What is your post-op diet?

Every surgeon and support is so different. I came home on clear liquids. One week out (stage I am in now) I am on full liquids. Adding the protein drinks and blended soups was awesome. I am beginning to feel weary again though. Tuesday I see the surgeon for for second follow up and I will go to pureed foods. Week four is soft foods. I do have a question..... What things are not sitting well for most folks? I want to choose my food for the most nutrious but easiest to digest. I am off beef and pork for six months. However I hear such horror stories on chicken too. Will it be tuna all the time?? Ha ha I am nine days out and my chief complaint would be fatigue. I am thrilled so far. I am down about 19 pounds or so. I am also diabetic and that has been bouncing all over. I cover it with regular insulin four times a day IF NEEDED. I was fairly steady at 220 to 240 before surgery with several meds. Now I bounce from low 200 to 140. Today, I had cream of wheat (My first bread product) and my resulting blood sugar was 267. Not wonderful but I am watching the day's progress. I hope to go back to work on a limited basis next week. I am in management at a desk so the strain of work is not physical. We are working a short week so I see it as a good trial run for January. Any words of wisdom? Vicky

Hi Vicky, Next week I get full liquids and I think pureed foods. I sure hope so anyways. I go in on Monday for my post-op. I get to start my protein drinks next week too. I did try Nectar last week and it made me sick. I too am dealing with the fatique. I really feel good just so darn tired. My surgeon said to expect it. I also had surgery 4 weeks before this so I know I had a double wammy. I just got over the one and went into another. The problem with the first I was so sick the 3 days before I went to the doctor and that really got me down. I know it will get better for us both....it just takes time... I am so scared to try food based on some of the things people have said. I don't want to dump, I am terrified of this. This morning I had to make goodie bags with lots and lots of chocolate candy. I was so surprised that I didn't even crave a piece. Last year I ate almost a bag by myself while making them. I am concerned about Christmas day. I don't feel it is fair to deprive my family a good meal so I will cook whatever they want. Sure hope it's not ribeye, but I will deal with it if it is their choice. They have really been so good to me, so I can do this for them. Good luck going back to work. I don't work so that is not a problem for me. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas. JC

Hi, I am 19 days out, came home on full liquids (creamed soup, plain non-fat yogurt, s/f Carnation Instant Bkfst, s/f jello etc.) and will be until my 1 mth anniversary on Jan 5. Then I start with pureed food for 2 weeks and a soft diet after that. Will find out in mid Jan what the next step is. Nee P

JC, I was on the liquid protein diet for 2 weeks prior to my surgery. I'm 12 days post-op and have been on pureed foods since day 2. I was in the hospital for 7 days and they give me 3 meals per day with SF carnation drink. I wasn't hungry in the hospital and am not really hungry now. The most difficult thing so far is consuming the water. My surgeon told me that he cared more about my fluid intake than food because of most post-ops are re-hospitalized with dehydration. Saying that, I have a fridge full of partially eaten food in plastic containers that I reheat. I have easy to fix things for my son. What I'm curious about is how people handle cooking for large families. Do you set aside a small portion and then puree it for yourself? Happy Holidays to all! Chauncine

Looks like we have the same surgery date. I am now on liquids and trying to get my protein in and it is hard. Are you still doing the carnation instant breakfast? I had some samples of different protein and am having trouble with a lot of them. I can do the carnation, I mix it with 1/3 cup of nonfat dry milk for added protein. I have been cooking meals for my family but since I am still on liquids I have not had any. Sure would love to have my blackedeyed peas and cabbage today. Oh well..... Take care, JC

JC, I was drinking Atkins Advantage, Chocolate Delight and Chocolate Royale protein shakes on the liquid phase. I can't stand them now because they are too sweet. I have GNC 100% Whey Protein in French Vanilla and Chocolate Carmel. I purchased some Designer Whey unflavored protein to add to my cooked foods. They were bland before surgery, now with they suit me just fine. I do add the SF carnation to them with Milk to give me 32g of protein per serving (20+4+8). I drink two of these per day and try get additional protein in my food. So far, no dumping. I have had two restaurant experiences in the past two days. It's hard to order without telling all of your business. My family looks at me like I'm the Loch Ness monster because I eat maybe 3 bites and am done. Today, I had a couple spoons of spinach and artichoke dip with some garlic mash potatoes. I ended up taking 7/8 of it home. Yesterday, I ate from my son's plate at PF Changs...a couple bites of chicken and I was full. Saying that, I'm deathly afraid of dumping. My treats, are Blue Bunny Carb Freedom Peanut Butter bars and SF jello with Lite Cool Whip. . Chauncine