Im 2 weeks post op and on stage 3 of my diet so upgraded to soft reduced fat cheeses and eggs. last week I upgraded from liquid diet ro pureed beans and soups. I then tried refried beans and cream of chicken soup and gagged on both. I tried eggs today and it didnt make me gag but it just didnt taste good. I WANT MEAT!!!!! In 2 weeks I'm able to upgrade to shaved deli meats and fish so im excited about that but i feel like its going to take forever!!!!

First of all, big props staying on your plan despite the cravings. Great job. Pre-op (the worst for me) and first 6 wks post-op diet is definitely challenging!

At that stage I really liked string cheese, hummus with homemade cheese crisps, Greek yogurt with a high quality cocoa powder and other flavors like with blended fruit, chili... Etc. I hope you will find something that you will enjoy soon. Many on this site have much better ideas than myself for this stage. I'm sure they will share them.

You know one day in the not to distant future you’ll look back & wish you still weren’t interested in eating & weren’t hungry. Because when your appetite & real hunger comes back is when the battle truely begins. This is only for a few weeks, not forever. And it is in place to protect your healing tummy (about 12inches of sutures & staples holding it together) & support your recovery. Yes it can be difficult to find things to eat that your tummy will tolerate or taste okay. It can be a lot of trial & error. I tossed a few meals out before I found foods I could eat & enjoy. And don’t avoid foods you are allowed to eat because you didn’t like them before. Often with the temporary change to our taste buds &/or smell, foods we never liked suddenly are super tasty & vice versa.

Wanting meat or any other specific foods, flavour or texture is head hunger not real hunger. It will be being driven by your emotions at the moment and you are craving certain foods etc. to comfort yourself. Look for other things to comfort or distract you. Go for a walk, ring a friend or family member, craft, watch your favourite movie or tv show or re read your favourite book, garden, have a warm/hot drink, cuddle with your loved one (children, partner or pet), etc.

You’ll get through this.