Dr. Aranow patients....

Do you remember how long you were on stage 4? When I read my handouts, I read that stage 4 is supposed to last 4-6weeks. I have been on stage 4 for almost 3 weeks. One of the girls who had surgery the same day as me said she asked Elina to clarify and she said it was 4-6 weeks after surgery before you go to stage 5. I go to see Dr. A on Friday, so I guess I will know soon enough, I was just wondering what everyone else's experience is. I am noticing that I can eat my 2oz. faster than 30minutes now if i let myself. I make sure I make it last 30mins. but feel like I could eat more and that scares me. I haven't felt a full feeling in a while, but I don't feel hunger much either, just right before dinner usually. I am wondering if my pouch is ready for stage 5. Thanks, Terri

Hi Terri, I was on stage 4 for 3 or 4 weeks, if my memory serves me right. I know it was right before Thanksgiving, and my surgery date was Oct 6th. I knew I was ready for solid food; I am a texture earer and I wanted nothing more than to chew something...anything!!! Umm...that was by far the best Thanksgiving meal I ever had. Good luck, and remember, chew chew chew! -Deb

Hi Terri, I was on stage 4 for 3 or 4 weeks, if my memory serves me right. I know it was right before Thanksgiving, and my surgery date was Oct 6th. I knew I was ready for solid food; I am a texture earer and I wanted nothing more than to chew something...anything!!! Umm...that was by far the best Thanksgiving meal I ever had. Good luck, and remember, chew chew chew! -Deb

Dr A. does progress people differently based upon how they are doing. So, when yuse him he will advise youwhat to do. Yes, as the swelling goes down and everything is healing, you will have more room in the pouch and the stoma will allow food to passs quicker. The best advise I can give is something that someone once told me... Eat until you are satisfied, not until you are full. The idea of taking so long to eat is to get you to learn the signals from your new body. Take the time, enjoy life and food. Savor every bite, adn the conversation that goes along with having the extra time. You WILL be busy enough with all the extra things you want to do that you won't have the time to enjoy it any more. Peter ps. Only your pouch knows for sure.

Terri- Dr. A put me on stage 5 four weeks post op. I thought I had 2 more weeks of pureed stuff and I was so surprised. Joanie

Hi Terri, I just got back from my 4 week app't with Dr A and I moved up to stage 5. Yahooooooo. I also told Elina and him about the cheese( it wasn't on the list). They said it was fine and that it meant that I was ready for the last stage. Good luck on Friday. P.S. I lost 27 lbs.