1 Week Post-Op Questions

Hi. I had RNY last Tuesday, and I have some questions. My belly really itches as do the incisions. I know it is a sign of healing, but is there anything I can put on them or my belly to help? I took the tape off of the incisions and they are all closed, but I also put big bandaids over them just so they don't get irritated. Is that right? Dr never said what to do and the nurse just said that it was ok if the tape came off in the shower or something. A week after surggery I am noticing that the hunger is coming back. I started on full liquids today with sf carnation instant breakfast, skim milk and Isopure plus some jello and a popsicle for snacks. I am a lot more hungry today than I was than I was on post-op clear liquids. I am trying to stick to the protein (20-30) and calorie (150-200) guidelines but am still hungry. I thought I wasn't supposed to be hungry after surgery? Any suggestions? I start soft foods next week whi*****reased protein to 40-60 and calories to 250-300, but I don't want to suffer through this week if I don't have to. How can I keep the hunger down within the diet? Someone else I know on another forum said she was supposed to do 80-90 grams of protein per day in about 200 calories. Even with protein powders, I can't figure out how that is possible in 200 cals? I have been using Isopure and Procel to help meet the guidelines, but it is always such small quanitites per meal that I don't know how to get in more protein without going over the calories. Any suggestions? Thanks for the help!

1. For itching my surgeon said use triple antibiotic ointment, or A&D ointment on the incisions... the itching is because the wounds are dried out and skin needs some moisture. Tape coming off is ok as long as wounds are still closed. Mine stayed on for the first 2 weeks and doc took it off. The bandaids aren't necessary really, unless you're having oozing. 2. Hunger is there, but make sure it's genuine pouch hunger, not just the "I want to eat" feeling in your mind (aka Head hunger). I did get episodes of hunger but it was way different, and a few sips of something and I was full but still THOUGHT I was hungry... that's the head hunger battle and is a rough mental thing to get through... I know I really battled that badly for the first 2 weeks, and it can be very depressing too {{{HUGS}}} 3. 200 cal??? no way!! I would really ask your nutritionist about that, I don't believe that is in your best interests. My surgeon's goal is 60 grams protein, 48 oz water, and 500 cals per day, up to week 4. So, 80-90 grams of protein is good for later on, but you won't likely get that at your stage. I still can't get more than about 40 oz water, 60 grams protein in a day, averaging 400 cals. I made up my own protein drink (decaf instant coffee with SF vanilla syrup and milk/protein) and it gets 15 grams protein per 2 oz (yes protein drinks count for water too****ep that made up in the fridge in a half gallon batch and pour myself a 2 oz cup about every 3 hours. I found using the little disposable bathroom cups is a fantastic way to keep it cold and easy to access (hate warm drinks now). I can share the recipe if you like. IMO that's the hardest part to get through, the liquids. I battled it with simple things... when I was told I could have full liquids, I made my own little "soup" with milk, mashed potato flakes, and unflavored protein (sometimes I'd change it up with an herb chicken boullion, or the liquid strained from a can of Healthy Choice Vegetable Soup instead of milk). That was the hardest week for me. Have you tried SF popsicles? What about one of the drinkable yogurts (Dannon makes "Lite & Fit" in drinkable bottles) with low sugars, low fats and can be a bit of a "mental break" from the monotony of liquids. It does also supply some protein and calcium. Don't forget you can freeze some dilute fruit juices in ice cube trays and whir them up in the blender for a nice lil slushy too, it's a neat change. Once you progress to puree (specially if you have a Magic Bullet) you'll find everything suddenly fits in the puree category, so be careful to choose wisely

I had my surgery last Tuesday too and I'm going through the same thing! I feel hungry and I've found myself literally salivating at normal foods. I want to eat, and I convince myself not to and that I'm not hungry. It's a constant fight but it must be part of the reprogramming process. I started itching today too. My doctor said to leave the steristrips on until they fall off on their own! I'm sure with time it'll get easier. It's such a challenge!

I was also told that I wouldn't be hungry after surgery. I was hungry often. Real hunger. I was never given a calorie number to stick to. From the beginning of post op, my only requirements are to get 60 to 80 grams of protein and 64 oz of water. I was shocked to see the calorie numbers you were provided! I never took in that small of an amount of calories. At the end of my three weeks (this past Friday), I had lost 13 pounds, which is good for me because my BMI was not that high at the time of surgery. As for the steristrips. I'm pretty upset about what happened with me. The nurse at the hospital took them off the day of surgery, and I found out a couple days later from my surgeon that they were supposed to stay on for a week!!!! I hated the hospital I was at. I changed my post op care to a different hospital because I was so disatissfied.

Hi Mary, What was your BMI because mine too is low and I am not 100lbs overweight I am about 85lbs Thanks Tammi

On the day of surgery, my BMI was 39.8. But when I was approved for surgery it was 42.7. I lost about 17 pounds prior to surgery.

My itching has already started too.and i was thinking about the triple antibiotic ointment..i use it for everything! I am hungry too...but i think most of it is head hunger. I am having troubles feeling full but am still on full liquids. My surgeon allows cottage cheese so I just had that today for the first time and it stayed down lovely and tasty SOO good. and it has TONS of protein. I'm also sipping on a protein shake. There are these new protein things that are like shots of protein. They tasty fruity and you can ad them to your crystal light...i don't have the website off hand but I will find it and update it when I i have it. Each shot I think contains 15 grams of protein in ONE ounce!!! Anyway..hope this helps! Rita

Move over everyone! I think of food all day long. I even have food dreams. It drives me nuts. I get more than enough protein and the water I sip all day might even exceed the goal amt for the day. I sure hope that they really did the surgery on me. I use Isopure too. I thought that 2 scoopfuls to 12oz. of water in the blender was 50 grms. of protein. You had to have misunderstood the info about the calories. That's just not enough. Take Care~~~ Diane

Hi. No, what I wrote is the guidelines for everyone in my program. I do half a scoop of isopure in 3-4oz of water in the Magic Bullet. It's 50 calories and 12.5 grams of protein. It is portioned out for what I can do within my diet. How do you drink 12oz of isopure with the tiny pounch? My weight management specialist really emphasized not drinking or eating more than the pouch can hold as that will stretch it out and make weight loss difficult. I am scared to do anything more than 4oz of liquids and 2 ounces of anything thicker for the hope of not stretching out my pouch. Just wondering. Sherry

I can't drink more than 3 or 4 oz at once, and can't eat more than 2 oz at once. Part of it depends on the size your surgeon made the pouch, but I'm going to post a link to my protein drink here, so you see how I can manage 11 grams protein in 3 oz drink, that stays cold! I do it 2 or 3 times a day and YAAY no problem getting in protein. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/03-2007/postdetail/1081.html?vc=0