Questions

I have some questions regarding the surgery and some post op. I know that it is important that a person walk after they have surgery. I am concerned about blood clots how often should you walk? I know it is important to drink water and get in your protein can you mix protein powder with water? I read Dedee's message yesterday and have started changing some of my old habits but they die hard. What are some of the methods of not over eating have you used to help you stay away from over eating? Can you chew gum after surgery? I quit smoking about a year and 1 month and gum is my smokes. What type of protein drinks do you drink. I need a list of this to take to the hospital. I don't know how long I will be there but I know my day is coming. Well these are some of the questions I have for today I am sure more will pop up as it gets closer to my time. Thanks for all of your help Lorraine (soon to be loooooooser)

You can definitely chew sugarless gum - I asked my Doc. You can also mix protein powder with water. My friend who had surgery in Sept mixes 1 scoop protein powder with one 16.9 oz bottle of water and on packet of crystal lite (I buy the cheaper Wal-mart brand). I tried it and it was not bad at all! As far as walking, that is the best way to prevent blood clots. They will probably put pumps on your legs after surgery that simulate walking until you are able to get up and walk yourself. My doc wants us to walk as much as possible. A good start when you get home is to walk for five minutes, rest for 2 and then walk for three. If you would like, I can email you and give you a schedule that will have you walking 30 minutes a day by the 30th day after you get home from the hospital. Let me know.

Hi Lorraine, Congratulations on quitting smoking. I will be smoke free 3 years this June! You won't be doing much in the hospital other than sleeping or walking. They had me up and walking a few hours after I was taken to my room. While I was in the hospital they had us up every 2-3 hours walking, around the clock. I was amazed at how many other people were up walking around at 2, 3, and 4 o'clock in the morning! Once home, they still recommended getting up every 2-3 hours (while your awake) and walking some, even if only for 5-10 minutes, building up to 30 minutes a day. Protein can be mixed with water or milk. Once you are on full liquids, you can mix it in pudding or yogurt too. Over eating isn't really a problem right after surgery, at least not for me. In fact I had to remind myself to eat sometimes because I was not hungry. One thing I will say is, the thicker or denser the food, the faster you fill up. When I was first allowed full liquids, I tried to eat a 'normal size' serving of pudding and ended up over eating... on pudding! I asked my nutritionist about it and she said it was because of the thicker consistency. I was easily drinking a cup of broth, so I figured the small pudding was ok. I didn't get sick or 'dump', but I was certainly uncomfortable. You learn over time. Each person is different though. Some people eat much less than I do and some can eat more. It really varies person to person. My surgeon and nutritionst recommend eating 6 small meals a day vs. the usual 3. Post op, a meal can consist of just a glass a milk, or a yogurt, or pudding, etc. A 'meal' doesn't mean a FULL meal. I have tried many protein drinks but my favorite is the Vanilla Very Berry from bariatriceating www.bariatriceating.com Try getting a sample packet from a few places. Unjury brand is suppose to be pretty good too, www.unjury.com Many peoples' tastes change after surgery. So far, mine hasn't, which can be both good and bad. Sugarfree gum is okay, but my dr. and nutritionist said not for the first 6 weeks. Something about getting too much air into our new tummies. Best wishes and good luck being a 'Loser'! Huggs, Ruth

Lorraine, I walked a little every hour when I was in the hospital. Once I got home, I walked several times a day for a few minutes. I think it is so important. I like the EAS Carb Advantage drinks. None of them are great, but, these are the least objectionable to me. My doctor didn't let us chew gum or use a straw for one month after surgery, but, it is just a precaution. Air can get in the pouch and make you feel uncomfortable, but, if you want to try it and it doesn't bother you and your gum is sugarless...why not? Good luck! I am still working on trying not to overeat. It is very easy at first, even for the first 5 or 6 months. Now that I'm 9.5 months out and nothing bothers me or makes me sick, now I have to work at it! I still love to eat! Lori