As of Monday the 16th, I'll be 5 weeks post-op, but I don't feel like I am. So far, I can manage only about an ounce and a half of solid food, so I am still on 2 shakes per day to reach 60g of Protein. I don't know if this is normal or not, and I'm getting impatient with the healing process. I found out my anxiety meds aren't absorbing as they should so my primary changed them up, and I'm hoping that helps. Yesterday morning bore witness to a panic attack, as my brain took a perceived protein deficiency and sent it through a positive feedback loop. Eventually, I was convinced that I would be on Protein Shakes for life, and I would never again taste real food. I know everyone heals at their own rate, but I'm always reading on the message boards about how painless and swift recovery is. I don't think I'm there yet, and I'm worried I may never will be.

Are there any other slow healers out there? How are things for you now? How long did it take before you could get enough protein without having to rely on the shakes as your primary source?

Every plan is different I didn't start soft foods until 28 days or 4 weeks post op, and I could only eat about 2 ounces of Beans or deli meat. So I was about in the same place you are, I only had 1 shake a day and got everything I needed.

Just stick with it, if your body isn't ready go back to the previous phase. I promise sooner than you think you will be chewing food and enjoying days without needing a Protein shake!

I agree relax and go with the flow!! Soon enough you will be eating solid food and ALL foods. 6 months to a year is a very small amount of time compared to the rest of your life. Enjoy this phase and the amazing weight loss that comes with it.

I too am a slow healer. I am 5 weeks post op and cant eat any solid food. I have a bit of a different problem in that anything I eat just sits there and doesnt move. I have not been able to get protein down myself.

You are right, we all heal at different rates and I would say just be patient and you will see that slowly but surely you will be back to eating in no time. NOT like before, but better after the surgery. Good luck!

As of Monday the 16th, I'll be 5 weeks post-op, but I don't feel like I am. So far, I can manage only about an ounce and a half of solid food, so I am still on 2 shakes per day to reach 60g of Protein. I don't know if this is normal or not, and I'm getting impatient with the healing process. I found out my anxiety meds aren't absorbing as they should so my primary changed them up, and I'm hoping that helps. Yesterday morning bore witness to a panic attack, as my brain took a perceived protein deficiency and sent it through a positive feedback loop. Eventually, I was convinced that I would be on protein shakes for life, and I would never again taste real food. I know everyone heals at their own rate, but I'm always reading on the message boards about how painless and swift recovery is. I don't think I'm there yet, and I'm worried I may never will be.

Are there any other slow healers out there? How are things for you now? How long did it take before you could get enough protein without having to rely on the shakes as your primary source?

Wow! I can hear your inner dialogue gnawing away at you! Sounds like panic poetry. Slow down (take some magnesium) and cultivate calm. Yoga, meditation, read a book that isn't about food or wls, breathe deep and remember, nothing is forever, not even protein shakes which I still have to drink in order to meet my needs.

Thanks very much for the words of experience. Knowing what to expect helps to arm me against anxiety, and I was feeling a bit disarmed. I have my 1 month follow-up with my surgeron on Tuesday and I plan on being rational at that point.

And ElyQuint- you hit the nail on the head. I'm a pretty introverted person, and I tend to internalize my issues which gives them chance to grow. I'm glad I spoke (or wrote) up this time.