Ok. So I know that by posting this, I'm opening myself up to lots of backlash and criticism... But i will still go ahead with this post because I really do need words of advice, wisdom...

I am 2 weeks out from surgery. I knew very clearly that surgery will not be the magic pill. I knew I would have to work very hard making good food choices, eating slowly, and eating the right amount. But... I have frequently been making bad food choices and forgetting to eat slowly. Each time this happens I deal with lots of pain and sometimes vomit. I feel that there is a disconnect between my brain and my mouth. I know what I'm supposed to be doing. I know this is the only way to succeed post vsg , but I am still having a hard time putting it into practice...

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One thing that helps me to eat slower is my IPad ...lol....take a bite...chew chew chew...play a game or read the forums for a bit then repeat [emoji15][emoji106]

Our stomachs take a while to heal. Surgeons put us on food plans to phase different food in so we won't cause the stomach to have to work to digest too hard while it is healing. Even if you dont throw up, you can be doing harm to yourself. It really can be serious, even life threatening. Ask yourself if it is worth risking a leak before you consider making a poor choice again.

The fact that you are aware and asked for real feedback is a big step in the right direction. You can do this.

^^^^^ This

More people need to understand that the post op diet is for your safety and to reduce complications. It is dangerous to eat off plan during the healing stage. As @@suzzzzz said - you can cause life threatening complications. We are not trying to make you feel bad - we are just concerned for your (and others) health.

Did your doctor put you on a liquids only pre op diet? I found it made a huge difference in my ability to adapt to new eating habits post op. The pre op diet was kind of like a detox period. Made it much easier post op.

Edited July 26, 201610 yr by SilentBotts

Yes, but had a very difficult time following that too. I think i have to explore my eating issues more...????

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To help with eating too fast, the baritastic app has a timer for how long you should chew, it's a great tool to help you relearn. Also like many have said, therapy. No one is a lost cause but food is a serious emotional blanket and when we take that away we are left with the real issues and those must be dealt with. Good luck to you, you're not alone.

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Eating slowly takes practice. I learned to do it early on because not eat slowly hurt. It just takes time.

Take a bite, put your fork/food down, wait 30 seconds, take a bite.

In terms of healthy choices, for me, it's much easier to do that at the supermarket by not buying anything I shouldn't have a lot of (or any of), rather than trying to avoid that pie or those chips or have "just a little" once they are in the pantry - never works for me!

Try to look at everything in the supermarket with new eyes and to hunt for foods, maybe new things you haven't tried before, that are healthy and yet you can enjoy as well.

If you cook, as far as recipes, there are a lot of good ones in the Cooking Light series of books and magazines and most of them aren't overly complicated or time-consuming to carry out.

I agree, talking to a trained therapist regarding food disorders is needed, and don't delay. Eating so quickly that you vomit is not safe (which you know) and can cause so many other issues. I wasn't hungry for almost a month after surgery so it was difficult just to get food down. Then, when I was actually hungry I could eat so little. Now 15 months out, I eat often (3 meals, and 3 Snacks a day) but I know when I am full and I stop. I sometimes want to eat more, but I don't dare. The good thing is that you recognize that this is not healthy and are seeking help.

You shouldn't be considering the eating plan for post-op a "diet".....it's a prescription!

Here's what I want you to do. Go to YouTube and watch a few gastric sleeve surgeries. You need to have a very clear picture of what was done to your insides. Just because the little incisions on the outside don't look serious doesn't mean that huge staple line along the length of your stomach is in as good of shape.......Now after watching the surgery then picture what the inside of your stomach looks like......think about why your surgeon prescribed a liquid diet. ....now think of what might happen if little bits of food get stuck in that unhealed staple line............If you had a large incision 6 or 7 inches long on your leg....would you rub anything rough against it?....I bet at most you may use a little Water.

I hope the above helps you to stick with your surgeon's prescribed eating plan. I wish you the best.

Thank you for your reply!