Hey all,

As of today, I am officially 1-week post-op but my doctor’s appt is not until Thursday. Until then I am on clear liquids and I came back to work today and was welcomed with a box of cookies! Not to mention somebody’s lunch smells reallly good! Any tips on how to make it through? Even after I see the doctor I’ll still be on protein shakes for an additional week!!!! I’m such a texture person and I miss chewing!!!!

Sounds like a horribly cruel joke. I am going to assume complete ignorance on the person involved. Throw them away it is completely unsafe to even attempt that at 1 week out. Then go find their coffee and pour ex lax in it.

Not going to be easy I am going to take the view you did not tell anyone, Sip your broth eat your popsickles and enjoy the new found you!

You have to kick the head game food addiction so focus on your health and work

LOL @ Brent....it’s exactly what AJ said....this person didn’t know about my surgery.

What on earth are you doing back to work 1 week post-op? My bariatric team would not even consider anything less than 4 weeks out. The reason? Not only the physical healing (you have just had a MAJOR change to your internal structure) but also for the very reason you are now faced with--mental preparedness.

Whatever you do, do not give in to the temptation of eating solid food. You will seriously endanger your health with a risk of leakage along the staple line, not to mention the discomfort caused by a tummy not yet ready to deal with the stresses of solid food.

Is there any way for you to take another week or two off? Disability? FMLA? You really need more time to heal, mentally and physically.

Amboyle728, I think every surgeon is different. My doc usually clears people at their 1 week appt. Even if I was off for 6 months that couldn’t fully prepare me to face 40+ years of bad habits I’ve collected. I went back because sitting around the house would be worse. Also I work in an office that’s literally 4 min from home so I have a short trip if I’m not feeling well. Being around temptation is going to happen no matter when I go back so it’s something I’ll always have to deal with. My issue was more about growing tired of liquids. I refuse to give in though, like everyone else has said, it’s not with it!

1 hour ago, jbeesauntie said:

I refuse to give in though, like everyone else has said, it’s not with it!

Good for you! It is so hard, but so worth it, and you are right, temptation will come regardless. Most of my eating habits are based on "head hunger." It sounds like you have the determination to get through it, though, and that's what will make you a success no matter what "cookies" life throws at you. I just keep reminding myself why I am doing it. I leave sticky notes all over my kitchen to remind me when I am faced with temptations.

Does anybody at work know the reason for the surgery? If so, maybe they can offer some encouragement, especially during the clear liquids phase, which is really the hardest.

It amazes me how different doctors are. My doc won't even let me drive until 2 weeks post op. I don't think I would have had the mental or physical stamina to go back to work after a week. so kudos to you! I was only on clear liquids for 3 days, then onto "full" liquids (cream soups and such). At my two week mark, I'll move on to puree.

Good luck and stay strong!

Thank you! Yes I feel like it’s head hunger for me too but I just keep doing things that entice me on purpose like watching Food Network LOL. I know it sounds crazy but we can’t escape food so I have to learn to live in this world! Only one person at work knows and she’s been very supportive.

I know what you mean about the difference in surgeons. My friend’s doctor told him that he had to do all liquids pre-op, my doc allowed proteins at every meal.

Said this a Million Times her to many FU@K FOOD!