I had my sleeve on Dec 31, 2015. I know I am not that far out but I have hit the WTH (what the heck) have I done moment! I have a few questions: Will I ever be able to eat again? More that 2 oz at a time? Will I ever be able to have rice or 1 single slice of pizza? I know this is a tool for weight loss, but my body is fighting back BIG time. Water hurts, premier Protein shakes hurt, Jello hurts. I am living off ice, Popsicles, protein shots and a few spoonfuls of warm broth at a time. I want an egg, or cottage cheese or to be able to sip on some water or tea. I want to be able to eat more that 3 spoonfuls of broth. I want to eat a salad or a cucumber...... I pictured my pouch to being the size of a banana not an small egg. I may sound like a complainer but I am truly hungry for just about anything at this point. Does this go away? Does it get better or have I made a huge mistake?

Edited January 16, 201610 yr by 2016newmesf

At two weeks, I was just starting purees and 1/3 of a cup felt like a gallon. Yes, it does get better. By the time I was at six weeks I was up 1/2 cup food with no problem. Your tummy is still healing from being brutalized.

I would hold off on rice for a while for these reasons:

Foods with little bits can get lodges in your staple line and cause complications.

Starchy foods take up tummy real estate that is needed for what little Protein and veggies you can eat.

Starchy carbs can slow your roll and interfere with your weight loss.

I tested tolerance for pizza at six weeks, but without the crust. I ate the contents of one slice.

Just make sure that everything you put in your mouth has some nutritive value.

Be patient. It takes a while to heal.

Thanks for the reply!! I know I can't have rice anytime soon, I was just wondering if ever

Your tummy is super swollen right now so what you are experiencing is normal. I was on fluids for 3 weeks and I couldn't tolerate plain Water, lactose OR artificial sweeteners....they all hurt like hell. I lived on diluted fruit juice, pedialyte, broth and pureed/strained Soups with unflavored Protein powder added and best of all decaf herbal tea. Warm liquids went down better and camomile was very soothing on my poor beat up sleeve. The soups gave me a huge variety to choose from so I didn't get bored. I went through dozens of different Protein shakes and used Torani syrups and pureed fruit to give even more variety.

Once on pureed and then soft foods I could only eat 1-2 tablespoons every few hours. I hated eating and drinking...such a chore. But by 4 months all my intolerances were gone and I actually enjoyed eating again. By 6 months I Was eating and enjoying tiny plates of real meals. My sleeve volume doubled between 6 and 12 months. Now I can eat anything I want and it's my head controlling portions at this point. Be careful what you wish for....Believe me, I'd love to go back to the days that I would be full on 2 tablespoons.

Good luck!

Instead of rice, you could try riced cauliflower. They sell frozen 12 oz bags of it at Trader Joe's for only a couple bucks. I didn't think I would like it at all (and I'm not eating yet postop) but I was pleasantly surprised to find that when it's topped with my homemade chop suey, you can pretty easily convince yourself it's the real thing. You can also make your own with a grater or food processor, but cheap as it as, I'll pay to have it prepared. I plan on using it to make mini stuffed peppers using those sweet baby bells, just in smaller quantity so I get my Protein.

my body is fighting back BIG time.....

Does this go away? Does it get better or have I made a huge mistake?

Not your body it is in the head....you must get to thinking that it will never be like it was, before surgery.

Your mind needs to understand that you are in control & now you can only take on board small amounts of food BUT you will feel great/satisfied.

My food tastes changed so as to be nearly reversed. Stuff I really liked are no longer on the menu & other things I didn't like are right up there.

Only you [& your thinking] can make it better & if not coping, have your surgeon refer you to a psych for a session or two.

I'm pretty sure not being able to eat or drink anything is not in my head. I'm not wanting to eat a slice of pizza or eat poorly, I was simply asking if I'll ever be able to eat anything again. I'm living off ice & a few bites of broth here & there. 15 days out & I should be able to handle soup or puréed food by now, anything is better than nothing. Starving my body was not what I had planned on. I would like to get in the recommended amount of protein & fluids the proper way, not just through ice chips. I do not appriciate being told its all in my head!

Have you considered the title of your thread is misleading? You asked the questions below then get bent out of shape by a robust, down to earth reply.

Don't go asking questions like "have I made a huge mistake" because there won't be many on here who are going to answer yes, that's for sure

POST OP (6 + months) Questions

Will I ever be able to have rice or 1 single slice of pizza? Does this go away? Does it get better or have I made a huge mistake?

If you can't eat or drink as you are supposed to be doing NOW, then talk to the professionals who you employed to operate & should currently be looking after & treating you properly.

Edited January 16, 201610 yr by rastus

Of course you will able to eat again at some point. At some point food would be enjoyable otherwise this surgery wouldn't be as popular.

You are only like 3 weeks out. I was still on liquids at that point. I am now 9 months out and can eat whatever I want (if I wanted to), just obviously in smaller quantities that pre-surgery. But the smaller quantities are why I've lost over 100lbs.

You just need to stick with the program. Drink your Protein and keep your eye on the prize. You are in the crappy part. It will get better soon. And in a year you will barely remember it being so bad.

I am 7 mos out and I can eat anything. Don't worry. You'll have everything you like again, just smaller portions. I've reached my goal weight and have a few bites of everything and I am totally satisfied! You'll do it. Good luck.

Have you tried avocado? Avocado with a little lime has helped me so much! I'm a little over 4 weeks and things that I have tried that has helped me and my NUT said was fine. But make sure to check with yours first

Avocado

Vitamin Water

Propel

Fairlife milk

Popsicles

Mashed potatoes and gravy

(I try not to eat to much because of the high carbs but my surgeon said it was a good way to change from puréed food to soft)

Also pinto Beans and cheese from Taco Bell ???? (I know I'm gonna get a lot of crap for that one) BUT it helps me fee like I'm able to eat "real" food lol.

But anytime something upset my sleeve I go back to avocado! For a little bit.

A little lemon in my water helped me drink a lot more

I couldn't stomach Protein shakes for some reason so the fairlife milk helped so much!

So fairlife milk is my source of protein for the most part besides I "try" to eat an egg in the morning.

Don't be afraid to try and ad moisture to your food also like a little gravy milk light sour cream or light mayo. Maybe the foods are to dry and that upsets your tummy..

Right now it's a learning game. I am so overwhelmed by protein intake. I know I'm not meeting it. But we will get there! Hang in there! Hope your doing better.

I totally understand your pain. I had the sleeve done on 1/4. This is the hard stage. I am so glad you asked this question and for all of the replies. I was wondering the same thing.