My only fear beyond surgical complications....

[KeeWee 470]

I am not here to put fear in anyone else but I learned something this week that is scaring the crap out of me. My husband says to me, "well, if we ever get stranded at least you will outlive us since you can eat so much less"..well, that thought had me thinking of what I know about our organs. I know that if you don't eat, your stomach will shrink and without Water, it will shrink and shrivel up which is why the nutritionists is involved in this process. We need to know what to eat to nourish the obstructed organ and how much water will keep it moist and healthy.

So my concern came in when I read a story about a girl who had to have emergency surgery to open her stomach up because while she was sick with the flu, she was unable to eat for a few days and became extremely sick and lethargic. She later learned that her stomach had completely closed up on her since she hadn't eaten and couldn't even hold down liquids.< /p>

My fear came in when I thought about that earlier discussed "stranded scenario" and I realized, with most of our stomachs already gone, our chances may not be so good in that situation. I may actually be okay if the problem was portioning the remaining food but I realized if there was a lack of food at any time, I would be in serious trouble.

I need to make sure to prepare for any snow storms and really keep food on hand at all times. This is pretty scary, please follow your diets people!!! Has anyone experience anything so outrageous??

[Fluffnomore 1,235]

Is it likely you would get stranded? (I mean, seriously now…do you live in an area like this?) If yes, by all means put together an emergency kit and have bottled Water and some portable, long-lasting food.

If not, try not to freak yourself out with what might happen. It's highly unlikely you'd ever encounter this scenario.

[magtart 603]

I'm just happy that when I lose weight I will be able to run from the zombies when the zombie apocalypse comes.

[woo woo 872]

As a previous poster said, unless you actually live or spend time in very remote areas, we can probably safely say this is an irrational fear.

I suffer from these types of fears sometimes so there is no judgment!

The best thing to do if the thought of this is really frightening you, is to engage in a conversation with yourself about it -- say to yourself things like, "I am perfectly safe. I live in a place/country where food and Water are very easily accessable at all times." etc..

Also, if it helps you feel less anxious about it, go ahead and stock some supplies for your home, just in case. Extra cases of Water, canned goods etc.. Couldn't hurt.

Hope this helps a little.

Edited November 6, 2013 by woo woo

[clk 3,519]

I have never once heard anything even remotely verifiable about what you're freaking yourself out about.

I'm pretty sure you'll be fine. Stay healthy, use sense and even when you're sick, remember to stay hydrated!

~Cheri

[1SuperBonBon 221]

Myth or Fact: If you cut down on your food intake, you'll eventually shrink your stomach so you won't be as hungry.

Answer: Myth. Once you are an adult, your stomach pretty much remains the same size -- unless you have surgery to intentionally make it smaller. Eating less won't shrink your stomach, says Moyad, but it can help to reset your "appetite thermostat" so you won't feel as hungry, and it may be easier to stick with your eating plan.

http://women.webmd.com/pharmacist-11/stomach-problems

There you go. I think you are safe

[RickM 1,747]

Think in terms of those who have the RNY gastric bypass, where the entire stomach is bypassed and set aside inactive. The stomach may atrophy over the years such that it is no longer viable, but that is over many years - people have the bypass reversed or revised to a sleeve or DS after several years and that stomach is entirely usable again.

[KeeWee 470]

You guys are right. This is not a rational fear for my daily life. I should have mentioned that this scenario was only brought up after watching the movie ALIVE. That movie is based on a true story and I'm sure none of those people on the plane expected to be in that life or death situation but yet...they were. It was just a thought...the young lady never thought it could happen to her either but it did. So the possibility just made me freak a tiny bit...

[clk 3,519]

Hey, don't feel bad. I still avoid storm drains and clowns because of the movie "It."

I'd worry more about how you're going to build a better relationship with food and work your sleeve to reach your goals and stay there. Those are the real challenges all of us face post op.

~Cheri