Binder? Stage 4?

Hi Everyone! I am just a few hours shy of my 2 wk post op anniv. My surgery was on the 7th, and it was tough - a few complications afterwards involving fluid build-up and a collapsed lung - but I am much better now. Boy, when they say work on your breathing - they mean work on your breathing! Dr Aranow said I was doing something called splinting - but I wasn't even aware that I was doing it...In any case, life is good now and I've been off all pain meds for almost 4 days. My biggest struggles now are the binder and the protein (surprise). When I left the hospital, they said I should keep the binder on for wks - which I have, but now I'm kind of afraid to take it off. Did anyone else feel taht if they took it off, their stomach would fall to their knees? It just seems like everything is so vulnerable without the binder, but then again part of me can't wait for the freedom of going without it. Is this crazy, or did anyone else feel this way? And then there's the food - now I totally understand what 'head hunger' is. I keep harping on a turkey sandwich with leafy lettuce - not chocolate or any other candy - but turkey (go figure!). Anyway, getting the protein and fluids in each day is extremely difficult, if not impossible. I can't wait to get to the next stage so that I can have things with higher protein count that I can stomach. The protein shakes gag me, as does the beneprotein. I'm hoping that it's because I am on such a limited taste range right now, and that it will get better as I am able to eat different kinds of food. This week I should be on stage 4, and I am looking forward to it! I've done some reading on what stage 4, and stage 5 diets contain, but I don't see ham. Does anyone know how this falls into place? And does anyone know why you can't have any vegs until stage 5? I'm looking ahead to Christmas dinner with my family, and it is of course ham. Just wondering if anyone knew if I would be able to puree that and join them or not. Thanks for reading this and letting me banter on! Happy Holidays! Wendy

I beleive the primary role the binder is for comfort. It just felt so much better with it on to me. I am sure that is also keeps things in place but if you are comfy without it then I don't think there is any harm in not wearing it. I think ham is not included on post op diet lists because it has more fat than poultry or fish would have. I had ham tonight and it actually went down much better than other meats do. It was my first time having ham since surgery and there was no problems. I don't think it is something that I would have all the time but for a once in a while thing I don't think there is a problem. Eileen

Hijack! Hi Eileen...Its been a while since you've posted...How is Mark doing? Hugs Joanie

Hey Joanie, Things were quite busy here for a while between Hanukkah and the usual colds being passed around my kids. Finally I thought I had a moment last night to post some replies and one of my kids woke up Marc is doing well. He is almost all done with his list of things to do and people to see before his file is submitted. He still needs to go to the first meeting of the month for dietician and psych group meeting because last months was cancelled because of the snow. After that he is good to go. We are hoping that he can have surgery by Feb/March so that he can lose a bit before the nice weather starts. We have Connecticare so I don't think insurance is going to be a big issue. But you never know! I have missed everyone on here. I am definately going to be more active now that the holidays are over. Eileen

Hey Eileen Great news about Marc. We are rooting for him and cannot wait for his big date in Feb/March. I know what you mean about colds. Ny kids were sick with colds and now I have cold headaches this morning and hope it will clearly up by Xmas day. Hope to see you again soon! Happy New Year! I started my first scapebook for before and after from this surgery. not bad for first time doing on scapebook. Will learning more from you and Lauren about scapebook SMILE! Hugs Kathy K

Hi Kathy, I am very excited that Marc is really going to do this. I never in my wildest dreams thought that he would. It wasn't that he was against the surgery but he was against the surgery for HIM. He has come a long way since I started researching this journey. I can't wait to see your scrapbook. I really REALLY need my husband to take some pictures of me. I haven't taken any after pictures yet. I don't think I took any before pictures either. I didn't want to have to look at myself I think. Now I am regretting it. I should have listened to all that said to take the pictures! Maybe when things start warming up in the spring those on the CT board that scrap could get together for regular crops to scrapbook. Maybe like once a month hosted by various people in different parts of the state. I am always game to scrapbook Take care and stay warm Eileen

Hi Wendy, My name is Kathy and I live next to your town! It is very important to wear your binder because if you don t wear it then your incision will getting bigger and look funny. I kept wear it almost 3 weeks because it helped me to support my stomach and my incision is very close and look great! Hang in there!!! I like Nectar protein drink. You can get that from GNC or Dr Aranow's office. The best flavor I like is very Cherry Berry because it tastes like fruit punch. I would advise you to use blender with 3 oz turkey and little low fat Mayo for Xmas day. Ham is not ready for your pouch yet. You will get Vegs until stage 5 because it needs time to heal your pouch. Email me if you need any questions then I will be happy to help you. Happy Holidays! Kathy K

Thanks everyone for your help! I appreciate it! Wendy