One Month Post OP today- Suggestions?

Everyone.. I am elated to say this is my First Month, & as a baby postop, I am happy to say I'm -28lbs and thrilled! I weigh in once weekly. I'm involved in three support meetings, and this week was my surgeon's. I discovered that I have been doing things half right for the month! I was initially upset about this - because I felt like a failure. But I also know I have been doing most of the right things. I was released on a pureed diet, and for the first 2 weeks - I ate and kept a diary - and stuck to the foods on my list- except I couldnt stand pureed tuna or meat- all the other mushy foods were fine. After I spoke with my surgeon at the meeting, I got him to allow me to cut and chew my proteins- chicken, fish etc. I have been blessed so far- that nothing has disagreed with me since surgery.(Not to mention I've been cutting up my protein portions for the last 3 weeks) It was getting my surgeon to agree with me! I'm very good abou****ching what I choose- always eat protein first (actually mostly), products with no sugar added, or sugar free, soymilk and lactaid milk (intolerant) and getting in 2 shakes instead of 3 daily. I pay attn to my pouch pal, and never try to overrule it. I somehow feel lost & today went back to writing it down again. I have a variety of protein available : nectar (3 flavors), Isopure choc, and Designer Whey (vanilla & choc peanut caramel). I think I get bored very easily now with my taste buds- LOL ! I just wonder how many of you - have either felt like they did the wrong things this soon and have had it turn out ok? or can help me to improve what I'm doing? Thanks, you are the best! Hugs, Donna

Hi Donna, We had our surgery on the same date. I was advanced to pureed food on the 19th & to stage 3 (regular foods) this past Monday. My nutritionist said to continue with the 2 medicine cups (2 oz) at each meal until my next appointment on 9/22. I have been drinking an Extreme Smoothie by VHT ready to drink protein drink (35 g protein) each morning & hoping the remaining of my protein comes from my food. I also have been working really hard on getting in my liquids. I think that plays a big part in losing weight. I went a week or so without losing anything & lost 4 lbs in the past few days. I've lost 21 lbs thus far & am really happy with that. My sister & I are support group leaders in our town & I love it. We were meeting once a month, but we are changing it to 2 times a month. I think you're doing great. It's a trial & error process. Good luck Tammy

Tammy !! Thank you so much, you are such a honey!! I think I get exasperated because I'm still working on my chicken or whatever, and my son has eaten his appetizer, dipped 2x into his fried rice and lo mein. LOL! And I used to eat more than he did! SO now I watch and I'm like- I can't believe how much he eats! LOL (he is 20).. I spoke with another friend about it, and I calmed down, because I really have been paying attention. I used to think 60 oz of water wasn't a problem- because I was drinking 20 at lunch! LOL Have you tried the Designer Whey flavors or Nectar brands- they are juice flavors vs. choc, strawberry etc. The Nectar brand even has an iced tea mix, which really tastes like a southern mint julep iced tea! and its 25gm of protein! Sometimes I drop 2 capfuls for 50gms! I also have their fuzzy navel (orange & tangerine) and carribbean- which is like a pina colada..I also drink cappuccino soy milk (by soy slender) and I add a scoop of Designer Whey flavor- vanilla praline- and MAN does it taste good cold. I'm a little lactose intolerant.. You should check out the Designer Whye- its sold in the Vitaminne Shoppe for 19.95! I have always been a believer in variety- but it seems I wanna taste everything- not test my limits- but everything tastes delicious and I am not bothered when anyone is having something I cannot- except popcorn- LOL. it may be awhile before I go to the movies again- LOL ..Also- I discovered s/f preservesby Polaner, and instead of bread- I take some and eat them on soy crisps/chips. They are like mini rice cakes- only full of soy protein! Sometimes I have them with cottage cheese & fruit- try them- they come in different flavors... but there just doesn not seem to be enough time in the day to get everything in - but I will find a way to work it out! Thank you for your encouragement... I took some new pictures at my surgeon's support group meeting this past week - will share them when I get them..my Preop pics are on there too..LOL Also- I think its a good idea doing it every 2weeks. Im in 3 support groups the one closest to me, is bi-weekly & on saturdays- and I like that- first thing on sat morning and no stress and I always feel like Ive accomplished something after those meetings.. they are powerful and very empowering! SOoo congrats to you and your sister ~ keep up the excellent work with your group and your diet. THANKS FOR REMINDING ME ITS TRIAL & ERROR! Keep in touch- and thank you again for responding! Hugs, Donna