I had my surgery 4-24-12. Since then I did the week of clear liquids. Then last Monday I was told to start my protein shakes (3a day). That didnt work too well... Made me very nauseous. So I haven't really been drinking them. In addition my vitamins make me instantly nauseous so I haven't been so good with those. I am currently trying to find other options. My nut said I can hav some egg whites, cooked veggies, applesauce and some cheese.

But the main reason I'm writing is because I feel scared and have some anxiety.... Am I ever going to feel "normal" again and not be afraid to eat food and get enough nutrients in

I guess I'm looking for someone who is a few months out that went through a stage of doubt and fear after surgery... How long did that last? How do you feel now?

Thank you

That is totally normal! Yes, you will feel normal again. I went through those feelings and every day gets easier!

Ok first, you are totally "normal"! I got thru post op by being in the hospital. Ugh.. yes, I had a leak and an abscess. It totally sucked arse. I was in the hospital 20ish days of the 31 days of March.

I was super nervous going thru the food phases, back to solids. Try different things and go back and try the protein drinks in a few days. Your body is changing and it'll surprise you how it reacts one day, then a few days later, it's different.

Be patient and kind to yourself. But yes, we've all been there I'm purty certain!

I felt the same way, until about week 4 or 5, then the anxiety lifted. I have tiny theory that the Protonix may have made my anxiety worse, it also made me stall, but I think it was good to have used it anyway.

Hang in there; there are many chemical changes because of the changes in caloric intake, types of food consumed, and general frustration for the affirmative actions necessary to do the things we formerly took for granted. I don't know about you, but this is the first time in my life I have affirmatively thought about what I was eating, rather than obsessive or mindless eating. It's a drastic change, but it does get better.

I am 9 weeks out now and some of these habits are becoming second nature now. But it has taken lots of effort over those 9 weeks, and I have LOTS more effort to go!

I just hit 5 months. YOU just gotta do it. I remember feeling depressed sometimes thinking im never going to eat normal foods again... BUt after 2 months I was eating NORMAL food. My DR had a different plan then others though. At about 6-8 weeks he didn't really limit me at all. He just said if it doesn't feel good to eat it then don't...lol HE said I will know my own body. I LOVED that cause looking at the stupid lists made me sad and now I had the ability to eat what I want

( which isn't good if you don't have self control eating bad things).... BUT it gets better you just have to deal with it and realize that this too shall pass.. :-)

You get through it. Live in the moment and embrace the pain... It will pretty much be the only hardship in your fight to lose weight. Then a year from now you will be trying hard to remember what you went through.

June 13,I think you are right. Thx

Those first few weeks of post-op are hell. If you're having problems with nausea, move back down to clear liquids for a bit. Maybe your stomach is not ready yet for anything heavier.

I will say that at eight weeks out I'm finally starting to feel normal. My recovery has been a little longer due to various issues and complications post-op. I can tell you that once you start eating "real" food again you'll feel so much better. Just hang in there.