Loss of brain cells!

Well, here I am.. confused as ever. I'm seriously worried about the way I'm eating, if I'm eating enough, too much, the wrong things, etc. I know going to a support group would help this, but it's so stinkin' far right now, though I'm scheduled for a f/u appt mid August, same night as support. Anyhow.. I haven't been jumping on the scale every day, so I don't know what I'm losing. Some days the clothes fit differently and other days I feel like I've gained a ton. I'm worried that I've failed already and that I'm done losing. I know I'm not eating as much protein as I should be. I just don't like the protein things I'm supposed to have, or they don't like me. So I've been eating my "mushy foods" first (carbs). So.. before I turn this into a long rant.. I really want to know, 2 months post op, how much should I be eating? I haven't been doing it by ounces lately, b/c I can eat more now. I'm just worried that I'm eating too much. (Haven't made myself sick from it, just feel like I'm pigging out) I can't eat fried foods or sugar at all, so I'm not worried about those factors. I'd just like a little input, maybe menu ideas to hold me over until I can get to the support group and get on track. I really want this to work. (AND I really want to go to Disney for the first time in August thinner!! ) Oh, have to mention.. I really do have memory loss and trouble retaining some information.. hence the reason I can't remember portions right now, b/c of depression. Hopefully that's all cleared up as hormones settle down. Thanks for listening! I know I'll get some great stuff from you guys, b/c you're all so inspirational, motivational, successful and you're living it. Take care, Michelle

Hi Michelle, Can you come to support group at Backus Hospital in Norwich, Ct. (about 45 min to drive) at 400 pm this tuesday coming? Kathy K

Hi Michelle, I would suggest start keeping a food log of EVERYTHING you eat and drink, including portion sizes and calories (if you know it). This can be eye-opening! Also, start weighing everything you eat. Invest in a good, easy to read digital scale and use it with every meal. It'll soon become your best friend. You didn't list what you eat so we can't tell if it's too much, but I would suggest making an appt with a nutritionist. They're a huge resource of information and can help you stay on the right path. Every Doctor has a different post-op food plan for you to follow, but I think at 6 weeks I was still on soft foods and minimal, if any, carbs. I ate a lot of imitation crab meat, tuna, chicken salad (home made) and fat free puddings. Best of luck, and don't be a stranger! -Deb

I definately suggest making an appt. with a nutritionist to discuss a concrete plan for you. Since you're having difficulty with the plan that you're supposed to be on (it seems from your post) I suggest you speak to your surgeon about your inability to tolerate the dietary stage. What are you supposed to be doing? Are you on solid foods? Maybe we can give you other suggestions for foods if you tell us specifically what you're supposed to eat and what foods you have not been able to tolerate. Hope we can help... Lisa C

Thanks for the advice ladies. I will follow up with the nutritionist and ask for more info from the surgeon's office. Right now I'm eating regular foods, solids, with no restrictions. (other than the obvious fat/carb/sugar) I have had such a hard time with chicken. I just don't want to bother with it anymore. BAD CHICKEN! Tuna fish makes me gag now. Eggs are hard to go down. I'm pretty much limited to what I can eat for protein, with those things eliminated. High sugar things definitely make me sick, instantly, so lesson learned there. I do like beans, but those are higher in carbs, ya know? I did try Black Forest ham today w/cheese and that was ok. I had about 4 king crab legs the other night and some baked potato. The crab looked like it was a lot of meat and made me think I might be eating too much. So, I'm just unsure of how much right now I should stop at. Was 4 legs too much? I have been wanting to try seafood salad, but I can't find it. I love fish too and can eat a regular sized fillet of it and a few bites of veggies. I recently moved, so the literature I had from the surgeon with specific portions is also missing. That might help out a little too. Thanks again! Oh, Kathy.. I'll message ya for the info on the Norwich meeting. That's not too far at all. Take care, Michelle

MICHELLE, WHERE IS PUTNAM? I WAS HAVING A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND WENT TO A SUPPORT MEETING ON WED AND NUTRITIONIST AND DR ON THURSDAY (YESTERDAY) I AM TOTALLY REMOTIVATED AND BACK ON TRACK - THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE THERE FOR - WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS SO YOU DON'T FORGET - IT WAS LOUD AND CLEAR TO ME THAT I HAD TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND GET THE PROTEIN IN ME WHETHER IT WAS GOOD OR NOT - AND THE PORTION CONTROL IS KEY!! LOTS OF LUCK!! IT DOES GET FRUSTRATING SOMETIMES.