post op day 5

I just wanted to join in on the March '04 surgery date board.... I am post op day 5, still a bit sore, but getting better, would like any info on things you all tried to drink/eat this soon after surgery Thank Cathy

Im still on liquids till Tuesday. So far I have been living on SF Kool-aid made with Spenda, Chicken boullion, SF popsicles, Atkins and Boost shakes. I am 12 days out and I am just now starting to feel like a normal human being. So take it easy and soon you will be back to normal. LaDonna -20lbs

I had surgery 3/2. By the time I went home, I was on some soft foods as well as liquids: Cream of Wheat Cream Soup FILTERED first (yummy) Consomme Applesauce Sugar free popsicles (very high votes for these and get lots of flavors) Sugar free pudding (sets up in about five minutes, a real treat) Low sugar yoghurt (had diarrhea after these, may have gone Lactose intolerant, oh well, I was on my way to that even before surgery) Jello (that old standby and certainly easy in those sugar-free little containers) At first I could eat a few spoonfuls of each. Now I'm up to the full amount, i.e., 1/2 c. of the C of Wheat or Soup, followed by 2 1/4 c. portions of the others. I cannot emphasize enough how much better I feel if I eat soooooo slowly. I expect to be cleared to protein tomorrow and then will add egg, some very moist meats (salmon's on my mind), refried beans (this seems to be a big favorite on the boards) and a greater variety of pureed veggies. I think I do that for a month, building up amounts. Also, once my protein starts, I am not supposed to drink with the meal, as this diminishes what you can pack into the pouch. That surprised me, but it makes sense.

I was on real food by the time I left the hospital (7 days) - check with your surgeon - has he/she told you to stay on clear liquids? can you have pureed? Can you have some chicken? Our surgeon says to chew 25-30 times and wait 3 minutes between each bite (small) and I have had no problems consuming solid food. I have eaten chicken diced,scrambled egg, small bites of filet mignon, shrimp salad....it has been great but I use the stop watch on my pedometer to wait 3 minutes and I am getting really fully on 4-5 bites. If your surgeon did not provide you nutriitional counseling I would spend the money to go to a nutritionist to learn how to eat again. It would be a good investment Cathy. Best of luck to you and protest your your best friend - your little pouch. - the soreness goes pretty fast if you will start walking and get rid of the gas too!! Yippee Hippie Nancy 3/2/04

Hi Cathy, Welcome to the Marchers! Hugs, Mo doin' the ALMOST 7.5 days and a wake up happy Mo dance

Cathy, welcome to the board! Glad you decided to join us. Some of us post-ops are on certain food restrictions. I have been on soft foods until this coming Wednesday. SF Popcycles are delicuous to have. I handled SF Pudding until I threw it up once and now I am scared to have anymore. I can not stomach Tuna fish but some people can handle it well. It is really something you have to experiment with. Good Luck Bethany AKA Da Offishal Riddler and Bertha 12 Days into NewPouch and feeling great! -25 lbs!!!! Yayyyy A riddle a day will keep the Marchers pounds AWAY!

Welcome! Glad you are doing OK. The main things are fluids and protein. I drink a lot of decaf tea. Cottage cheese is considered a "full liquid" and is a protein bargain once your doctor lets you have it. Joy (surgery 3/1)