Food limitations

I am 6 mo. post op. (12/18/03) I have lost about 85 lbs. so far. I am very limited as to what I am able to eat. I can only eat chicken breast, turkey, some seafood. I stay away from fatty foods, fried foods, breads, pasta. I also had my gall bladder removed at the time of surgery. I have a problem with veggies. I also have a problem with constipation. I sometimes use a stool softener, every other day. Does anybody have any suggestions as to what I could do? What other foods could I try? I also am starting to sag all over. I love that I can get into smaller clothes, but I hate trying to hide my sagging belly, arms and drooping thighs and boobs. I have Healthnet. I don't know if they will pay for reconstructive surgery. Has anybody tried yet?

Susan...Congrats on the weight loss! It is funny how our bodies react to food after this surgery. I myself eat no sweets! I can handle soft tender meats....if it is the least bit dry I know it won't stay down. Rice, carrot sticks and breads give me problems still. For your contispation problem...don't get hooked on stool softners. I started having a glass of cranapple juice. You can buy reduce sugar juices. You might even want to try apple juice and cut it with water. As for sagging...it is UGLY! I look like a new woman now but when you take off the support bra, underwear and whatever else....OH MY! Call your insurance to see if they cover anything like that. My insurance Aetna will do a tummy tuck only it the tummy hangs @ the pelvic bone. Best of Luck....this is a amazing journey! Karie -92

I, too have a hard time eating meat. It must be very moist, or it sticks for hours. My bowels just don't work either. It got so bad I had to go to the doctor. I've tried everything. Nothing except Milk of Magnesia works, so I have to take that every other day. I droop too, and my tummy pulling down is starting to hurt my back and pull at it. My arms have red areas where the skin rubs. I'm hoping for reconstructive in December. Until then, I wear tight pants, loose tops, and longer sleeves. Nona

Hello, Because I had so many problems eating meat and being that is the best sorce of protein, I started drinking with meals again. Harder meats and dry meats just got stuck or came back up so I figured out a couple of sips of water or SF tea helps it stay down! Of course we all know this is a major NO NO, but I just could not get my protein in without doing it and (KNOCK WOOD) I am still losing! Hope this helps. Tracy

I am also 6 months post op and have lost 92 pounds. I cannot tolerate chicken or eggs and I really enjoyed both before surgery. I mainly eat turkey, fish, tuna, lettuce and tomatoes. etc. I get sick on any food with garlic which I enjoyed before surgery. I don't eat pasta, rice or bread but I do indulge a few bites of baked potato occasionally. I really enjoy Wendy's and Burger King chili. My bowels are just now getting regular and "moving on their own". I know the more liquids I drink, the more regular I am. My legs are really saggy -- but I didn't let that jeopardize my wearing a two piece bathing suit on vacation last week. I can worry about that later. I'm healthy----I feel good----and I am medication free! luvitsunnyv