MomBee

I was just thinking this today. I'm about a month post op and everything has gone smoothly. I had pain the first few days after surgery, then it just went away. I've been able to get my Protein and Water in no problem, and so far I've tolerated all the food I have tried. I'm so thankful I'm off to a good start!

I was just thinking this today. I'm about a month post op and everything has gone smoothly. I had pain the first few days after surgery, then it just went away. I've been able to get my Protein and Water in no problem, and so far I've tolerated all the food I have tried. I'm so thankful I'm off to a good start!

Maybe it's from being fat my whole life, but I never think to comment on people's bodies. That is so strange to me. Some people have no tact. As far as family goes, they are probably used to seeing you bigger. In fact they are probably used to seeing bigger people in general. Most of the population is at least somewhat overweight. So when They see someone at a smaller weight they automatically think *sick*.

I have to tell you I've tried several times to reply and gave up because it's so easy to screw up when trying to help with such issues. I am offering this in an attempt to be helpful so if I do so in a clumsy or apparently insensitive way trust that it is not my intent. Fools rush in where wise men fear to tread...
First of all, it WILL get better. You will make it better.
Let's consider hunger. So much can go into a feeling of hunger. Let's see if we can spark some ideas, or at worst, rule out some bad ones:
1) I dare say that feeling hungry 1/2 hour after eating is likely not your body crying out for food to stave off starvation. Though, after months of draconian diets it wouldn't be a crazy idea that you very well may be on the verge of starvation. If your meals of 1/2 hour are preventing you from eating enough you very well may be on the verge of starvation;
2) We didn't get to being morbidly (or worse) obesity by our good eating habits. We have years of bad habits that have become normal. These habits build expectations both mentally and physically. Simply, these bad habits are associated with satiation. Now, we can't eat to the level our habits require and our bodies expect;
3) In addition to volume we also went straight to our "comfort foods" which as the name suggests comforted us. We perhaps each derived different comforts from such foods. In point of fact we probably had different foods for different purposes and perhaps even different rituals involved;
The solutions for all of these things are things we've probably heard in relation to many of our failed diet plans in the past, but they are correct. It's about building new, good habits. Some of the rules we are given are intended to help with the new habits. Critically, it takes time to make the new habits replace the old habits.
1) For the new (good) habits to replace the old (bad) habits requires strict compliance. For a time, even small violations will cause learning the new habits to be that little bit harder, and take that little bit longer. Stay focused on the plan and the prize;
2) The mechanics of eating are a learning process. The "No eating longer than 1/2 hour" rule is to prevent you from learning to graze. My Doc had the same rule. Really, it is a guideline, because if you aren't getting enough to eat consistently, you are starving yourself, and no wonder you feel hungry if you aren't eating but a fractional part of your requirements. I couldn't get enough down in 1/2 in the first 2 months, so I set a minimum volume I need to eat, and I ate that even if it took longer than 1/2 hour. Work to improve every meal.
3) The idea that no one call tell you how much to eat is, frankly, ridiculous. Having a well defined plan is, in my not so humble opinion, is critical to success. If your team has only given you do's and don'ts then use those to create a well defined plan. My teams plan was simple and from what I've seen would work with most every other plan. 3 meals per day, each of 3oz Protein + 1oz veggies, no white carbs. I counted calories, protein, and carbs and it turns out to be correct for what most plans look for. So, define your meal plan if your team won't; Your food CAN be enjoyable. Don't go overboard on super healthy, super protein, super whatever, especially if it's not appetizing and sustainable. You are NOT on a diet, but creating your new normal. Stick with it.
4) Drinking: 64oz is usually a number surgeons quote when they quote a number. The whole idea of 64oz was created out of thin air there is no science to support it. Science supports allowing thirst to guide your drinking. Too much can throw electrolytes out of balance and even if it's 1/2 hour after eating it will still wash everything through. If you are not drinking enough then more Water may be better, once you are drinking enough, more is not necessarily better.
5) It might not be a bad idea to get a counselor's help. I would focus on habits and triggers rather than history, but that's me.
6) Another thing that may help is distraction. Rather than sitting focusing on how hungry and miserable you are, find something into which you can put your focus. books, video games, whatever. Even :gulp: walking around, going to a mall. Again, whatever makes you happy.
Success breeds success. Hopefully, the longer to do it right the easier it will become.
If it's not working, try different approaches, different choices, but stay within your guidelines. You will eventually hit on something that works for you.
You are almost through the hard part.
Good luck,
Tek

Do you happen to take a PPI? They can aid in the depletion of magnesium.

Thank you for the breakdown. It's nice to have an idea of what to expect.

Do you happen to take a PPI? They can aid in the depletion of magnesium.