2 Weeks

Tomarrow will be 2 weeks since my surgery. I have already lost almost 20 pounds-but I am ready to throw the shakes and jello away. I tried a little fish last night- and it was ok, Do you have any advise-my appt is Tues for my 2 week post op, but I really want to eat a supper just a few bites of protein now. Is this normal?? If its going down ok and Im full real soon do you think I will be ok to eat a little now. I feel great. Also could you tell me how much weight you lost in the 1st month, the 2nd month. I am soo enthused-my face already shows- but no where else so far.

Hi Elaine, My suggestion would be to NOT waiver from your surgeon's instructions - even if you think you would be Ok. It is so important to do exactly what they tell you - especially while you are still healing. It does get easier, and I remember that I was just dying to chew something flavorful -- I didn't even want to swallow - just chew. I passed up the temptation, and did really well. Have some broth (if you haven't already) to try to change the tastes a bit. Best wishes to you. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 -62 lbs.

Hi Elaine. I had my surgery on Feb 3rd and know exactly what you are talking about. I did break twice before seeing the doctor by having a soft scrambled egg for breakfast and some cottage cheese for dinner. It probably wasn't the smartest thing to do, but fortunately I tolerated everything well. I've lost 21 lbs since the surgery, but only a dissapointing 3 lbs in the last week. I had my follow-up appointment with the doctor last week and was put on the next diet phase. I was told that when you go to the semi-solid phase and start eating "real food", there is a temporary lull in the amount of weight loss as your body adjusts it's metabolism from a sleeper mode to a faster mode to accommodate the change in diet and activity. So for now, I am not concerned. I am going back to work tomorrow and hope that will speed things up too. Sounds to me like you are doing just fine and are on a pretty normal course. I can also see it in my face and the clothes that were really tight before the surgery now fit comfortably. Woo Hoo! I look forward to hearing more about your journey. Take care! /Lyn

Elaine! Now, now...don't make me tell Dr. Aranow that you've been eating solid food before you're supposed to!! Just kidding hun. But, really, I KNOW how hard it it. Especially when a freaking HUSBAND sit's there and eats in front of you (could have KILLED my hubby!). Then, you have all those food commercials taunting you too. Really, for two reasons, try to stick to the plan as closely as possible. #1 you may THINK your stomach is healed, because it doesn't hurt the same way that an external wound will, but, really, it isn't. It needs time to rest and repair itself. The Dr. knows best on this one. The LAST thing you want to do is damage your pouch or have an episode of vomiting at this early stage. I cringe to think how that would feel. #2 'The Plan' is in place and designed to assist you in loosing the most weight possible. I know a little cheating 'here and there' doesn't seem harmful, and in the long run, it isn't that bad. But, you should try to use this time to loose the MOST weight you can. That means sticking to those stinking liquids and then soft foods when Dr. A says OK. I was on liquids for an extended period, because I had trouble with the soft foods when he advanced me. So, believe me, I understand. I wanted to kill myelf rather than eat any more freaking soup or jello. (My KINGDOM for something with texture!!!) It was 5 weeks of hell. But, I lived to tell about it, and you will too. Hang in there Elaine. You'll get through it. You're doing SO WELL!!! I congratulate you on your success so far and look forward to celebrating your upcoming successes too! Take care of yourself! love, Lisa