Hey everyone - I had my GB surgery on 9 July and I'm 6 days post-op and on my last day of the clear liquid diet (thankfully!) and noticed the following symptoms:

- Minor sore throat

- Slightly blurry vision (especially up close)

- A weird reverberation or vibration sensation in my upper jaw when and hands I move my head quickly

Did these go away for you? How long did it take?

Also, I’m still craving food badly. I see a Chick-fil-A commercial and it’s torture! I’m sticking to the diet because I know I have to, but I’m wondering — does that craving get better once you start eating real food again?

Thanks for any insight!

Edited July 15, 20251 yr by ChrisTab

Congrats on your surgery. As to your symptoms, I didn’t experience these nor can I recall anyone else here saying experiencing them. It’s not uncommon to have a sore throat or difficulty swallowing the first couple of days after surgery due to swelling from the air tube they insert during surgery.

You may have picked up a bug??? They may have put your jaw out during intubation??? Have you contacted your surgeon? I’d certainly do that.

A lot of the cravings you are feeling now are likely emotional cravings. The surgery is stressful and a lot of emotions can be stirred up (consciously or subconsciously consciously) and your brain tells you to eat to sooth and comfort yourself. Recognising why you may be craving a specific food, flavour or texture is an important learning. Of course understanding the why of it doesn’t stop the craving unfortunately. We always say the surgery changes the digestive system it doesn’t change of brain & thinking. We do get better at managing them but they are always there in some form or another.

Things that can help: Dustraction is a big one. Go for a walk as you are able, play a game, ring a friend or family member, check social media & this forum, read, etc. Sometimes a warm drink can help. If a chick-fil-A ad or other tempting food ads come on change the channel, switch the tv off or walk away for a minute or so.

All the best.

Congrats on the surgery.

I strongly urge you to bring your symptoms up to your team because I have never heard of such a thing.

As far as cravings, you have to remember that you can't unfortunately, and have a bit of willpower. I never had the strong cravings, but I do desire salty foods in my hot US state. I'm drinking a lot too, but do not desire food, I don't get the stomach growling. Sorry. Find a distraction for when those commercials come on, like get on your computer and check email. That craving is called Head Hunger. I recommend you look up Lora Grabow, she is really good with headwork, mindwork, and eating difficulty with bariatric patients. She has worked with us folks since 2003 and had a great following of patients. Or, you can see her in a group through BariNation.mn.co and see her several times a week in that community. Wishing you well.

Yes, check with your doctor about the jaw and light headedness. Please don’t go to strange outside sources you’ve never met and don’t know you. Call your surgery center.

Yes, the cravings do ease up immensely! Sometimes I still get a KFC craving and when I think of what I ate, I wasn’t getting all my protein yet. You’re still in the early days trying to get your liquids and electrolytes and basic protein. Call your real doctor not an internet stranger.

Quick update … I’m on day 10 post op and the 3 symptoms have nearly gone away completely. I have my 2-week appointment next week with my surgeon so I’ll mention it but I feel so much better!

The cravings are still there but I do get full quickly however, staying full, only seems to last like an hour and a half or so. I do think when I start eating more solid food I’ll stay fuller longer vs all the puréed mushy food.

Absolutely true, once you are on real solid foods, you will feel fuller longer. Pureed foods an mushy foods go right through you. Try to drink more fluids while you wait for solid foods, that will help. Can't get enough fluids these days.