Helpful hints from a post-op

I had open RNY on May 1st. Here are some helpful hints: 1. Gas-x helped to get rid of that unbearable bloated feeling. 2. When I am sick of broth, I strain Campbells chicken noodle soup for more flavor. 3. See if you can find someone to volunteer to shave your legs for you, it's not very easy to bend over. 4. I never really understood the "sip,sip,sip" because I loved to drink water before, I didn't think it would be a problem. However, my pouch is so little & tempermental, I can't just take in a lot of liquid at anytime. I mean really miniscule amounts is all it will tolerate. It is really a struggle not to get dehydrated. 5. I did throw up blood 3 times immediately after surgery, but is was a very small amount & it was frothy, not as scary as I would have imagined. 6. Isopure from GNC has 40 g protein for 20 oz. & make sure you buy the zero carb ones. Even if you can only get down a few oz in a day, at least that is some protein. Getting tired, need to rest now. Any other post-ops feel free to add to the list. Hugs, Darlene

May 3rd here. I would like to add: 1. For gas gasx rocks and a heating pad for the tummy and Sit or Stand in a hot shower let it run down your back and WALK WALK WALK. Really works folks. 2. Don't eat more than 1 SF Popcycle in a couple of hours no matter how GOOOOOOOD it is. The artificial sweentner give you evil GAS. 3. Bullion is awful. Next to it in the supermarket is "Better than Broth" its in a small jar and it is even better than strained canned soups. 4. Rest. Youve just had major surgery, you plumbing has just been redone. Its so okay to sleep if you can. I developed insomia. So I sleep whenever I can. 5.Missing Starbucks???? Not kidding here. I mixed Necter Cappacino Protein in fat free SF CHOCOLATE pudding I tricked my brain. MMMMMMMM 6. Just when you think you cant take anymore you will wake up the next day feeling better. 7 Know that you have folks who love and support you here! Sue

Thanks Darlene and Sue It's really helpful hearing from people that have just / are going through it. I've got 2 weeks to go and no matter how much I have read on OB and tried to prepare myself I still cant' believe I'm actually going to have surgery - that it is real. Hearing from you guys helps it feel more real. Hope you continue to do well - Ruth

I'm a May 1st baby as well!! RNY open I haven't been able to choke down protien powders in Anything!! i dislike the taste of them! and i've tried a few different flavors. I"m not having a problem with meats though, so for a small midday snack, i grab a little pureed tuna, beef, pork, ham, or turkey i also like adding a little miracle whip light and dill pickle and blending it up together, and eating it just like that. it tides me over til supper time, and gives me great energy! and usually get in an extra block or 2 when i take my afternoon walk!! i have cut my naps down to 1 a day now, otherwise i don't sleep well at night. after having my G-tube removed i am able to move around and sleep SOOOO much better!!!! I also enjoy fresh cantalope!! what a great way to get a nice friut in, as well as some liquid!! i keep one cut up in the fridge and grab and piece here and there. I also did a little digging and found some great smoothie recipes! they are on the minnesota forum. your grocer should carry carb free/sugarfree ice cream if your in the need for something that should be naughty... lol... blend it up with frozen cherries and FLAT diet pop (very little) it tastes just like cherry coke... lol.. mmmmmmm i love goin out for walks now!! seeing the scale move DOWN is such an inspiration to keep active!! I'm sipping on water ALL day long, but i'm not sure if i'm getting enough in.... i'm usually goin through 2 --16oz. bottles...... when i eat, and just a tiny bit, i get full fast, and i always have food left over on my plate! i don't get the big plate out either anymore, i use the small dessert plate! even that's too big... HAHAHAHA it just seems weird!! pretty much everything that i make for my family for meals i can eat, i have always been good about making good rounded meals for my family.... (most of the time before i had to run to work so i couldn't eat them, and when i did come home i was too tired to eat them) Have good pillows!!! I still love my body pillow! it's nice to have it between my knees and ankels and i'm still able to have it in front of my tummy for added support. i'm still wearing my wrap, and it's nice to wear still for support, but it does feel good coming off for awhile too! I'm wishing you all the best of luck with your surgeries, and for those that are on the losing side already, i'm wishing you great success!!!!! ~Alison

Hi Allison, I'm jealous. I am still on clear liquids & we have the same surgery date. Tomorrow I go to see my doctor & start full liquids. I'm dreaming of tuna & saltines!! Darlene

Wow! You'll probly lose a BUNCH of weight fast being on liquids like that!! i was on clear liquids from Sunday 30th to the 3rd, then on full liquids from the 4th until the 10th. then i got to graduate to soft/pureed's.... On July 12th i see the dietician and graduate to stage 4........ It'll come soon!!! and you'll probly surpass me in weight loss too!! hahahahaha It was awesome to finally have a different texture in my mouth besides liquids!! lol.... Have a blast with Full liquids!!! new textures... new tastes!!! ~Ali

Can you give me some suggestions for good full liquids? I am ready to try new stuff. Darlene

They'll tell ya that you can move to Cream soups now... lol... there's alot more varity there!! and a nicer texture. sugar free pudding, pureed fruits with plain yogurt (careful w/banana's they can upset yer' tummy) cream of wheat w/splenda ensure/boost carnation instant breakfast oatmeal (with skim or 1% milk) applesauce (i'm not real sure on this one though) yogurt (fat/sugar free) tomato juice/V8 Jello (if you can still tolerate it) hahaha also, if you miss the chewing sensation, try some sugar free gum! (try not to swallow too much air though) when ya move to pureed's... it's either pureed, or chewed to that consistancy.... so you'll have a whole lot more textures!!! ~Alison 254/235/140