for those who've already had surgery

Do any of you find that the protein drinks aren't keeping you full as long as it did when you first got home? If I eat the cottage cheese or an scrambled egg I feel great and full for a few hours but if I drink my protein drink I find myself getting hungry within 2 or less hours. When I feel that way I drink more water. I feel like maybe I am ready for the pureed foods. When I eat something solid it works but living on cottage cheese is starting to get old. I see my nutritionist on Friday the 23rd so I will see what she says. Anyone else???? Shannon

Hi Shannon, I am definitely hungrier as time goes on, so yes, I agree with you. When I was first home from the hospital, the protein drinks made me feel like I would burst. Though my surgeon told me to do clear liquids for two weeks, and then two weeks of full liquids, then one month puree, then one month of soft. I kind of went off of this a couple of days ago because he also said if I was very hungry I could have some solids as long as I chew really well. That along with the info i see here at this website of so many having solids earlier on made me veer from what he recommends. I have been having mostly liquids all day, but I get hungry for something more about 3pm and sometimes again a few hours later. I have been wondering if I am able to eat too much, but I can't determine that yet at this point. There is too much conflicting information. I don't know whether to feel guilty for not following dr's orders to the letter, or not sweat it because every dr.s different anyway. Well, I digress from your question... OK well, this is my experience so far. I sure hope I can do this and not screw up. It's scary for me. Good luck and keep up your good work! ~Sue

Hi Shannon! I'm not scheduled for surgery until 9/23 but I had few suggestions. First off I heard in my support group that not all protein drinks give you that full affect. Do you have a variety of protein? Do they all have the same affect? My other suggestion is that maybe you can make the shake thicker by using less water or more ice and see if it makes you feel full longer. Logically I'm thinking that it wouldn't drain from your pouch as quickly if it's thicker. My doctor insists on a liquid diet for the first 4 weeks to give the new system plenty of time to heal so I'm counting on those protein shakes to fill me up and get me through a long month! Julia

Your correct in drinking. The feeling of hunger could just mean that you are thirsty. Don't just drink water find something with taste. I drink some milk when I think it is hunger.

Thanks people I appreciate the responses..... Shannon

Shannon, I have not been post-op as long as you. I was told your stomach is swollen right after surgury making you feel fuller longer. But as the swelling goes down you will be more hungry. But they want me to have 3 protein drinks plus three other small meals (if your call them that- I am still on clear liquids.). Are you getting all your meals in? Are you drinking enough water? I know you shouldn't be filling hungry. So asking your nutritionalist will be a good idea. Hang in there.