Foods Allowed

Jurst curious as to what other surgeons are telling their patients. My surgeon released me to real food at 2 1/2 weeks...told me to quit measuring...and above all else....not to eat because it was "time" to eat...but...to eat ONLY when I was hungry and to QUIT when I was full....NO SNACKS other that sugar free popsicles, sugar free jello, etc.....he said that he wanted me to get to know hunger and fulll....and..that snacks was retraining myself to eat in between meals....I am supposed to use wisdom with this freedom that he gave me...but....it is working...I try to make sure that I don't eat until uncomfortable....I am truly learning the difference between physical hunger and head hunger. I have had NO problems with regular diet...but...I am cautious with what I eat and I still remember to CHEW...CHEW...CHEW...I think the hardest thing for me to learn is to eat SLOWLY.

Hi Paula, One thing I've learned...every surgeon is different as for what they have found works for their patients. As for me I wouldn't be able to eat only when hungry...I'm NEVER hungry! Sometimes I get head hunger by smelling or seeing something but my stomach never tells me its hungry, it doesn't do anything but gurgle and hurt when it doesn't like something. I've forgotten to eat for over 8 hours a couple of times when I had a busy day. My nurse practitioner and the surgeon said most patients feeling of hunger doesn't return for at least 3 months because your stomach has been separated and is new. I too am working on the slowly thing. I guess when I get tired of my chest and stomach kicking my butt I'll learn some patience...

I have to eat 1/2 cup portions 3 to 4 times per day with protein drinks inbetween. I am on the "modified regular diet" now. I have to eat on schedule whether I am hungry or not, so I can get the protein in. I have to be cautious of portions because eating too much can blow the staples inside. I am never hungry, and it's too early I believe to even feel hungry, so I follow the rules and eat on schedule. ~ Kim 309/281/130

Hi Paula, I really like the PHILOSOPHY of what your surgeon says. My surgeon is very strict about no solids for a month. Of course things they call soft foods I'd call solids (i.e. scrambled egg)...After a month, if I'm tolerating soft foods, I'm on regular food, but again he is really strict about protein consumption: 70g every day. Protein first, veggies second etc. His rationale for all this: let the stomach really heal well so there are no leaks, no ulcers, blockages, strictures, etc. Eat the protein so you don't lose muscle mass and your hair. Get your vitamins so you don't suffer organ and nerve damage. These things are non-negotiable to him. I haven't been hungry yet, so I'm just following the rules to make sure I'm getting what I need. Hopefully I will develop good habits that will keep me from gaining the weight back over time. I think learning to deal with head hunger (like what you're working on) is the major battle to keeping the weight off... What you're doing sounds like it's working beautifully for you. I congratulate you on your success. I hope that you have a profile that you are updating. I'd like to follow your story. Best wishes.