IN THE DUMPS TODAY
Hang in there Brenda! It will get easier! I am 8 days post-op, so just a few behind you. Spring is on the way for you there in OH and it will cheer you up. We had a beautiful day in Texas and I was able to spend most of it outside, taking a walk and watching my kids play on the playground. You have conquered the hard part, making the brave decision and following through with it, your physical discomfort getting better everyday. The only thing left is the mental battle against the food. Believe me, I am going to war on that one with you. We all are. I could have moved off the clear liquids three days ago, but all I have eaten is sugar free jello and crystal light since the surgery. My mental problem is that if I can't eat a lot of something, I don't want any of it. I am actually seriously considering seeing how long I can go on just a clear liquid diet. I am scared of having an upset stomach, of moving on to thicker foods and having something get stuck... It has now become a mental game with us, and we have to all stick together! Get some good sleep tonight and tomorrow will be a better day!
I am six days post and a bit more sore and maybe a bit more down, today. We all had major surgery. Our bodies are complaining while trying to recover from maybe the biggest shock it has ever recieved (in my case, certainly) so I'm not surprised.
Chris, I have to tell you, you have to start making that move to all liquids quickly. Don't be afraid of it. You need to start getting protein in or your body will begin shutting down. If you haven't picked a protein shake, I use Isopure vanilla powder (because it's so versatile) and I put two scoops, a 1/2 C 1% milk, any flavorings (I'll toss in some cocoa powder and cinnamon for a "Mexican Chocolate" flavor) and about three ice cubes into a blender. I pulse it until the ice is broken up and melted in and the shake is thick without too much air. One of those is over 50 grams of protein! It's a lot to sip at, so manage it well, but you can have one of those and go back to your jello and crystal light and be making yourself stronger. Then you can add some more forms of protein as you get more comfortable.
Trying to see how long you can stay on the liquid diet is NOT a good idea!
You need to at least eat some soft foods such as yogurt and cream of wheat and maybe some pureed foods in order to keep your Stoma open. It will close up and you will have to have it stretched if you're not careful. I think that when you start eating soft foods that a little will "seem" like a lot to you because of your smaller stomach. I am 6 months out and it amazes what a small amount of food I can get by on. BUT, I eat all kinds of foods! I did not eat meat for a good while, but I can eat almost anything now, just not very much. PLEASE follow your doctor/nutritionists orders and don't be afraid.
Pam
Brenda,
Hang in there girl, I am 20 days post op and you will have your bad days and nights. Its normal, at least that is what they tell me. I had trouble eating as well, at 12 days I was eating oatmeal, cream of wheat and some chili. I get the bush's chili with no beans..if you blend it just for a few seconds to get the meat finally chopped its really good. Another thing you may want to try is some tuna with light mayo. it is high in protein and you dont have to eat but 2oz to get that.
When i went to the doctor for my 2 week check they now have me eating foods with more texture. Its hard because your affraid to get sick but you just have to take it slow.
I myself have seemed to have stopped losing weight and am in a slump. I had lost 17 pounds at my 14 day visit and am only down 18 now and its been 20 days...so if anyone has any thoughts on that please let me know.
Im trying to get in my proteins but im just having trouble taking in 50grams...the average i seem to take in is about 25g.
Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Hey Brenda, we had RNY surgery the same day 3/1/05 and I can tell you it is difficult at times to stay positive but somehow you just have to make yourself look to the results not the problems you are handling now. Are you having trouble sleeping because of a troubled mind or is it a physical problem? I know my surgeon requires we stay on clear liquids for 2 weeks post op to allow time for my new digestive sytem to heal properly before subjecting it to regular food. It is much harder to be on a liquid diet for 16days than to be able to eat foods right away, but maybe that is the problem. Perhaps you could stick to more fluids for a little while longer, because I cannot imagine my stomach being ready for chili at this point like someone else posted as a reply. On Tuesday, I can start soft foods and I am so ready for it I have no qualms about what to try because I know I won't be able to eat everything. I got the best organic eggs I could for scrambled eggs, my favorite, but am prepared that I may not be able to stomach it at all. I got some fat free refried beans, cottage cheese, hard cheddar cheese, instant mashed potatoes, malt-o-meal, albacore tuna, deviled ham, cream of chicken soup, so many choices and I know I may not be able to eat much of anything but at least I can keep trying. Just remember we never thought this was an easy way out and it will not always be easy, but if we made it through surgery we can make through this and find our new selves along the way. Take care and good luck finding things you can eat well!
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