Post op day 3 and struggling

[skinnyrita 188]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and I should probably introduce myself. I was sleeved on May 14,2015 at the suggestion of my cardiologist. I've been fighting with high, uncontrolled blood pressure for over a year and in the hospital twice. I hated being on the meds and it seemed nothing was really working for me, so my Dr. Asked me if I'd thought about the sleeve. It took over 8 months to get approved and now I'm one week post op. Pre surgery weight was 225, day of surgery weight was 216, and today I weighed in at 202, so I

m almost jumping for joy ( except it hurts too much).

I want to encourage all of us sleevers, that having WLS is not the easy way out- far from it! In addition to jumping through the dietary hoops, the ignorance of some unafflicated with obesity about the surgery, we are also giving up a way of coping, which was previously with food.

food surrounds almost every occasion I can think of, and it is in our faces constantly. After surgery, I was not prepared for my enormous head hunger, although I had been warned about it. I kept having thoughts about "real food" although I don't feel hungry, it became obvious that I emotionally miss food, the rituals surrounding it, and how it punctuates the different moments of my life. To me, it feels like grieving over the loss of a friend.

I had to turn my attention to other things, in order to distract the negative thoughts. Ive been journaling a bit, found this forum, reading and reorganizing my kitchen around my new lifestyle. After all we will be able to eat good nutritious food at some point!

I'm preparing for the times when I want something Italian by looking into lighter versions of what I used to prepare, I

m thinking about how I will face the times when people want me to join them in a food celebration and what it will take to successfully navigate that situation. I'm planning my exercise program which will help me maintain what the sleeve is going to give me - which is my health back.

Speaking for me personally, I let food have way too much of my life to the point where my future health was in jeopardy and I had to make a decision to change or not to have a choice at some point. So now I have the additional task of changing my codependent relationship with food into one of less importance, and less time, I know we will all have these challenges, but that's what is so great about a support forum- your friends, fellow sleevers, are there to cheer you on and support you through both the successes and disappointments and for assurance that we made a bold and brave choice for health.

[larlar 19]

Everyone goes through this...i did too because I wanted to eat what I wanted. You just learn to think differently now and you can stop focusing on food. I am trying to plan my food the day before trying to eat more often and choosing high Protein no sugar no carbs. After this month you will be able to eat a little of whatever you want but this month try to learn better food choices drink more Water and take vitamins! You will look and feel great in about six weeks...you can and will do it!'

[agalindo17 331]

Had my surgery 3/23/15 and man did I started to regret it 3 days after just like u crying and asking why did I do this to my self I should've just diet and not been cut... My boyfriend said hey u just had mayor surgery anesthesia still in ur system messing with ur hormones just give it a few days and u will be ok ... And yes now I'm Happy I did it is not easy but I'm happy with the results so far... Just keep ur head up it will pass... Good luck!!

[larlar 19]

On the third day I cried because my husband had home fries and I had broth...

[Babbs 14,680]

On the third day I cried because my husband had home fries and I had broth...

I did the same thing, lol! Except he was eating an Egg Mcmuffin and I was having broth.

[larlar 19]

Lol...see you are not alone lol

[Bonawanabfree 280]

@A little less 4 now on

I went through an emotional break down about a month ago because I wanted to eat a whole plate of food but over time you will get used to it. Promise.

[mallen1895 108]

Today was the day for me. I was an emotional roller coaster. I'm 9 days post-op. I'm dying to eat a regular meal . Then I decided I need to read a few encouraging words from people who are dealing with the same issues. This has really helped .

[ssourgirl 151]

My daughter went through the exact same thing as have many people who have posted on here. I wish surgeons gave more of a warning of this. It's a very real emotional trauma that they should warn you about. I've read it could be the endocrine hormones but whatever it is, it's terrible. You'll come out of this and realize you made the right decision. You've just had major surgery. Hang in there!

[Countessjessless 0]

I'm 6 weeks out, and up until 4 weeks ago, I could have written most of the posts in this thread! I had the same kind of thoughts especially while in the liquid phases of post-op. I even had the, "what have I done?" moments. I cried a few times as my family enjoyed all the things I could no longer eat. Then, I cried because I felt so ridiculous about crying about not being able to eat. Participating in the forums really helped get me through it.

Now that I'm a few weeks further along, things are much more bearable. I have quite a few more choices, and have become more accustomed to my new sleeve. It's still a little tricky, but not as challenging as those first few weeks. It does get better and from what I've read, it continues to do so. Hang in there, and I'll do the same.

[Nikasio 59]

@ A little less 4 now on So far from the posts I've read, it gets better. The post-VSG blues are normal. Once you get to the point where you are exercising, supplementing and progressing on the liquid diet you will start to feel better. I am only 4 weeks out from having the VSG and have gradually been feeling better. I too am wondering about that pouch brain disconnect about hunger. Others have reassured me that the conditioning improves over time and with proper Protein and Water intake. Walked by my nemesis KFC today and did not feel a need to check out the menu.

[jane13 2,256]

@A little less 4 now on - I am only a few days ahead of you and once you can eat something besides liquid you will feel a bit more "normal". your old normal is gone and now you have to adjust to your new tummy. Hang in there little brother

@@Dreamer33 - I think a lot of us have doubt but I think it isn't really doubting why we did the surgery but why we couldn't do lose weight on our own (minus bariatric surgery). I know I couldn't - tired of feeling like I was going to get BIGGER and I thought I was a stronger person than that somehow, some way I could beat the weight issue. Nope. Kind of like accepting defeat :/ So I decided to get professional help, Dr. Miro Uchal

[larlar 19]

Yes I think in time my head will realize that food isn't my friend anymore. I still want it too but everytime I eat...I either eat too fast/then sick...too much/then sick. Sometimes I feel like it isn't even worth it to flipping eat!