Question:
18 days post-op -- just ate a cream horn -- no problem -- why?

I have really been struggling. Not losing weight, rehospitalized for an infection, really frustrated. Had a doctor's appt this morning and I told him that I do not get full. I don't get hungry either, but I have not gotten full yet. I puked daily for 4 years after by VBG, and have not gotten sick since the hospital. He said to trust him, I will lose weight and everything is fine. Kids had lady locks (cream horns). I ate a tiny slice. No problem. Another. I kept eating more and more, waiting to be sick. Finally, I knew I'd eaten almost a whole one, I stopped and called my husband. Obviously I need to rely on my brain more than physical cues -- but where the heck is this "dumping" that was supposed to give me negative reinforcement. Why did I have this surgery if it isn't there???? Why did I have this surgery if I could try to undermine it a paltry 18 days post-op. Crap. Any help? Please?    — Karen F. (posted on June 7, 2002)

June 7, 2002
Did you have an RNY or some other procedure? At 18 days post op, I certainly could NOT have eaten a cream horn. I couldn't tolerate scrambled egg either, as I recall. I think I was eating soups and pureed foods and sugar free cranberry ice chips. I also remember drinking 2 ounces of orange juice and getting nauseous from dumping. I know every body is just a little different and some of my friends were able to eat things I could not. Have you lost weight?
   — Bobbi G.

June 7, 2002
I had my surgery on April 15th and haven't experienced dumping either. All I can say is I am being very careful with what I eat otherwise I can hinder my weight loss if I don't. Not everyone who has the surgery dumps, and I was frustrated just like you to find out I didn't cause I love sweets. So just take it easy with them if you end up having one. Good Luck!
   — stacey1273

June 7, 2002
I am 18 months post-op and do not dump. I can eat a twinkie or ho hos or just about anything else sweet. I can also eat donuts. However, the cravings are not anywhere near what they used to be, so it is much easier for me to avoid those foods most of the time. It also helps to know that I COULD have them if I wanted. This makes me feel like I'm not depriving myself, so it's much easier to NOT have them, realizing that if the cravings got very much stronger, I COULD. I knew going in to this surgery (RNY) that I might not have all the negative reinforcement that some people have. In fact, I really don't have any problems, other than not being able to physically eat as much as I used to. Sweets are definitely a problem, but MUCH easier to control since surgery. I have lost 100 pounds in 18 months (actually only 12 months, haven't lost anything except the same five pounds since January), and although the loss has been very slow, it's been steady. I know that you probably feel like you didn't even have the surgery, except for all the pain you felt afterward. However, you WILL lose if you can even come CLOSE to following your surgeon's post op recommendations. You don't have to be perfect, just TRY and you will notice how easily you will lose. Best of luck to you.
   — Maria H.

June 7, 2002
I'm 14 days post-op and still on pureed food. I don't get hungry, but do get head hungry, and I do get full. I had some real ice cream and didn't dump, but did have two very loose movements. You may not dump yet or ever. I know it's going to be hard for me to ignore all the cookies in my house when I'm allowed on solids. Even now I reach for a glass of water when I am tempted. I'm hoping I can let my surgery scar remind me of what I've been through and eat healthier than before.
   — Janis D.

June 7, 2002
Recognize that everyone's pouch size, the opening of their stoma and the rate they heal is different, so just because you can eat more then some people, should not concern you. (I know easier said then done!) My doctor also said there are days you can eat more and days you eat less. I have found that to be true. A lot of people post that question. I did also. I still think I can eat a lot. I also did not get full for at least over eight weeks (wasn't hungry either, but head hunger) and I think that is normal. I have never been one that could only just eat a bite or two and be full. Don't knock yourself for going slightly off track. I think must of us do.
   — Lisa N M.

June 8, 2002
May I ask what cream horn is??? lol
   — Kelly M.

June 8, 2002
I also would like to know what a creme horn is.And I just wanted to say that I was very offended by a statement that was made in a descrpition of the creme horn by another poster.The statement said that a creme horn was a nasty piece of pastry eaten by white people that live in trailors,mostly in the south.Maybe it's just me,but that seemed very degrading.This site is soposed to be for support,not to make people feel uncomfortable,am I right,please email me.......
   — kim M.

June 9, 2002
Pre-op my surgeon told me that 5 to 10% of RNY patients do not experience dumping. He said that no one knows why, and no one can predict who will and who won't dump. I dump on sugar and on high fat content. How sweet was the cream horn? Perhaps you will still dump on richer foods.
   — Kathy J.