8-2-04 surgery, anyone else?

I had a vbg done on 8/98 and had several problems... throwing up all the time couldnt keep anything down and the weight started coming back... I had several dilatations but they only helped for a little while.... I havent had that full feeling yet but I am not pushing eating too much....I really am never hungry I just eat cause I know I am suppose to and I need to get some soft food in there to help my stomach heal.... The one thing I love is chicken salad so I make that in the food processer with some green apple and green onion and fat free mayo.... really creamy and boy is that so good.... I made some tuna salad today and that went down great... so did some mashed pinto beans with some cheese.... I only eat a couple of table spoons...

Hey Debra, Sorry it took so long to respond back. My computer crashed last week. Anyhow, how are you feeling now. Your recipe ideas sound great! I love new things to try. It is hard though making soft food for one and then feeding my family of four something else. I will survive though. Sheri

Hi Sheri in SC, I had surgery on 8-2. Had to stay in the hospital for 6 days because my oxygen levels were too low. I knew I was in good hands. My surgeon, the nurses, and consulting physicians were competent and kind. So I did not worry; just walked, used the triflo, and took hot showers to help loosen up my chest. I was quite impressed with my self when I could finally get all 3 balls in the air. Because I live 4 hours from the hospital, I stayed away from home another 4 days and got my first post op check up before returning home. I am recovering nicely. The incisions look great. I am not having problems with any particular foods or beverages but I still find it very difficult to get in the necessary protein and water. My nutritionist wants me to get 84-96 protein per day. I am taking two to three walks a day and want a nap when I finish one. Also I have not managed to write my food and water intake down. Keeping it in my head is not a good idea but ... I don't feel that my mind or body are ready to get back to normal yet. I feel more like I need to take it slow. Katherine in MI

Hey Katherine, Sorry it took so long for me to respond, my computer crashed last week and my husband had to fix it. Anyhow, I am glad you are feeling better. Wow, your doctor says 84-96 protein per day. I am having a hard time eating that much too. When I walk I want to take a nap also. What types of foods are you eating. I can use all the suggestions I can get. I foung out last week after almost going to the emergency room that I cannot eat rice. It swelled up in my pouch and got stuck. I thought I was going to die for about 8 hours. Anyhow it passed and I won't be trying rice anytime soon again. I also agree with you on taking it slow. I will know when I can get back to my normal routine. Sheri in SC

Hello Sheri, even when I had my vbg done 6 years ago I never could eat rice... until the last year, this year, I started eating sushi.... sometimes I had a hard time with the rice and threw up a few times but for the most part it would go down fine.... I am having a hard time with the protien drink... just makes me gag and I dont want to throw up so I eat tuna, chicken and shrimp pretty much all day.... I just started eating a scramble egg.... my dr. said to get 30 grams of protien... I am trying to do it with the chicken and fish and shrimp..... How much weight have you lost?? I am at 26 lbs... I had to have my incision opened since it was infected I go back to the dr. on Monday and see what he says.... it hurts now and then but not too bad.. I do go to the stores with my husband and walk but boy do I get tired afterwards....