I Had my LB surgery on Wednesday 8/9. I have not felt hungry...only thirsty. I am concentrating on the Water and the Protein shakes. Is my loss of appetite due to the stoma? when will it return? I feel like a failure because I can't eat the three meals the dietician typed out for me.

Also, how fast or slow should I be drinking the water. Like how long should it be before I finish a cup of water? Please help anyone.:help::help:

You're okay. Your brand new. Once your swelling goes down 1-3 weeks you will notice a difference.

Hi again, Nellie :-)

I've heard that hunger can stay away for months, or can come back much sooner. I think because we're still very early in the pre-op phase, concentrating on getting liquids in is our main concern. I'm sure I'm dehydrated because I'm just not interested in putting anything at all in my stomach, but I'm working on it.

I was also curious about how quickly to be drinking the Water. I'm just sipping slowly -- it takes me hours to get through a glass :-) But again, we're so early in the process that our tummies need time to heal. Be patient with yourself - treat yourself like you would your best friend if she had just had surgery.

I'm sending you lots of hugs & kisses!

You are NOT a failure! Girl, you were banded 3!!!!!!!! days ago! There is NO way you shoudl be able to eat the 3 meals just yet. If they are liquid protien shakes and broths and Jello, etc, just eat/drink what you are able to. Your journey is YOURS. Not the dieticians. Listen to your body. If you need calories, get them in as best you can with your protien shakes. Egg Drop Soup from the Chinese take-out is another great food. Feeling blue and tired and questioning yourself is normal. Fresh from surgery, anesthesia, and lack of calories all contribute to that.

You should be drinking as much as you can as slowly as you can. A sip should not cause any discomfort. If it does, take smaller, less frequent sips.

I was super tight after surgery (went to the ER at 1 week post-op for IV fluids, I was so tight-this is not normal, but it happens)) and I was taking a sip and swallowing that sip in 2-3 swallows, just enough to coat my throat. I'd imagine you should be drinking a few ounces every hour or so. Let your body be your guide. You'll know if it's too fast (it will hurt in the middle of your chest) and then you whoudl slow down in quantity and rate.

No more of this failure talk, okay? (((((HUGS))))

You are definately not a failure! I was really swollen post-op and so I felt no hunger for the first week...none at all! Now I miss it. Ha Ha. Everyone seems different...some are hungry immediately post op and others report never really being too hungry ever. Think of it as a surprise...you don't know which way you'll be yet!