Unlike others, I completely understand that there are chronic pain issues and conditions that don't magically go away with WLS. Some never go away. My pain was reduced but my condition didn't disappear. It's worsened gradually since returning to work full time in a well-paying job I can't afford to leave and go back on disability and suck of the state.l
It's not necessary for you to be asked to or even to defend your prescribed painkillers, and it's presumptuous of others to judge Vicodin as "wrong" or unnecessary or that you "shouldn't be taking it." If your doctor prescribes it, then you should be taking it. Period. Deborah, who are you to say that he should not be taking pain management medication?!
Others should be a little more realistic and realize and respect the reality that SOME of us are dealing with LONG-TERM AND CHRONIC pain issues that you fortunately cannot comprehend. Lucky you. The don't magically disappear by losing 170 lbs. Not for me at least. Some got better, but some of us still have serious medical issues that are LIFE LONG. And that's where there are pain management clinics all over the country. God bless these doctors for taking care of us so we can WORK.
Some people have their pain go away. Others, like me, do not. It's the way life goes. It DOES NOT mean that I (or the original poster) are bad people or losers because we have a doctor that manages the treatment needed for conditions that requires pain management.
It offends me to read this sort of thing from people here. Or anywhere. I say that you count yourself lucky you aren't in that position and god help you one day if you are and your words come back and bite you in the ass. You'll remember what you said to others and you'll feel like a jackass. Trust me, I've seen it plenty of times.
And this is why I don't even post any information about my pain management. Most people judge it and condemn it and criticize it. That's just plain insensitive and ignorant.
On the issue of eating, it sounds to me like you ARE eating. Now one thing is that the vicodin can decrease your appetite. So you may have make yourself eat a couple more times a day. I had to do that. From what you wrote of your food intake, where's the problem? You're eating, and eating right. And isn't that the goal?? So I'm confused about what your worry is. Are you comparing to what others can eat or are you feeling malaise from lack of caloric intake?
It sounds like you're doing GREAT because you're not grazing, stuffing yourself with food, and you're listening to your body and using the pouch to help you take the weight off during the period it comes off the fastest. Nothing wrong with that at all. That's what works BEST. So keep it up, and bump up a small meal or a couple protein snacks per day. Even if you're not hungry, get some fuel in. Protein shakes can continue as long as you like, and some use them on and off because they are GOOD FOR THE BODY and they go down easy and get healthy calories in. It's not all about FOOD, it's about fuel for the body. Protein shakes are good for that. Period.
And I empathize with the pain, and I hope it's a condition that can improve. Some can. Some cannot. I understand those that cannot. Others don't. Ignore them.