WillowAspen

I'm about 5 weeks post-op and struggling to get 64 oz of water in plus 60g protein (60-80 is the goal in my program for right now). I'm curious about other folks who had gastric bypass - how long did it take you to get to your water and protein goals? I can get to 60g protein but only at the cost of my liquids. I feel too full and uncomfortable. I'm supposed to be shifting to soft foods but find that I can't get enough pureed in to stop using shakes. I have an endoscopy scheduled this week to see if there is a stricture but in case there isn't, I'm wondering how others' healing timelines went. Luckily, even though I feel really full, I haven't had any vomiting - but the constipation is real, even though I measure my liquids out and sip constantly. Thanks in advance for your experiences!

Thank you both for sharing your schedules. I've been attempting this kind of a schedule, but it has been really challenging. I had an endoscopy today and found out that I had a stricture between my pouch and intestine - my surgeon said the opening was about the size of a pinhole (hence my inability to get everything in). He did a balloon dilation but said that I will need to do that again a few more times during this healing period. Apparently, I'm healing too quickly and too much. Fingers crossed a few more dilations help this heal to the right size so I can get on a schedule that works. For now - I'm back to two days of liquid and then puree again. (I'm so ready to eat something more solid!).

Unfortunately, in my program, they don't count the shakes as liquid.

Hi Healthy4longerlife: I'm only two weeks post-op but can really appreciate what you are saying about how challenging it is to manage the relationship with food. I was already in therapy prior to surgery (mostly for anxiety but then to help me wade through my feelings and emotions related to having the bypass surgery as well as my relationship with food). I highly recommend exploring therapy as an option. I have no regrets in working with a therapist. For me, my emotional eating is directly related to my anxiety, so having that avenue to work things out is really helpful and then I don't feel like my family has to bare the brunt of my emotional upheavals. I'm a better mom and wife for it. I did OA off and on for many years, and it can also be a helpful place to land - especially if it works well for you to have a group and/or sponsor to be accountable to on a daily/weekly or more basis. Both options require personal work and delving into what is "poking at you" when it comes to using food for more than just nourishing your body. I suspect I will continue to struggle with this aspect of my relationship with food. Self-awareness is key to working through it, and you seem to have that! I'm rooting for you to find the best option for you. The WLS is just a "tool" - we all still have to work on that "head hunger." Here's hoping that there are better ways to quiet that voice inside that says we must eat in order to feel.