Question:
HELP! I FEEL GUILTY!

I am two weeks out from having open RNY surgery. I weighed 295lbs preop and now weigh 269lbs. I couldn't be happier with my weight loss. But, I feel bad about what I am eating. My doctor instructed me to stay away from carbonated beverages and high fats and sugars after the surgery, but on the third day in the hospital, they were already serving us mashed potatoes and pureed oatmeal and stuff. I told my doctor that I was so sick to my stomach from all the medication, and that all I wanted was a cracker. He said, "GO AHEAD!" just chew it really well and eat it slow. Well, now I am worried about what I am eating. Today I had, about five bites of scrambled eggs mixed with potatoes and a dash of cheese melted on them. For lunch, about a half cup of veggie stew, and for dinner, I had about 1/4 of a pintos and cheese from taco bell. I also had a snack of 2 saltine crackers with a tiny tiny amount of peanut butter on them. I chew everything really really good and eat slowly, but from what I have read on here, I feel like I am eating the wrong things. I haven't gotten sick on anything or had any pain at all though. Should I go back to just jello, cottage cheese, and broth? I am scared I am eating to much to fast. Any help would be appreciated!!!    — Shawnie S. (posted on August 6, 2002)


August 5, 2002
Hi, congrats on the weight loss. Now, with you being 2 weeks out. Your new plumbing is healing. And with the kinds of foods your are putting in there, I don't think it can heal properly. But of course if your doctor says it is ok, then he is the one to listen too. I know my doctor from BTC said 1 week of clear liquids, 2 weeks of all liquids, and then 1 wk of pureed, then one of soft food. I followed but slipped up like you every once in awhile. I have done really well. I have lost 112 lbs in less than 10 months. I feel so much better. Don't fret we all have our week moments. Just get back on the "wagon" and stay on it for awhile. Trust me, life is so much better on this side!!!! Good luck and god bless. Open Rny 10/4/01 -112lbs!!! BTC of OH.
   — TONYA B.

August 5, 2002
Shawnie- Cut yourself some slack. You are only two weeks out. If your doctor says you can eat those items you are find. I know I had the same concerns at 2 weeks, so here is what helped me. I processed the reality of the situation. I compared what I was eating at 2 wks to what I would have eaten three weeks before. Also I went to Fitday.com plugged in what I was eating at that time - It was less then 400 calories. Now at 9.5 weeks down 60 lbs and eat about 600-800 calories and walk 2 miles three times a week. Eat what your doctor prescribes.
   — Cheryl S.

August 5, 2002
Everything you ate sounds right on track! Those were all on my Drs and nutriotionists list for that stage!! Sounds to me like you are doing fine!
   — kittycat

August 5, 2002
I had the same type of meals while I was in the hopsital for WLS and my Doctor said to eat crackers with a little bit of tuna on them. I never did the liquid or pureed thing. I went straight to soft foods and then slowly graduated to regular foods. I am 9 months post-op and I have lost 130#. So, you are doing fine and if your doctor says you can eat certain foods, then follow those instructions. Congratulations.
   — Susan M.

August 6, 2002
I have the same concerns. I am one month postop and let's see. Yesterday I had 2 ounces of quiche for breakfast (made with egg, cheese, onions and sausage). I did eat the crust, but there wasn't much to it. Then for lunch I had another 2 ounces of quiche. For dinner I had a few bites of steak with a few bites of potato salad. Before dinner I had about 4 potato chips with some french onion dip. After dinner I had two bites of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. WOW! That seemed like a lot of typing. BUT when I look at what I really eat, it is not that much. Altogether it was maybe three quarter of what I would have eaten in one meal before surgery! I am down 50 pounds. My doctor says as long as I get my protein in, I am ok. So I be sure to eat my protein first.
   — Sharon C.

August 6, 2002
I felt just the way you are feeling. I am 8 weeks out. My doctor only had us on clear liquids for a day and a half then full liquids for a day and if we tolerated those we were on soft foods. I came home from the hospital on soft foods and after four weeks I was on regular foods. I have never had a problem tolerating anything I eat (of course I have not tried sugar)which is why he progressed me so rapidly. I think every surgeon and every patient is different. You are doing great!
   — maryburton

August 6, 2002
My Doctor had me move straight from the hospital to soft foods, too--lots of cream soups. I never did the liquids, either, not even in the hospital; I had soup & oatmeal there. I was OK to eat anything except green salad & raw veggies by two weeks post. I've done very well. Now at more than 2 years post, I can eat virtually anything I want, I am at goal weight, life is good. You might try keeping track of your calories & protein amounts for a while. It helps you really SEE how much you're eating & it's SO important to get in enough protein, I found recording it helped me a lot. I really learned how much protein is in certain types & amounts of food.
   — Kathy W.

August 6, 2002
I was served the same foods in the hosp and also was worried about what I was eating. I am 6wks out and down 43lbs. I can eat pretty much what ever I want but limit it to 1cup or less and low fat low sugar. I never drink anything but water or Crystal Light and walk 1 hr 6 days a week and I feel great! Hope this helps! Continued success!!!
   — diane M.

August 7, 2002
Stop feeling guilty and celebrate the new you!!! My surgeon had me on a plan of 3 weeks liquids, 3 weeks soft foods, and then I can move to 'table' food. Well, I kept to the liquids religiously - because I didnt want to tear up anything inside if I ate solids. After 1 week on soft foods... I found myself obsessing on a craving for meat. I felt hungry ALL the time... and I know we arent supposed to get all that hungry so soon since our pouches are so small. I read a book that my surgeon gave me and it said that sometimes hunger means that your body is simply ready to handle more complex foods. So, in my opinion, as long as you are eating small amounts of HEALTHY foods and balancing your diet - you should be ok. (and not 'dumping'). Just remember to eat SLOWLY.... Give your stomach a chance to tell you its full. I found myself enjoying some beef the other night and I let my mouth talk for my stomach and ended up overeating and I was miserable for the rest of the night.
   — Valerie H.




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