This Post-op Newbie Gripes and Personal Struggles

Well, here I am 16 days out from surgery. I cant believe it's already been a half a of month! I have lost a total of about 15 lbs and that was in the first week. As soon as I got home and started to eat properly, bam, no more weight loss. I am not freaking out about it and writing some dumb post about the RNY not working for me etc, because I know it will come just not sure when. Trying not to get my panties in a bunch!! Well, that's stretching it...Trying not to get my granny underwear in a bunch.

The real reason for this post is some issues I'm having. I am having a really hard time with drinking habits. Getting it in, is not the problem. It's stopping, that is the problem. I find it so very hard to wait the 30 min after eating to start again. I naturally drink with food, so I'm just not having any near me now at eating time. I know its not as big of a deal this early out, when I'm not eating real meat etc, but I have to stop and get used to it. I absolutely hate having the taste of food in my mouth and want to wa**** out when I'm done. The only thing that doesnt bother me is shakes. I'm trying to suck it up and deal, but any time I dont have a drink near by to drink, my mouth is SO dry, that my lips stick to my teeth, my tongue is dry, my throat hurts and gets all hoarse sounding. Anybody else struggle with this in the past or present? I am really afraid of stretching my stoma and derailing all my efforts with this WLS.

Here's a thought... if you like cucumbers, have a sliced peeled bit of cucumber to chew on after your meal..... the flavor of cucumber is very light, and it's juicy, it'll wash your mouth out, and clean your palate, and leave you fresh.... try it if it's on your plan.

I always looked at the clock at the end of each meal.... it was my ritual for knowing what exact second I could begin my beverage,a nd it comforted me enormously!

SOME plans say 60 or even 90 minutes without liquids... .be glad you only have 30

I agree with LL. Earlier out I would have watermelon with my meal so I could get a little juice in me. It's not so bad any more but I do get thirsty a lot so I know how you feel. I drink nearly a gallon of fluid a day.
I also had a hard time waiting after eating. Now, if I am home I set the timer on the oven. If I am out I set the alarm on my cell phone. I wait 50 minutes or an hour to drink. If I don't set some kind of timer I forget when I stopped eating and I worry that I will have to wait even longer to drink.

Yep, I had problems with this too as I used to drink a lot with meals.

Have you tried brushing you teeth after you eat? That's what worked for me. =)

Yes I definately have the dry mouth issue. I started sucking on orange and grapefruit wedges.  They are loaded with juice and the citrix seems to clean my palate.  It also doesn't hurt my pouch and gives me a bit of energy afterwards.  I cut the fruit into about 6 wedges and squeeze and suck the juice out of them.

I hear you on the loss.  same thing for me - started on some realy food and "wham" it has slowed down to next to nothing.  Sorry we are in the same boat, but at least we know it is normal and will pass.

No advise on the drinking.  I miss it but I watch the clock for the moment when I can have some.

I was told no drinking for an hour and I still struggle with it after 10 months. I usually manage
to wait at least 45 minutes, because I understand why it's important.

I brush my teeth pretty much every time I eat and I think that helps.

Caroline

Yup..you will lose weight and maybe you won't need granny panties when you get there (I loved losing those things)
I think not drinking for 30 minutes is the most important rule to follow. Find a way to make it work.
A frozen grape at the end of the meal or brushing your teeth might help.
Get the fluid away from you while you are eating. Come here and read posts for 30 minutes.
You can do this.
Deb T.

Thanks everybody for all your help. I never thought about eating a piece of fruit afterwards, or a slice of cucumber etc. it's a great idea though, and I'm gonna try it. I do brush my teeth after and that helps for about 5 min. I also do that because I'm on chewable vits now and dont want dental issues from those. I tried, the last time I ate, to have one spoonfull of the raspberry protein jello I made, after I was done. I chewed it up really well and got it all over and that gave me a nice cool moistening sensation. I think I'll try the fruit though. I guess the best thing is to keep having the drink in another room while I'm eating for right now. I just didnt realize how hard this part would be!!