Question:
Less than a week post op, and I am CRAVING real food. Is this normal??

I dont know if I just want to chew on something because I am on clear liquids and am tired of it or what but I HATE it.I always feel like I can eat scrambled eggs or something else as long as its real food! Help! Am I Normal to crave foods so early in the game??    — Nicole0105 (posted on April 24, 2002)

April 24, 2002
Iam only nine days post op but i to want something real to eat. Iam very full but just want something to chew, it must be normal.
   — Tina H.

April 24, 2002
I am Pre-Op so I'm not Exactly sure how you're feeling but I do know that you can try chewing on ice. If it is just the chewing you want the ice should do the trick. I hope so, because I am a Ice muncher and don't plan to slow down after surgery!!!
   — Patricia H.

April 24, 2002
Something that I did early post op that was recommended to me by my surgeon, was to chew something and then spit it out. It worked great for me. I chewed a couple bites of pizza, or toast, or whatever and then spit it out. All I really wanted was to chew something with flavor!! I was sick of the bland diet and it seemed like everything was sweet. A friend of mine licked the salt off of Dorito's!! My philosophy is to do whatever works to get you through those difficult early post op days!! I did not continue this practice and I feel strongly that this does not lead to bulemia, or other eating disorders. Others will disagree with me. However, do what works for you!!Shelley
   — Shelley.

April 24, 2002
OMG. I am sooo wanting to chew some food too. I almost slipped and took a piece of my sons chicken I was cutting for him. I am 1 week post op and was told this is normal and why I have to not zone out and pay attention when I'm around food. I was so used to just picking at everything that I have caught my self reaching for something at least a dozen time. I did lick some bbq sauce off of my finger today. I was in Heaven. I just keep thinking about 3 months from now when I can again eat small portions of real food. I had an Open RNY.
   — Jennifer F.

April 24, 2002
I, too, craved the chewing sensation early post op. Here's what worked for me: Blue Bunny sugar free/fat free ice cream bars. They taste GREAT and the chocolate even has 4 grams of protein! I would use that for a "meal" and chew to liquid then swallow. It made me feel more normal. SF popsicles work, too, but no protein. You'll feel much better by the time you get to pureed/soft foods. Don't hurt your new tummy by eating solids too soon. You are still healing inside! Hope this helps.
   — ctyst

April 24, 2002
Nicole, its because you are on clear liquids-you'll feel the same way on full liquids and possibly on pureed. As soon as you can eat real food again, it will all pass. Its normal, sweetie. Hang in there and let your tummy heal..
   — Cindy R.

April 24, 2002
I felt the same way in the liquids phase of recovery. I was just really craving protien. Those ads on TV for all-you-could-eat steak and shrimp just about drove me nuts. Does you Dr. allow you to drink full liquids. Mine allowed them after I left the hospital and they included protien powder drinks, milk, Sugar-Free pudding, etc. I found that they really helped and even now being 7 weeks post-op, the days I get plenty of protien are the days I feel better, don't have cravings and do good.
   — Dell H.