Four days out...

Hi Everyone,

I just want to thank everyone for their help, this process has been both confusing and scared, and honestly, I'm finding it hard to find someone to call for help/advice.  I finally got a hold of my doctor's nurse yesterday and she told me at first that I wasn't supposed to be eating popsciles, which is all I've been "eating" since I left the hospital.  She proceeded to read the same book that I have and told me that I'm doing okay.

I think I'm okay and everythign is going well, it's just nice to know that what I'm feeling or doing is considered normal.  I have more questions though, and I can't think of anyone better to ask than you guys who have been through this.  Please know that I have already tried talking to my doctor's nurse, as well as left a message with the nurse from the hospital.

1.  is it normal to feel what I can only classify as gas pains after I eat a popsicle?
2.  All I've been "eating" is sugar-free popsicles (I just can't stand the thought of drinking broth or trying to eat jello), and I've been doing so every three hours or so, up to six times a day.  The book I have from the doctor is a bit misleading though, first it says to take in these liquids every 2 hours, but then it says to only have 6 meals a day.  I'm assuming they mean the popsicles are a meal, so I'm not sure if I should be trying to eat a popsicle or drink juice every 2 hours, or if I should be spreading it out throughout the day up to 6 times a day.
3.  It says I shouldn't start the soft/puree'd food diet until my stomach is ready, how do I know that?  Is it when the gas pains stop?
4.  Someone mentioned that they took Tylenol PM gels, how soon after your surgery did you start taking that?  

Thanks again, I hope you don't mind my asking all these questions, I just want to make sure I'm on the right track.

It took about two weeks for all the gas to go gasx helped.Yes ur protein and popsicles are ur meals.I drink my water in between.I had soft food at 3 weeks it is different for everybody.The Tyenol I took wasnt PM but I alternated it with what they sent me home with the first week.I am just out myself 2-16-10 but wegot to learn some home asking is the only way.

1.  is it normal to feel what I can only classify as gas pains after I eat a popsicle?
2.  All I've been "eating" is sugar-free popsicles (I just can't stand the thought of drinking broth or trying to eat jello), and I've been doing so every three hours or so, up to six times a day.  The book I have from the doctor is a bit misleading though, first it says to take in these liquids every 2 hours, but then it says to only have 6 meals a day.  I'm assuming they mean the popsicles are a meal, so I'm not sure if I should be trying to eat a popsicle or drink juice every 2 hours, or if I should be spreading it out throughout the day up to 6 times a day.
3.  It says I shouldn't start the soft/puree'd food diet until my stomach is ready, how do I know that?  Is it when the gas pains stop?
4.  Someone mentioned that they took Tylenol PM gels, how soon after your surgery did you start taking that?  

1.  Extreme cold can cause spasms.....this may be the pain but I advise you to ask your surgeon.

2.  pintos & cheese from taco bell was a mainstay for me in the early days.  good source of protein and not too difficult to chew.  WHATEVER YOU EAT CHEW CHEW CHEW!!!!

3.  continue the soft foods for a little while and when your not nauseated or having discomfort attempt something more solid but again CHEW!  CHEW!!! CHEW!!!!!

4.  At walmart you can find adult strength LIQUID tylenol.  I advise you to stay away from capsules for a while.  Your pouch and stoma is small...why risk any problems when liquids are easily available. 

5.  WHEN IN DOUBT DON'T BE AFRAID TO CALL YOUR SURGEON!

Good Luck, Enjoy the weight loss and everything will become a little more normal in a couple of weeks!

Lisa