Post-op diet?

Anyone know where I can go to get the DETAILED, SPECIFICS on the Post-op diet?  I haven't had surgery yet, but am trying to learn all I can to make it easier afterward.  I can find basic overviews, but that is it.  I'd like to have it all in my head good so I'm not always worried if I'm doing the right thing after surgery.  That is if I every get approved and have it.  Any help is apreciated.

Now see, you're the type of person who's going to be super successful with this!  Being fully aware of what you're getting into and being prepared for what's ahead and what to expect is the key to this whole journey (IMHO). Do you have a surgeon yet? A lot of your post op diet depends on the surgeon and what they have you follow. I can give you specifics later today when I have my hand book with me of what Dr Gibbs has his patients do. Might not be exactly what your doctor has his patients do, but it will give you some idea what to expect. Best wishes, Susan

All I can offer is what my surgeon did. Dr. Baker says clean out your frig and cabinet today! He'll put you on HMR protein shakes before surgery.

 

Thanks guys,

 

No, I don't have a surgeon yet.  Can't seem to find one that will take Medicare.  Hoping to meet Dr. Gibbs at the open house thing on Thursday and find out if he'll take me.  I hope so. 

Susan, any specifics you can give me would be great.  If I don't get to use Dr. Gibbs, atleast I'll have a good idea of what I'll have to do. 

I sure hope my doctor (when I find one) uses the shakes for the pre-surgery diet.  That would sure be easier for me. Thanks Amy

Hi, I'm back. Dr Gibbs doesn't require either a liquid diet pre-op or that nasty bowel prep.  Both of which I was most grateful for! I have my hand book here, so here's the "Readers Digest Condensed" version. In the hospital, starting day two, ice chips, day three sugar-free clear liquids First home:  Sugar free full liquids which are: fat free broth, sugar free Jello, Coffee or tea, unsweetened fruit juice, unsweetened popsicles, sugar free flavored beverages( crystal light, sugar free kool-aid) hot cereals, thinned with skim milk; fat free cream soups, strained, made with skim milk; skim/fat free milk; V-8 juice; sugar free pudding Soft diet begins on day 6 post op--- Week 1-4   1-2 Tablespoons per meal Week 4-6    2-4 Tablespoons per meal Week 6-8    4-6 Tablespoons per meal DO NOT EXCEED 1/2 CUP FOOD PER MEAL FOR 6-9 MONTHS!!!! nonfat cottage cheese; nonfat sugar free yogurt; nonfat and low fat cheeses; cooked cereals, soggy cold cereals; smooth natural peanut butter; whole wheat crackers and melba toast; potatoes, baked or boiled, without skin; whole wheat pasta; macaroni and cheese made with fat free cheese and skim milk(from scratch, not boxed); brown or wild rice; canned fruit; mashed bananas; melon; applesauce; apples, without peel, pears, without peel; canned vegetables, without seeds; soft cooked veggies; poached soft cooked eggs- not hard boiled or scrambled; sugarfree popsicles; sugar free pudding made with skim milk; tuna made with water packed tuna, chicken salad or ham salad made with nonfat mayo, mixed to a smooth texture. Weeks 5-8 Advanced soft diet. Add ground meat, lean free of any visible fat and moist.  Toasted bread.  By the 6th week, lean sliced meats may be introduced. Start with lean shave deli ham or turkey After the 8th week: More regular type diet. Adding additional meats, bread and raw veggies with caution. THREE MEALS A DAY, NO SNACKS!!! Ok, there it is.  Any questions, just let me know.

Wow, thanks Susan.  That's exactly what I was looking for.  I like the idea of NO SNACKS.  It just seems like it would be easier to control to me. Dr. Gibbs doesn't require any kind of pre-op diet? Or just not a liquid one? I want this so badly- I want to know everything I need to know before I have the surgery, so I'll be less likely to screw up.  I'm SO scared that I'm gonna screw up.  I hope and pray that I'll get approved.  Someone told me that if I have my PCP's approval that it's pretty much a given that it'll be approved, but I'm not counting on that.  Nothing ever goes that easy for me. lol Thanks so much girls.  Hope to meet you at the open house Thursday. Oh, which reminds me--I know how to get to Baptist Hosp.  But, how do I find the meeting from there?

Nope....no special diet. In fact, not to brag (it's sad actually) two nights before my surgery I had a pint of Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream. The, Chinese food the night before.  All he requires is no food after 7:00 p.m., no liquids after midnight. The meeting room is behind the cafeteria on the ground floor. Go down one floor on the elevator, turn left, then immediately right. Go all the way through the cafeteria (I know, stupid place to have a weight related meeting) to the very back of the dining room and then go to your left.  It sounds much more complicated than it is, believe me. Can't wait to meet you Thursday.

Again, thanks Susan.  It's people like you that make it so much easier for us newbies that don't have a clue what we're doing. I really appreciate everyone here on OH.  I've gotten some really good feedback from everyone and it is all greatly appreciated.  Thanks to you all!