Attn Newly post ops

For those of you on the soft/pureed diet, or getting ready to be on it. I want to let you know that it can be overwhelming. This was on of my hardest times. I got so frustrated trying to eat because my choices were limited and I had to puree everything or eat something soft and mentally it really upset me because I felt so abnormal. On top of that everything had to be scheduled so that I got all my water & protein in and so that I could stop drinking my water and stuff. This really got me mentally and emotionally. I finally broke down and asked my step mom about it and why no one talks about it (she has also had surgery). She said that once you get past that and get to where you can eat regular food, you start getting smaller and feeling better about yourself mentally and physically, and you forget about it. Remeber that you are not alone. There are other new post ops out there going through the same thing, we all did. Once you start reaping the rewards it all starts to fade away. For your food ideas, I found that it was easiest to just puree regular food. As long as it was lean meat, veggies or fruit. It just made things more normal and there was no need to prepare something special for myself. Eggs, tuna, cottage cheese, refried beans, fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, and such are great ideas for quick and easy. Remember to use the fat free mayo, and limit sauces like bbq and ketchup because of the sugars and fats (not saying you shouldn't use them, just limit the amounts). Make sure that your meat is moist (gravy, frozen in ice trays for individual servings is a big help) so that it doesn't stick. You guys are doing so great and you can make it past this. Stay strong. Courtney

Courtney- Per normal, you are full of wisdom and insight! This is great advice for those that are newly post-op. I experienced the same frustrations! I worried that it would last forever, but as you stated, it doesn't. Thanks for sharing! Christina S

Thanks Christina. I remeber how overwhelming it seemed and I wanted to share. Courtney

Thanks Courtney, That was much needed advice. I am now 6 weeks out and is starting to try regular foods now. So far so good...

Your Welcome Mo! Remember to go slow, that full feeling might be different than it was before surgery, just listen to your body. Courtney

Courtney you are so right!! This journey is much easier when you put it into stages and realise that these too shall pass! The liquid diet is the pits, then the pureed diet seems to be never ending and you never know what to eat - I just purteed normal food - then you want to eat normal food but are afraid to do it when the time comes. But it does come and you find what you can and can't eat and then you are eating normally again but with smaller portions and better choices. Then you plateau and you get stressed with that. Then the plateau is over - until the next time.... So hang on in there and realise we have all been through it and you can ask us or complain to us - we know how you feel!! Jackie

Thanks Jackie! Everyone needs to know that we are here for the challenges and we have all been there. Courtney

Great points Court! Me personally, I ate NOTHING pureed. I couldn't stand the thought of it and that caused a bit of stress food wise but I don't think it really got the best of me until the last couple of days. I also had the added problem of not being able to tolerate eggs or dairy so that took out all of the cottage cheese, yogurt, sf puddings, etc. Of course I checked with my surgeon's office but even during my soft food stage, I ate most things mashed with my fork or I did liquids. When I was getting frustrated toward the end, the nurse reminded my that steamed shrimp mashed with a fork is soft...I was in heaven (and it has loads of protein)! As has been said before, as long as the time seems, it's really only a few weeks (at this point I don't even remember exactly how long). The other thing that I wanted to point out is to not be afraid to go back to liquids if that is what your tummy wants. After I tried egg for the first time and realized that my pouch did not like eggs, I went back on liquids for about a day or so until my pouch was ready to try again. No need to force anything. As long as you are getting your protein, water and vitamins, you are good! Good luck! Christine

Great point Christine. I didn't really have any with my pouch getting too upset so it is good to hear from people who did and what they found works. Courtney

Thanks for such sage advice, Courtney! I've got about 3 more weeks of soft foods so this will come in handy! Hugs, Robin