LIQUID DIET NIGHTMARE

Someone please tell me that there is more on the menu of this liquid diet than just bouillon, chicken broth, jell-o, and popsicles. I have one more week to go to and sometimes I just rather not eat because all of the has just become so "nasty" to me. My MD did not put me in the protein shakes or Ensure, so the list above is all I know I can eat. Please let me know if there is something I am missing out there that I have not even thought of. In one week I will can puree and soft foods. I also need examples of what those types of foods are so I do not run into the same problems. I need a big menu so I can have choices and don't feel miserable about having to eat. The more the merrier! Verda

Verda, Each doctor has different guidelines, so I would contact your NUT through your office and ask them what you can and can't have. You can't go by what others are eating because every doctor and NUT has a different list and a different time table for their patients. Good Luck and know that it does get better.... Shawn M.

I agree with Shawn, each Surgeon has their own requirements (and they can vary so drastically), so you might end up with a list of things he/she don't want you to have. Do you have a Nutritionist (NUT) who works with your Surgeon? If so, please call them and ask for a few sample menus. It does seem like there should be more choices on there, and I'm really surprised they don't have you drinking at least one protein drink a day, but, I would call them and get some clarification because you really need to keep your energy up and you can only do that by getting proper nutrition! Keep us posted! Marilyn

Verda, you should be having a minmum of 50-60 grams of protein each day. On the post-op liquid diet, pretty much the only way to acheive that is to have three protein shakes per day. Please call your surgeon and confirm that you should be having protein supplements. I can't imagine how you can be recovering safely from surgery without getting protein. Donna B.

Thanks, Donna. It seems as though this is it. I have consulted my srugeron and the only protein he has me on right now is two glass of fat free milk, which is about 14g of protein a day. I figured it should be more than that, but that is it. I think I move to a shake a day at weeks 3-5 and then two shakes a day weeks 5 and on. But for the most part what was mentioned is all I have. Luckily, I could have a homemade strained soup so I found a great recipe online and made it today. It was lovely although I can only have the broth of the soup. It is a lot more flavorable than Campbelle's or plain chicken broth.

YEEOW - that IS a nightmare. I guess your surgeon and nut know best, but without protein it's going to be REALLY tough for you. Could you at least mix some Unjury unflavored protein into the chicken broth? I bet that would make you feel better. Ask them if it's okay, though, of course. I feel for you, my friend. Yours is the toughest post-op diet I've read about on the board. Sheesh. Hang in there, Stephanie

I totally feel your pain. I had Lap RNY on the 27th, and was only allowed clear liquids until my first post op follow up appointment this past Wednesday (aka day 10). I had a really hard time with the liquids, and could only get in 35 oz when on the clear liquids. Even water didn't go in well. Small sips and I'd get a sharp pain in my upper chest. However, when I was finally allowed to start full liquids on Wednesday things got much better. Cream soups never tasted so good to me. Just hang in there. My surgeon was adament that anything more than clear liquids would inhibit the healing process. I think he knows what he's talking about becasue even though the mere thought of broth, jello, and herbal tea made me want to throw up by day 7, since moving onto the full liquids this week I haven't had any problems. Even getting in the water and crystal light has gotten much easier since I had more time to heal. Good luck, and when you can finally move onto the full liquids you'll love it!!!