggs

June 23, 2010
I suggest tryin some canned chicken (chicken salad). I was eating that at 1 weeks postop with the sleeve. Chicken Salad was easier to handle that plain chicken was. The sauce (Mayo mix) helps it go down better. just try a little bit of it!!! no more than 2 bites because if you have not had solids yet you will feel really full but you wont feel it right away. Good Luck! :)
   — Monica H.

June 23, 2010
No sage advice, just wanted to commisserate with you because I am experiencing the same thing! I'm 7 days out of RNY surgery and by the 3rd day I started hallucinating about food. Everything on TV deals with food. Things I don't even like suddenly seem scrumptious to me. I'm so happy to find someone who is experiencing this--my lifesaver is Popsicles. I eat sugar-free cause I can chew them and that's my only saving grace. I can't wait to get to my 21 day follow up appt. with doctor and then transition to soft foods, I believe. Hang in there! We can lean on each other and find strength somehow.
   — Egyirba H.

June 24, 2010
My doctor put us on pureed foods while still in the hosp., I don't understand why some doctors insist on 2 wks liquids. Anyway, we were also told WALKING ONLY for 3 wks. Your NUT/Doc should be able to tell you what their time able is for advancing your diet. Hugs, Jane
   — Jane W.