Question:
2 Weeks out and I need HELP!
I am 2 weeks post-op and I can't stand that others around me are eating normal food. I am still on liquids for a couple more weeks. My dr. has me on liquids for 28 days after the initial 7 days on clear liquids. I am hungry and nothing seems to fill me up. My pouch seems a lot larger than what it should. What am I doing wrong???? Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Please email me at [email protected]. Thanks everyone! — Angela C. (posted on May 27, 2002)
May 27, 2002
Just in case you don't get my email I wanted to let you know. You aren't
doing anything wrong, you will not get full from liquids the move right
through your new pouch. Eventually when your able to eat more solid foods
you will get that full feeling. Even mush is hard to get the full feeling
on. Your pouch isnt to large and your not do anything wrong. Being newly
post op is a big mind game. Stay positive. Hugs, Min
— Min W.
May 27, 2002
Hi Angela, I am 2 weeks out too and having some problems watching others
eat but I WANTED THIS and just drink some water and take a short walk.
Picnics and bar-b-ques are such trigger eating times for me and this is
just a learning experience for us. I am sure your pouch is ok and I have
yet to feel full, full but don't want to test it and throw up. Keep your
chin up. Love Kimmy from Michigan
— Kim B.
May 27, 2002
I just wanted to let you know that what you are feeling is normal and it
does pass. I had my surgery close to Easter and the day I came back from a
gathering I was so down I wanted to cry. Things are better now. (Though,
I have my moments). Yesterday, I had a barbecue and while everyone around
me was enjoying the food, I ate a minimal amount during the day (even
though it was more than I generally eat during a regular day now), but the
best part is I didn't feel deprived.
— Lisa N M.
May 27, 2002
Hi, I know the other posters have said basically the same thing, but this
is the hardest time. I had my surgery last July and all of my family were
having picnics and going to carnivals--you know how good carnival food can
be!! Anyway I absolutely hated that all I could have was liquids. It was
the hardest thing for me, even the pain did not bother me as much as this.
Like I've told others its almost like you go through a grieving period for
the food. Hang in there, it does get better. Best of luck to you!!!
— Cory F.
May 27, 2002
The beginning is the hardest part. I am only 6 1/2 weeks post-op and am
really anxious to be able incorporate more foods into my diet, but I am
following the doctor's orders. I HATED my first two weeks. All those
boring liquids...you can't even eat a meal with anyone. And then all those
television commercials...every other one is fast food. Hang in there....I
know it seems like an eternity before you can have something real, but time
flies, really!!
— bevewy
May 27, 2002
Don't worry: your pouch is probably just fine, but you won't feel any
restriction until you start on solids. Regarding "head hunger"
during this tough all-liquids phase, try to fantasize about the reasons you
are doing this. Enjoy the rapid weight loss. Remember, this is NOT
forever. You will soon be able to eat regular foods, just in smaller
portions.
— Terissa R.
May 28, 2002
I know exactly what you mean! I had the misfortune of attending a wedding
reception this weekend and had to say, "none for me, thanks." 2
times for each course and then watch everyone eat! When my hunger returned
at 1 week, I noticed that if I have more protein drinks than soups, etc,
that I do get full. Give it a try, you never know!
— Heather H.
May 28, 2002
Once you are starting to heal, liquids will pass through the pouch and
stoma rather easily without giving you a sence of being full. Most surgeons
have 2 weeks liquids, 2 weeks of pureed foods, 2 weeks of soft foods and
then regular foods. Now I am not saying you should go against the
recommendations of your doctor, but this is the most common
recommendations. I am sure glad I didn't have to stick to liquids for 4
weeks.
As far as being around others who are eating normal food, I found that if I
got sufficient protien, I didn't desire the other stuff as much.
Good Luck.
— Dell H.
July 25, 2002
I am 10 days post-op and I feel like I can eat a horse. I am currently on a
liquid diet for the next 12 weeks. I don't think I can make it through.
— Marcia J.
November 25, 2003
Well, let me tell you what happened to me. After my surgery and after the
anesthia wore off, I felt hungry enough to eat my gown. By the time they
gave me liquids, the chicken broth tasted like a steak. They started
giving me pudding before I left the hospital, and I thought I was in
heaven. Unfortunately, my mother died one week after my surgery, and I
went kamakaze and tried to eat a whole piece of fried chicken. Needless to
say, I got sick and learned my lesson. Since you are limited in what you
can eat, you have to choose wisely. Eat protein (fish, cheese, etc), but
in between, if not eating is really getting to you, try some low carb items
that will be big on taste but not take up a whole bunch of room in your
pouch. I've been reduced to sucking on pickle slices, eating teaspoonfuls
of salsa, and sipping juices from what others have cooked (gravies, meat
juices, etc.) The key is to keep the amounts in the teaspoon range as not
to fill your pouch or throw off your calorie intake. I wonder if this is
how anaorexic people feel?
— HungryGirl B.
August 15, 2005
Hi Angela,
You are not alone. I am 2 1/2 wks post-op and I've felt like I could eat a
horse. I was on the liquid diet for 2 wks. I was just put on the puree
diet. I so badly want to eat normal food, but everytime I've tried I end up
having to throw up. It's true what everyone says, you have to be patient,
as hard as it may seem. I can't figure out what my body wants. Sometimes I
feel hungry, then I try and eat and after a couple of bites I feel full or
like I have to throw up because I am uncomfortable. You aren't feeling full
on liquids because eventually your body gets used to them and it passes
right through you. I've had the same fears you've had, like the Dr. didn't
make my pouch small enough or it's stretched. But you just have to
remember, like everything else, your body adjusts to what you are giving
it. Just hang in there, before you know it you will feel full. I'm here if
you need to talk! Keep your chin up! Joanne
— jojob25
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