Question:
7 weeks out and craving the juice of lemons!

I have had a tough time making myself eat for since I had surgery seven weeks ago. Recently (last 2 weeks) I have been slicing lemons and drinking the juice of fresh lemons once or twice a day. Besides the obvious potential effect on my teeth, can the lemons hurt my new stomach?    — medwards62 (posted on August 12, 2009)

August 13, 2009
You probably should contact your surgeon and tell them this. I can't see it being dangerous but it could be a signal of a vitamin defincency. (sp) You won't be hungry until the nerves in your pouch grow back together. Some people never really get the hunger pains back, just be sure to consume enough calories so you don't go below your ideal weight. I don't really know if the acid from the lemons will harm the pouch. But to be on the safe side call your doctor.
   — Kristy

August 13, 2009
Yes, they're called ulcers. If you had gastric bypass you need to know your pouch was made from the upper portion of your stomach which had less production of the stomach acid. Now that we have so little acid formation that's why we get what's called the foamies when food gets stuck, etc. Basically it's slime/mucous. You need to make yourself eat protein first. Plan your meals, measure your portions to no more than 1/4 to 1/2 cup and begin eating according to your surgeon/NUT's plan. If dense protein is a problem (it still is for me at 3 months, just choose soft proteins like dairy, eggs, cheeses). Maybe you're vit C deficient and that's what's causing the crave for lemon. Irregardless, I hope you are taking your vitamins. For now, put the lemon juice into the 64 oz. of water you need to be drinking every day and begin eating. Scurvy will be the least of your problems if you don't eat, not to mention you won't lose the weight. Your body will go into starvation mode and your metabolism will shut down, you will get very sick and end up in the hospital....or worse.
   — Arkin10