grieving for food?

[Grace]

This probably sounds quite silly.
I've been feeling a little low these past few days. Not depressed as such, just low.

I haven't been able to work out why.

As I went to bed last night, it struck me........I think I am grieving for food!

Last night my husband cooked one of our family's favourite meals - chicken fajitas with all the trimmings.
I had some vegetable soup and a bit of no sugar Angel Delight (Banoffee flavour- nasty -shan't be having that again! LOL)

I felt well and truly left out!

and it's making me sad! I know it's not for ever..........but 10 days pre-op milk diet, now 4 weeks on pureed food........then another 4 weeks on mushed food.........it fees like a very long time!

I hadn't realised just what an emotional crutch and a social interaction thing eating TOGETHER is.

I thought I knew, I thought I'd thought all this out and was well mentally prepared. But this has snuck up on me.

Anyone else experience this?
Or am I going mad?

Please don't think I'm not grateful for the bypass, I truly am.......but this has come as a bit of a shock none-the-less.

 

[tiarasandtantrums]

It is hard at first, but it does get easier. At least, I've found it has for me. Even when we eat other than at home, I am now able to savour what I do eat.

The test time for me will be this Friday when I'm at a wedding where nobody knows I've had the surgery. I'm going to the meal part of it alone as DH can't come and my daughters and their husbands have only been invited to the evening.

It's natural to grieve for food - it is not something that we can give up completly ... unlike alcohol etc. Keep the faith and you will get through it xx

 

[laurajlucy]

It is hard at first, but it does get easier. At least, I've found it has for me. Even when we eat other than at home,

Hahaha had to look twice.... thought it said ' even when we eat each other!!!'

 

[gaelic girl]

Charis the first few weeks post op are hard hun you crave "solid" food and grieve for what you think you are missing. Its very normal what you are feeling hun and it does get easier and you will soon be eating what the family are only a bit less! Hope tomorrow is a better day x

 

[shelbell]

Its also normal to hit a post-anaesthetic blues period around 1-2 weeks post op.

No need to grieve food, give it a few months and you should be able to join in as well, just in smaller quantities.

 

[smilergem]

Hiya Charis
Well, I can tell you I felt exactly the same
But, just this last week, I was able to eat the insides of a pasty (essential to us Cornish), had a quarter of a prawn sandwich at Morrisons with my friend while we were out shopping, and last night ........... I had some chinese, just a little bit, but it was wonderful. I tried to eat a bit more just now, but could only manage two forkfuls.
So, much quicker than I thought, I am back able to be out socialising(ish), my friend and I had our takeaway last night whilst watching X Factor, and I can't believe how much happier it has made me feel, I know now that I can do these sort of things, and I am 6 weeks post op tomorrow.
You will soon be there hun, keep smiling

 

[RoseA]

I'm sure we've all experienced it - the first few weeks are the hardest but you'll soon be able to join in with the family and enjoy having smaller portions of all sorts of things. I went to a family barbecue today and didn't feel left out at all.

 

[jaynefrances]

Its definitely normal to feel this way. I did, especially as i'd heard so many people say that they were never able to eat this or that again, so i was wondering just what i had said goodbye to. It doesn't help that the puree stage is a tad unappetising !
As it turns out for me there's only one thing i can't even sample and thats ice cold, fizzy, full sugar coke ! I get so envious when hubby slurps a big glassful, flattened coke just doesn't do it for me lol.
You'll soon be eating little bits of nice stuff again and things won't seem so bad.

 

[Grace]

Its also normal to hit a post-anaesthetic blues period around 1-2 weeks post op.

No need to grieve food, give it a few months and you should be able to join in as well, just in smaller quantities.

Thanks Shel.
I do feel a bit 'bluesy' too. Not quite as bad as when the kids were born, but similar. I'll get over it....it just feels like a long time until some semblance of normality returns.

 

[Grace]

Thanks to everyone who replied. It's nice to know I'm not going mad!

And I feel very encouraged by you all.

 

[Rebirth]

Hi, I've not had my op yet, or a date, but hope this will be rectified by the end of today.

Don't forget that we (unlike other animals), don't just use food for nutrients. Food is also a large part of our socialising and bonding process. Of course you'll grieve for something that is such an essential part of life. I think you will be grieving not just for the sensations etc, but the comaraderie that comes with sharing food with those you love and are close to. It's only natural. Just hold onto the fact that eventually when you are healed you will be able to enjoy eating the same as family and friends, all be it in smaller portions. When moments like these hit think about the fun you will have clothes shopping with your family and friends and even 'borrowing' their clothes.

I'm sending you hugs as you have done so well and come so far. As Shel said you're also probably hitting the post op blues period.

Lots of hugs coming your way.

Rebirth