So I am 9 days post op and I am craving food, even just a taste of something and I know that's bad but some days are worse than others. Has anyone here ever cheated post surgery? Please help me!

Not even a morsel!! I was so afraid I would do something to myself I was on 4 weeks of protein drinks. It really wasn't hard for me I think I had the fear in me. LOL Even when I was oked to eat soft foods I was so scared. The one thing during my 4 weeks that my PA told me if you can blend it you can have it. I took a very small bite of watermellon, it gave me "The back door trots" it had so much acid it burned my bottom.

If you are having cravings, it's definitely not real hunger...it's head hunger. True hunger isn't associated with food cravings, whereas head hunger is.

Sure, you could definitely cheat after a few days post-op. However, the consequences (busted staple line, potential of plateauing or regaining) aren't really worth it.

Make sure you are taking an antacid every day, it helps with the hunger. Then enjoy a delicious protein shake! I promise, in the long run you will be happy you didn't give in after 9 days. You can do this!

The "head hunger" is the worst for the first few weeks postop. Once you're eating real food again, it does get better. You do have to work through the head game (don't just avoid it.. actually take the time to think yourself through it).. and take your diet week by week, and pretty soon you'll be on the other side, and able to taste that pizza or ice cream again. (And might be surprised to find that it isn't as good as it used to be!).

How I worked through the cravings.. I would see a food that I wanted, and I would just sit there and stare at it. While I was staring, my mind would work through the memory of what that food tasted like, it's texture, etc. Then I would imagine my current size, and the size I wanted to be, and all the health complications that come from consuming those types of foods, etc. I would stay with it until I felt relieved of the pressure to eat it, and then I would go on about my day.

When a family member would see me staring at that pie, so intently, they would think I was really miserable.. but I was allowing myself to go through the process. And you know what? I only had to do that a dozen or so times, and I didn't have those cravings so much anymore. I'm SURE that if I just simply ran and hid, and avoided the pie, that I'd still be here, trying to avoid looking at pie 4 months later. I can look at pie just fine (most of the time). If I'm ACTUALLY hungry, then I have to fight with the pie concept (a little), and go get something real to eat.

When I get hunger pangs even when I'm not hungry I make a small protein shake and get outside and take a walk or get some fresh air