Guest guest Posted July 20, 2001 Report Share Posted July 20, 2001 Marcia Kanter shadow44@... Hi guys, This is going to seem like such a minor problem compared to what some of our other members go through but, I never thought I would ever feel this way, I'm tired of eating all day. I'm 4 days home from hospital and the most protein I seem to be getting in is about 70g. And that's with grazing all day! I never was a " regular " meal eater; in summer, brunch around noon, even if I'm up at 8, dinner around 7:00 or 8. Now I feel as if I'm constantly thinking about when I have to eat, not what I have to eat. I'm not nauseous or ill, though I keep getting a sharp pain above and to the left of my navel; since it is mitigated by lying down, I'm assuming it's gas. I'm just so tired of being consumed with the need to consume. Is this crazy? I seem to have very little desire to get out and about, perhaps a by-product of not taking my Wellbutrin since the surgery. Thank goodness, I got the go ahead to start up again. Is this just a normal let down after finally going through with the surgery? Perhaps I've been on the edge for so long, this is normal. Anyone have any eating strategies or other stratyegies to get me out of this funk? Thanks, Marcia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2001 Report Share Posted July 20, 2001 Marcia Kanter shadow44@... Hi guys, This is going to seem like such a minor problem compared to what some of our other members go through but, I never thought I would ever feel this way, I'm tired of eating all day. I'm 4 days home from hospital and the most protein I seem to be getting in is about 70g. And that's with grazing all day! I never was a " regular " meal eater; in summer, brunch around noon, even if I'm up at 8, dinner around 7:00 or 8. Now I feel as if I'm constantly thinking about when I have to eat, not what I have to eat. I'm not nauseous or ill, though I keep getting a sharp pain above and to the left of my navel; since it is mitigated by lying down, I'm assuming it's gas. I'm just so tired of being consumed with the need to consume. Is this crazy? I seem to have very little desire to get out and about, perhaps a by-product of not taking my Wellbutrin since the surgery. Thank goodness, I got the go ahead to start up again. Is this just a normal let down after finally going through with the surgery? Perhaps I've been on the edge for so long, this is normal. Anyone have any eating strategies or other stratyegies to get me out of this funk? Thanks, Marcia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2001 Report Share Posted July 20, 2001 Marcia- I don't think what you are experiencing is abnormal at all. Alot of people experience mild(or worse) depression after having surgery of any kind. It is also very frustrating when you first get home and realize you have to sip, sip, sip to get your fluids in and chew, chew, chew to eat. Give yourself a little time. I am now two weeks out of my surgery and am just starting to feel semi-human again. I think my stomach has healed up, too, as eating is much easier and I am eating like 4-5 times per day. All I wanted to do when I got back out of the hospital was go back in and get more drugs and sleep the days away. That feeling has since passed and I am ready to go again. Just try to be patient and find some things to distract yourself... read a good book, rent a bunch of movies, sew, knit, play chess... whatever it is you like to do. Also, as the pain dissipates and you are able to eat more 'normally' some of the enjoyment will come back into eating for you. I am already experiencing this a bit, though I expect it to continue to get better. I know for me, food and eating were a big coping mechanism- the thing that could always make me feel better. And now that comfort has been taken away, so I feel entited to be a little down about it while I figure out what will be my new comfort. Amy Y. Fremont, CA DS July 6, 2001 Rabkin/Jossart > > > Marcia Kanter > shadow44@o... > > Hi guys, > This is going to seem like such a minor problem compared to what some of our > other members go through but, I never thought I would ever feel this way, > I'm tired of eating all day. I'm 4 days home from hospital and the most > protein I seem to be getting in is about 70g. And that's with grazing all > day! I never was a " regular " meal eater; in summer, brunch around noon, even > if I'm up at 8, dinner around 7:00 or 8. Now I feel as if I'm constantly > thinking about when I have to eat, not what I have to eat. I'm not nauseous > or ill, though I keep getting a sharp pain above and to the left of my > navel; since it is mitigated by lying down, I'm assuming it's gas. I'm just > so tired of being consumed with the need to consume. Is this crazy? I seem > to have very little desire to get out and about, perhaps a by- product of not > taking my Wellbutrin since the surgery. > Thank goodness, I got the go ahead to start up again. Is this just a normal > let down after finally going through with the surgery? Perhaps I've been on > the edge for so long, this is normal. > Anyone have any eating strategies or other stratyegies to get me out of this > funk? > Thanks, > Marcia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2001 Report Share Posted July 20, 2001 Thanks, Amy, for the quick reply. I'm trying to do a little around the house and I think I'll try to take my first walk a little later. I know I have to fight this depression; I have so much going for me, I won't let it get me down! Marcia > Re: tired of eating > > > Marcia- > > I don't think what you are experiencing is abnormal at all. Alot of > people experience mild(or worse) depression after having surgery of > any kind. It is also very frustrating when you first get home and > realize you have to sip, sip, sip to get your fluids in and chew, > chew, chew to eat. > > Give yourself a little time. I am now two weeks out of my surgery > and am just starting to feel semi-human again. I think my stomach > has healed up, too, as eating is much easier and I am eating like 4-5 > times per day. All I wanted to do when I got back out of the > hospital was go back in and get more drugs and sleep the days away. > That feeling has since passed and I am ready to go again. > > Just try to be patient and find some things to distract yourself... > read a good book, rent a bunch of movies, sew, knit, play chess... > whatever it is you like to do. > > Also, as the pain dissipates and you are able to eat more 'normally' > some of the enjoyment will come back into eating for you. I am > already experiencing this a bit, though I expect it to continue to > get better. I know for me, food and eating were a big coping > mechanism- the thing that could always make me feel better. And now > that comfort has been taken away, so I feel entited to be a little > down about it while I figure out what will be my new comfort. > > Amy Y. > Fremont, CA > DS July 6, 2001 > Rabkin/Jossart > > > > > > > > Marcia Kanter > > shadow44@o... > > > > Hi guys, > > This is going to seem like such a minor problem compared to what > some of our > > other members go through but, I never thought I would ever feel > this way, > > I'm tired of eating all day. I'm 4 days home from hospital and the > most > > protein I seem to be getting in is about 70g. And that's with > grazing all > > day! I never was a " regular " meal eater; in summer, brunch around > noon, even > > if I'm up at 8, dinner around 7:00 or 8. Now I feel as if I'm > constantly > > thinking about when I have to eat, not what I have to eat. I'm not > nauseous > > or ill, though I keep getting a sharp pain above and to the left of > my > > navel; since it is mitigated by lying down, I'm assuming it's gas. > I'm just > > so tired of being consumed with the need to consume. Is this crazy? > I seem > > to have very little desire to get out and about, perhaps a by- > product of not > > taking my Wellbutrin since the surgery. > > Thank goodness, I got the go ahead to start up again. Is this just > a normal > > let down after finally going through with the surgery? Perhaps I've > been on > > the edge for so long, this is normal. > > Anyone have any eating strategies or other stratyegies to get me > out of this > > funk? > > Thanks, > > Marcia > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2001 Report Share Posted July 20, 2001 At 2:17 PM -0400 7/20/01, Marty Kanter wrote: >Marcia Kanter >shadow44@... > >Hi guys, >This is going to seem like such a minor problem compared to what some of our >other members go through but, I never thought I would ever feel this way, >I'm tired of eating all day. I'm 4 days home from hospital and the most >protein I seem to be getting in is about 70g. That's not bad at all for 4 days out. Really, you do not have to worry so much about protein for the first few weeks. Worry about water. Worry about walking. Worry about your vitamins and calcium, maybe. That's enough worrying for now. >And that's with grazing all day! I Grazing is fine. Don't worry. Be happy. REALLY! >... I'm just >so tired of being consumed with the need to consume. Is this crazy? Relax. Keep your water bottle handy, and take your vitamins and other pills. > I seem >to have very little desire to get out and about, perhaps a by-product of not >taking my Wellbutrin since the surgery. Could also be a remnant of the anesthesia. >Thank goodness, I got the go ahead to start up again. Is this just a normal >let down after finally going through with the surgery? Sounds as if it could be--the post-op letdown. Look, sweetums, you got though MAJOR surgery, and your body and its systems are intact. So, just give yourself a break. Lie back and wallow in idleness for a few days, if you feel like doing that. Just remember to sip and walk enough to spur your recovery. >Perhaps I've been on >the edge for so long, this is normal. >Anyone have any eating strategies or other stratyegies to get me out of this >funk? Can't help there, as I was anxious to eat, and I have never lost my appetite for food. I still like all the things that I liked pre-op. Ice cream, pizza, ethnic food, etc. I notice that most commercial food that is sweetened is too sweet for my tastes now, but that is about all. One thing that DW did for me was to get great soups (Chinese, gourmet chicken, etc.) and puree them in the blender during the several days that I was supposed to restrict my diet to " full liquids. " Be well, Marcia. the next month may be a bit rough at times, but one day soon, you will feel less like a recovering patient and more like a well person. That day came for me in week six. It's been pretty much uphill, though with a few bumps along the way, ever since. --Steve -- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2001 Report Share Posted July 20, 2001 Hey Marcia! So glad to hear from you and that you're doing fair to Midland. (Old Texas phrase that I know only because I grew up in Midland.) I think getting back on the Wellbutrin will be helpful for you. Restlessness is a big side effect of coming off the anti-depressants and you sound more restless than anything. Because eating is the major thing after the surgery it would be normal to be focusing on this and then being restless over it. A little serotonin feng shui from the Wellbutrin and you'll be right as rain. Now about this pain thing......eep! Reece 10 days pre-op and counting Dr. Ren tired of eating Marcia Kanter shadow44@... Hi guys, This is going to seem like such a minor problem compared to what some of our other members go through but, I never thought I would ever feel this way, I'm tired of eating all day. I'm 4 days home from hospital and the most protein I seem to be getting in is about 70g. And that's with grazing all day! I never was a " regular " meal eater; in summer, brunch around noon, even if I'm up at 8, dinner around 7:00 or 8. Now I feel as if I'm constantly thinking about when I have to eat, not what I have to eat. I'm not nauseous or ill, though I keep getting a sharp pain above and to the left of my navel; since it is mitigated by lying down, I'm assuming it's gas. I'm just so tired of being consumed with the need to consume. Is this crazy? I seem to have very little desire to get out and about, perhaps a by-product of not taking my Wellbutrin since the surgery. Thank goodness, I got the go ahead to start up again. Is this just a normal let down after finally going through with the surgery? Perhaps I've been on the edge for so long, this is normal. Anyone have any eating strategies or other stratyegies to get me out of this funk? Thanks, Marcia ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2001 Report Share Posted July 20, 2001 > > I'm tired of eating all day. I'm 4 days home from hospital and the > most > > protein I seem to be getting in is about 70g. And that's with > grazing all > > day! Marcia Have you attempted any type of protein supplementation to satisfy your protein intake? Shakes? Bars? Dont' FORCE yourself to eat, only eat when you're hungry. Thats another component to this surgery, and that's to help assist us in RELEARNING how to eat healthy and only when our bodies need it, not because we're trying to consume a 'magic' # of protein grams. There aren't a whole lot of 'good' tasting protein powders out there. But there are a wide range of possibilities to try. There is a good site www.vitalady.com that you can buy single serving samples of all that she carries for like $1.50/sample. That way you don't have to waste $30 on a barrel of the stuff from somewhere like GNC before you know you can even stomach it. Vitalady is a post-op herself. She carries all the 'normal' flavors ie; choc/van/strwbry, but also difference ones, dreamsicle/mocha-cappucinno, and even fruit flavored ones. I personally like to experiment with recipes at home. I prefer vanilla due to the versatility of things you can ADD to it to make it more palatable. If you go back to message # 98706 there are some listed there that are VERY good. You can add fruit, ice, yogurt WHATEVER to a protein shake. Experimenting is part of the 'adventure'. I haven't really found a good protein bar yet, but I'm not really trying, as they are usually high in carbs too. Hope this helps. Colleen - Iowa DS 1-15-01 Dr. buchwald U of MN 312/232/160 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2001 Report Share Posted July 21, 2001 Reece, Thanks so much for the reply.You're right, restless (we New Yawkers-by marriage-call it schpilkas-ants in the pants)describes exactly how I.m feeling. Yesterday, I got myself up and walked, walked you hear, to our pool, 2 blocks away. I haven't walked to the pool in three years! And I wasn't huffing and puffing. I think the healing is starting. As for the pain, I only took 2 pills in the a.m., the rest of the day, I just needed to walk around, lie down , or sometimes even just lean backward and stretch to relieve the gas pains. You'll be in the City at the end of the month, right? Will you be going home directly after discharge or staying around to recuperate? I'm in Jersey but if there's anything I can do to help, let me know. By then I should be up to the train ride into the City (my 3 week appmnt. with Dr. Ren is on the 6th). Good luck to you, and thanks for helping to get me out of my funk. Marcia > tired of eating > > > > > Marcia Kanter > shadow44@... > > Hi guys, > This is going to seem like such a minor problem compared to what > some of our > other members go through but, I never thought I would ever feel this way, > I'm tired of eating all day. I'm 4 days home from hospital and the most > protein I seem to be getting in is about 70g. And that's with grazing all > day! I never was a " regular " meal eater; in summer, brunch around > noon, even > if I'm up at 8, dinner around 7:00 or 8. Now I feel as if I'm constantly > thinking about when I have to eat, not what I have to eat. I'm > not nauseous > or ill, though I keep getting a sharp pain above and to the left of my > navel; since it is mitigated by lying down, I'm assuming it's > gas. I'm just > so tired of being consumed with the need to consume. Is this crazy? I seem > to have very little desire to get out and about, perhaps a > by-product of not > taking my Wellbutrin since the surgery. > Thank goodness, I got the go ahead to start up again. Is this > just a normal > let down after finally going through with the surgery? Perhaps > I've been on > the edge for so long, this is normal. > Anyone have any eating strategies or other stratyegies to get me > out of this > funk? > Thanks, > Marcia > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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