Question:
Surgery 7 weeks ago - Not a Happy Camper Yet
Surgery 7 weeks ago, and having trouble adjusting to food (or lack of). I have never liked any of the foods I must eat now (weight problem therefore). I do not like yogurt, sugar free this and sugar free that. I don't like broiled fish and broiled chicken. Fruits don't do well, veggies don't do well. Don't like eggs, cheese is high fat. All my joy in life is gone. Have so much time on my hands. I miss eating GOOD things. All the good things don't go down right, and those little bitty amounts. Having trouble adjusting here. — Georgia H. (posted on July 31, 2002)
July 31, 2002
Okay so we have eliminated a few items. How about.....tuna, chicken salad,
fish sauteed in butter...shrimp, crab legs, lobster.smoked oysters,
sardines in mustard,..cottage cheeese and jello..Popsicles, fudgesicles the
sugar free kind. It is hard to decide what to eat when we used to eat
everything. I finally have resorted to making it a game. Because I don't
really want anything now. Good luck!! It will get better.
— Mary H.
July 31, 2002
Hang in there! I think it was somewhere between weeks 8-9 before I was
able to adjust to my new tummy and it's dislike for certain foods. I also
felt like my joy in life was gone. But now, at almost 13 weeks I feel
sooooo much better! How about instead of broiled chicken, you try chicken
chili or turkey chili with a little bit of cheese on top? Or how about
shrimp cocktail? How about a bean & cheese burrito? Just some
suggestions. By the way, don't worry as much about the cheese being
fattening...worry more about how many carbs you are taking in. I don't
worry as much about taking in too much fat or counting calories. But I do
religously check the carbs contents. I'm almost 13 weeks post-op and I'm
still in mid-level ketosis. Good luck.
— Jennifer A.
July 31, 2002
I really hated the foods thatI now eat pre-op! I gagged on tuna but now,
14 weeks out, I can't eat enough of it! String cheese is good, protein
bars are good if you find a brand that suits you, how about turkey chili?
I also live off of chicken chili and Morningstar 'meats.' My taste buds
have changed drastically in the past several weeks--I hate fruit, hate
yogurt and prefer good, clean foods! Food is not the major focus of my
life anymore--I have to remind myself to eat which I NEVER thought I'd ever
do! You're still recovering, I bet your taste buds will change soon! I
don't like water now, either, which is weird, but I guzzle Crystal Lite by
the gallon, er, maybe 1/4 gallon over 30 minutes!heehee Hang in there, it
will get easier!
— jenn2002
July 31, 2002
hi. I'm sorry your having a hard time. I agree many of the foods you
mentioned are boring and sound like typical "diet" food. One
thing I have found is TYSON Crispy Chicken Strips. They are frozen and
breaded and can be found in any supermarket i think. 2 strips are about 160
calories, 7 grams of fat, 13 grams protein, and only 10 carbs! They are
delicious! They come previously cooked, all you have to do is heat them up
in the oven or microwave. It tastes like its bad for you, but its really
not that bad for you! There are different varieties of the chicken! And,
yes, cheese is high in fat, but its good protein. I eat cheese everyday,
and have lost 47 pounds in 9 weeks, so its not that bad to eat, cuz its not
like we can eat huge amounts of it. I would def. try the chicken though!
goodluck to you! :)
— Lezlie Y.
July 31, 2002
Nothing tastes good for at least three months. Then by month six everything
will taste good. At least that is the way it was for me. At 7 weeks you are
really still a new post op. It will get better, but it is hell now. Once
foods taste better your weight loss will slow way down. But one thing...
why are you worring about cheese being high in fat?
We don't absorb alot of fat anyway. I ate alot of cheese for the first 3-4
months and I sure lost good. It's high in protein too. I sure would'nt let
something being high in fat bother you. At least not in the first 6 months.
You are going to need some fat anyway.
— Danmark
July 31, 2002
OK, I'm gonna be straight here. I made a commitment to make a permanant
change to my life and subject my body to the risks of surgery. The obesity
was killing me. If this means I can't have big macs and ice cream any
more-good! Because the GOOD things were killing me. This is an opportunity
for you to find joy in healthy things; long walks, working without pain or
exhaustion, vibrant sex, improved self image, control over an addiction,
clothes, social acceptance, and finally letting your body be a vehicle to
explore the world instead of a prison you're confined to. So, if not being
able to have a frozen custard bannana split means I live an additional 20
or 30 years-I find that one heck of a bargin!
— DrQ
July 31, 2002
First a qualifier: I don't know what you're experiencing because I'm
pre-op. But let me say that there are many pre-ops on this website who
would give anything to switch places with you right now. Just giving you a
little perspective. I never forget that WLS is a tool. My brother had RNY
in '99 and lost a lot of weight but I've watched some of it creep back
because he can't avoid fast food (and krispy Kreme donuts!). I wish you
well. I think this process we have to go through from insurance, psych
evals, physical exams, jumping through all of these hoops and adding the
anxiety of a major surgery and healing afterwards....making it past all of
that, we have to do our part to lose the weight and keep it off. If I come
back here post op and complain, I want someone to remind me of my words.
— Jon W.
July 31, 2002
I didn't read the comments left by others, so I may just be repeating here-
Did you not know this was going to be the case before you went through this
surgery? I mean, you had to have been told this and even by some very
strange chance you had not, if you had been on this site pre-op, you should
have known. I don't mean to come down on you, but come on. Did you think
you were going to be the one person who could continue eating the way you
were and lose weight? This is why they do psych evaluations- to ensure that
the patient is fully aware of what they are getting in to. Just seems like
an awful lot to go through if you are so ready to throw in the towel after
such a short time. You seriously need to make an appointment with your
surgeon and go to a support group meeting. You are on the verge of
sabotaging yourself which is such a shame.....I hope things work out for
you.
— karmiausnic
July 31, 2002
I was miserable for FOUR months after surgery. I HAD the psych eval,
nutritional sessions, counseling -- I was still miserable because I could
not eat w/o fear & trembling and I missed my ex-best friend
"FOOD." The GOOD NEWS: After ONLY four months -- and think
about what a tiny part of our lives 4 months actually is -- I could eat,
exercise, enjoy life again. Eating to live, not living to eat. My heart
goes out to you -- I can remember even PRAYING that God would miraculously
reverse the operation. Thank Him He has a sense of humor and, most
importantly, He knows what is BEST for us. A miracle occurred, but a MUCH
better one: I've lost 132 pounds since 9/28/01, I RUN upstairs now, I've
gone from a size 26/28 to a size 12, BUT THE BEST PART is I truly enjoy
life now. Savoring moments the way I used to savor peanut butter fudge --
But my blood pressure is normal, my blood sugars are normal, I sleep
without fear of not waking, etc etc etc! HANG IN THERE -- We're all on
your side and we've all been there. IT DOES GET BETTER!! Just not
TOMORROW -- And we're all different time-wise. My husband was the
PosterBoy from Day One so my four months seemed like agony. I hope this
has helped -- I would have lost hope if not for the WLS website friends who
took a moment to encourage me. God bless you, dear one! CJ
— cjtich
July 31, 2002
Georgia, I feel for you cause I know exactly how you feel. I had my surgery
Jan. 9th and had complications which kept me in the hospital for a month.
When I came home, it took me another 2 months to feel half way normal
again. Talk about someone regretting the surgery! As for food, there wasn't
anything out there that I liked either. When I did find something, I ate it
till I was so sick of I never wanted to eat it again. I would cry and
wonder what the hell I did this to myself for. I also posted questions on
here. Everyone told me to hang in there cause it would get better. Well, I
am almost 8 months post op now and life started getting better for me at
around month 6. (read my last entry in my profile) That's when my tastes
returned and I started feeling normal again. Now at 8 months post op those
negative feelings I had are mere distant memories. I don't regret this
surgery anymore, even though physically I am still not at 100% yet. I still
take my pain meds. I just want you to know that it WILL get better. Even
when you think it NEVER will. At this point in time, don't worry about fats
and stuff like that. Eat what you can cause it will help you heal. When you
see the pounds coming off you will feel so much better emotionally. Just
hang in there and keep telling yourself that it WILL get better. It just
takes time. More time than we would like sometimes. Also, if there is one
in your area, go to a support group meeting. There, you will be able to
physically see and talk to people who are going thru or have gone thru what
you are experiencing right now. They will be the ones who will be able to
help you the most. You'll be glad you went. Hang in there.
— Kim B.
July 31, 2002
I'm 9 weeks out and I have not experienced what you are to the extreme you
are. Of course I miss some foods that my stomach can't handle yet. In 9
weeks I have lose 56lbs and I did it not worrying so much about fats,
carbs, and calories. I have watched my protiens. Here are some of the
things I eat that may help you. Blend black beans and salsa for a dip and
use tostida (sp?) chips, favored Hummus and flavored melba toast, turkey
lunch meat with cheese rolled up, chef bor. beefroni (pasta is soft and
goes down well), Caesar salad with chicken, peanuts, cheese crackers,
cheese (I agree with Daniel, your body currently doesn't absorb much fat.
Even if you were following Akins diet he suggest using regular chesse)etc,
My doctor's thinking is to learn how to eat in the real world like a thin
person. Which means regular foods and small portions. I hope this helps.
— Cheryl S.
July 31, 2002
Georgia, you have gotten some good advise on your questions (and some not
very helpful advise) but I wanted to mention to you, recall the
"mourning process - or buyers remorse" that people on here have
talked about? Perhaps that is what you are experiencing right now, and the
good news is it is very normal and absolutely does pass!! So hang in
there.
Many people have mentioned "lifestyle" change when it comes to
food, but remember we are experiencing many lifestyle changes in this
process. I can empathize with you with "time on your hands". I
am working at being more constructive with the extra time I find myself
having. Try walking when you are feeling a bit blue, or restless. Maybe a
hobby or craft you never had enough time for before?
You did good posting your question, you are not alone, many of us are going
through, or have been through the same things. Please dont less than
encouraging posters get you down, everyone deals with this process in a
different way. So pick the responses that you can identify with and move
on ward to success.
YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!
— Nene B.
July 31, 2002
Georgia, I also hate regular yogurt!!!!! It makes me gag. HOWEVER!!!!! I
found one form of yogurt that I just love.
It is Yoplait custard style yogurt. It comes in several
flavors including caramel, vanilla (my favorite), orange
and a berry flavor. I eat a lot of swiss cheese. I even
melt it over my veggies and turkey. It adds a lot of flavor
to them. I also use a spray, not fat-no calorie, butter spray (like PAM)
on my veggies. It makes them really yummy.
Everyone is right, nothing tastes good for the first 4-5 mos!!! I was so
mad at myself for doing this to me!! Now,
105 lbs lighter, I am so happy that I could sing it out to the world and I
do!!!!! What a difference this had made in my life. Food is no longer
that important to me, my health is!!! I wish you all the very best.
— RODEO CLOWNS S.
August 1, 2002
Perhaps a large part of your problem is (as you said) you have too much
time on your hands? Maybe it would help to make a list of activities that
you can/want to do now and others that you look forward to doing as you
lose weight. If your time & mind are occupied, then there won't be so
much time to fret about food. Have you considered saute-ing your chicken
or fish in a little fat-free Pam? Maybe you could spice up your
meat/veggies with a little melted cheese or a dash of seasoning salt? Good
luck to you.
— Laurie A.
August 1, 2002
Georgia I don't know what nutritional advice your dr gave you but mine told
me to eat whatever I wanted (protein first of course) and to eat every few
hours. I don't do fried or high sugar, but as long as I get my protein in I
don't worry about the rest. I practically LIVED on cheese for a long time.
I eat lots of grilled stuff cuz I like it, but I don't go out of my way to
eat "low fat!" Try expanding your menu and trying something
different every day. As long as you get your protein in and are taking your
supplements you will be fine. Look at my profile. I eat out a lot and still
enjoy food--just in smaller amounts. You will do your body a whole lot
better by eating consistently the foods you like (as long as you get enough
protein) than by starving yourself because you are still trying to go the
diet route. Did I mention to make sure you get enough protein??? LOL
— ctyst
August 1, 2002
Hi!!! Looks like you opened a can of worms!!! You know, I try to make good
food choices, but I honestly allow myself to eat the things I like. I try
to get in my protein and water. I did not like peanut butter prior to
surgery and I still do not like it... So, though it is a great source of
protein I DON"T EAT IT! Of course, I dump on sugar, thank goodness....
but I have cheese.... My body is not going to absorb all of the fat
anyway... I am a bit skeptical about a diet too low in fat, anyway! I went
to a bariatric specialist years ago.... He put me on a diet VERY low n
fats..... Hair became brittle and dull, skin sallow and rough..... Fat had
to be introduced! Enjoy waht you like... after all you can only eat small
quantities. Try to make the wiser choices. You may lose weight slower, but
you will at least not lose your sanity.
— Linda M.
August 1, 2002
WHAT DO YOU LIKE?????????
— Robert L.
August 1, 2002
Hang in there! What everybody has said so far is good advice.
What I had to do was come up with some new ways to pamper
myself since I couldn't do it with food anymore. You need
to investigate some other ways of making yourself feel better.
A few suggestions: flannel (my personal favorite- even in summer:),
books, baths with candles, exercise (yes- it helps to walk!),
help others- maybe be an angel to someone having surgery
where you did, a new hobby- whatever you can do besides eat!
It is difficult, but you can do it. As far as the food issues,
hang in there (I am sure you are tired of hearing this:)
but it does get better! Trust me, some where down the line you
will be nervous that you like food again too much and are going
to gain the weight back:) It seems to be a cycle we postops
go through. FYI I am 2.5 years post, down 140 pounds- size
8-10 and loving it. You will too!
— M B.
August 1, 2002
Georgia, I may as well add my two cents. Wow-alot of people have come here
to support you-what a great community. I think you will find in just a
month or so that your attitude will change. It is a tough adjustment,
especially mentally, to leave our comfort food behind (mine was chocolate
candy, doughnuts, Whoppers, french fries, cheesecake etc), especially so in
the early stages, where you are now, when your diet is so limited. Some of
the things that you don't do well with now, you will do well with
eventually. And some of those comfort foods, you will be able to eat again,
just in smaller amounts and less frequently. In the meantime, you should
continue to see the scale go down, and that should help the joy in your
life trememdously. Use this time to do fun things, like go for long walks,
SHOPPING, catching up with friends, movies, cleaning out the basement, not
to mention sifting thru the closet and getting rid of those clothes you
have/will outgrown. Hang in there-it will get better...
— Cindy R.
August 1, 2002
Just like everyone else who has responded, I too went through a mourning
period at about the same time as you. It wasn't as severe as yours seems
to be but we are all different. I found that exercise helped take my mind
off what I missed. I made sure everything I ate had lots of flavor by
choosing spicy, exciting foods. Try new recipes. Don't worry too much
about fats right now...you can gradually reduce them as you are able to eat
different things. I always dump on too much fat, but that's good for me.
I became lactose intolerant at 2 months and had to give up cheese, milk,
yogurt, etc. Now dairy still makes me dump. That was really the hardest
part for me, I love cereal. I stayed away from sweets, even the sugar free
stuff. I didn't want to get in the habit of eating like I did before, you
know munching on chocolate and other candy type foods. I always felt that
to make it where I could eat things that made me fat by substituting
artficial sweeteners was like refusing to change my lifestyle, something I
promised myself I would do no matter what. Now, I just choose healthy...it
can be done by picking out the one or two things at each meal that will be
nutritious and flavorful. You have come to far and gone through too much
to get in a position to change your life, just stay on track. Don't think
of yourself as being on a diet, I don't and haven't. I just don't eat
dairy or sugar. It took a few weeks past where you are, but I did reach a
stage where I could eat a bite or two of just about anything I wanted. I
found I didn't want things that weren't healthy. My favorite meal that I
ate at 2 months and still love is BBQ chicken(I use boneless thighs), baked
sweet potato, green beans. Another favorite is chili as mentioned by other
posters. I don't even worry about using turkey, I make it the way I always
have, I just make sure to drain the meat well to remove the excess grease.
I eat lots of Mexican and Chinese foods...I just leave off the cheese.
When I eat at the Chinese buffet, I avoid rice so that I can try different
meats. Rice is a favorite of mine...I love pilaf, it just takes up space
that I need to save to proteins. Liek another responder, I love the Tyson
Crispy Chicken strips. I have them at least once a week. That's really as
close to fried foods as I come. Again, because of the fats making me dump.
I'm 14 months post-op, lost 132 lbs. and I have absolutely no regrets.
You'll get there soon and as the scales drop, you'll find something more
joyful than eating good food...shopping for little bitty clothes!
— Teri D.
August 1, 2002
Phooey! I think a lot of food tastes awful now too. Is it the ketosis? Is
it medication? Who knows for sure. Hon, I'm the last one here who will take
a shot at you for this. While there are likely some who go into surgery
without researching much, plenty of us have researched this for YEARS. Life
post op can stull surprise us, even with odd things like a change in taste
buds. Eat what you can, do your best, hang in there. That's all we can do!
Congratulations and try not to pay attention t those who can't say
something nice.
— NicoleG
August 1, 2002
Hi again. I posted a comment further down the page and though noone pointed
me out, I think some think I was not being nice. Please let me explain- If
you were totally against those foods pre-op, then what had you planned to
do? I understand (from what I have read) that many foods you love pre-op
are unappealing post-op as well as the other way around. I'm curious about
what you were eating before because you seem to have listed everything but
beef and breads (my problem there!). You sincerely need to talk with your
surgeon or the nutritionist from his/her office. As I stated before, don't
sabatoge this surgery espesically when you will be able to eat the things
you enjoy later down the road. It's obviously difficult for most everyone
in the beginning stages, but you have to hang in there. Best of luck..
— karmiausnic
August 1, 2002
WOW! What a response! I took what I needed to hear and threw the rest
away! I feel better knowing so many have felt some of these same things.
I DID do my research, but living it is different than reading it. In
addition, I am slightly crippled, so my activities and outings are limited,
that's why I have so much time on my hands, and I had a very serious life
altering surgery just 6 months before this, so my body has been through
quite a bit. Just having a little trouble adjusting here. Thanks for
those that cut me a little slack, but I can take the hard liners, too. I'm
a touch old broad.
— Georgia H.
August 1, 2002
Do not be afraid of cheese. I live on it, and have now lost 120 pounds in 8
months. I seriously have a few chese, and crackers every night as a snack.
cheese on a half sandwich. Shredded cheese in my salads. do not be afraid
of the fat you get from Dairy products they won't hinder you too much. Also
I eat grilled Steak, and pork chops, and chicken fine, just very small
amounts. I can eat a half pork chop, half a 8 ounce steak, and half a
chicken breast with a few veggies before I am full. Go, and experiment. if
you throw up wait a few weeks, and try it again! I had major issues with
pork early on, but can enjoy it now easily. just slow as you go, and chew
chew chew. I tried to obsess about all the fat I was taking in, and the
calories, but all I watch for now is too much suger, and too many carbs.
you will do fine. be yourself, and have fun enjoying your new life! I
actually like the fact that I cannot eat as much as I used to, and you will
too!
— sbinkerd1
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