For those who have asked for early post-op food info

Hi guys, Please remember to check with your doctor for his or her dietary guidelines. This info is based on what Dr's Irgau and Wynn allow with their program, starting on pureed food once home for 48 hours. My first 2 days home I concentrated on sipping enough fluid and making sure it was going to agree with my new pouch. This consisted mainly of 1 oz cups of light white cranberry juice. My sis who is a nurse brought me a sleeve of one oz medicine cups. I used tons of them. Everything from measuring out liquids to putting my sugar free apple sauce in it to mix meds. When I would go to the grocery store I made it a habit ( still do ) to look for as many small size packages as I can for convenience and ess waste. I found several things that have become constant residents in my cabinet and freezer. My first few days eating I used soups such a bean with bacon ( lots of good fiber and protein ) Many times I would add unflavored protein powder to it to up the protein count. I used Unjury, it does change the texture of the food somewhat so take that into account when adding liquid from the soup, it tends to thicken things some so you may need a smidge more broth. make your soup as usual on the stove, then put it in your processor and blend in batches. It's easy to make small amounts that way. Store the leftovers in the fridge and reheat later for a fast no brainer meal. Some people say they can't tolerate leftovers, but I have had no problems with that. Hormel microwave chili in the small containers...once again. Healthy low glycemic carbs and lots of fiber and protein. I would get 2 meals from one of these containers. Bags of individually frozen pre-cooked shrimp. I find these at the Acme and they are delicous! I measure out about 3 oz ( frozen ) and thaw them in some cold water. Remove the tails and add to your processor. Add in some Heinz One Carb Ketchup ( also available at Acme ) and some smooth horseradish to taste and blend smooth. It's shrimp ****tail on a spon and packs about 18 grams of protein in that small serving. You can easily change this by subbing some lowfat mayo for the ketchup and some old bay seasoning and it makes a really good shrimp salad. Fast, easy and you have no waste. 3 packs of the small cans of chicken. ( aprox 2 oz drained and a perfect serving size ) These range in protein content anywhere from 15 to 20 grams depending on brand. I've found them at Acme and Safeway ( formerly genuardis) Drain and put in your processor with some lowfat mayo and onion, maybe celery too if you blend really well. Easy chicken salad. Lot's of protein and only takes a minute to make. Once again, small container = no waste. Keep that in mind if the price of some of the smaller packaged foods deters you, it really is more economical in the end if you are making food for just yourself at the time. Potted meat...a little higher in fat but it makes for a nice change. Inexpensive and already comes in the consistancy you need it to be. Cottage cheese, an old diet standby for most of us. I buy 1% friendship brand and really like it alot. 2 oz is aprox 7 g protein depending on the brand. Now I can eat a half cup for a meal and get about 18 grams of protein in. I usually just use a bit of salt and pepper. Those who like sweets can get some variety by mixing it with some sugar free jello ( the powder ) Egg salad is easy too and you can make hard boiled aggs ahead and keep them in the fridge for when you need them. You can also use food that you make for your family too. At easter we had alot of ham floating around so I found myself making several variations of ham salad. Actually I made some up ahead of time and took it to the inlaws with me for easter dinner. I had that and the inside of half a devilled egg and mashed potatoes about the size of a quarter. It allowed me to sit and eat with the rest of the family and I was only 3 weeks out. Worked out great! Learn to think outside the box where food is concerned, get creative and apply these things to foods that you enjoy. Really take your time in the store and hunt for things you might have missed before. I found myself really enjoying my food more than I have in years. I aprocahed it as starting with a clean slate like a baby almost. Everyday is a new beginning. In times of boredom remember, this too shall pass, embrace the stage you're in at the moment! If you really think about it you will find you learn something new everyday. Four weeks may seem like a lifetime to some, but I'm convinced with this surgery you get out of it what you put in, and a good 90% of the battle is mental. Where the mind is determined to go, the body will usually follow. I also used unsweetened prune juice to head off any potential constipation problems. Once again using my trusty 1 oz medicine cups I would take 2 shots of the juice in the evening, worked like a charm. Ahhh, I've traded the days of shots of Jack at the bar for shots of prune juice in the kitchen, but I'm alot happier for it LOL. Here are some samples of average days and the timing involved. Don't wait for the hunger to arrive because it most likely won't. Think of it like fueling your car every so often. EAT! Also remember your protein supplements. I use several that I like, Isopure from GNC, Complete Protein Shakes in ready to go cans also at GNC, Trader Joe's Chocolate Whey...one of the most economical at less that 8$ a can, EAS Advantedge Shakes ( these are a bit thinner ) Your protein shakes do double duty, they up your protein level for the day as well as count toward your total fluid intake. Average Puree Day: 7:00 AM 2 oz cottage cheese - 7 grams 1 oz apple sauce ( for meds ) 10:00 AM 2 oz vanilla yogurt w/ added protein powder - 18 grams ( Unjury) 1:00 PM 2 oz chicken salad - 20 grams ( from safeway ) 4:00 PM 2 oz shrimp salad - 18 grams 6:30 PM 1 cup cinnamon hot choc ( from docs office ) - 15 grams 9:00 PM 1 oz apple sauce ( meds ) 2 oz leftover bean soup - 7 grams Sipping my drinks during the day ( stopping 30 mins before eating and resuming 30 mins after eating ) this day contained a whopping 85 grams of protein. I have kept detailed records of everything I have eaten since I started on pureed food. It's easy once you set it up. I suggest making a file on your computer called food log then make a document for each day and record it...food eaten and protein content. Make sure you back it up on disk. Print them out and keep in a notebook to take to doc and nutrition visits. It really only takes a few minutes and can be invaluable should there be a problem, they can see exactly what you're eating and when. Elissa gave me a good tip for eating away from home while still on puree ( or at any stage for that matter ) she carries a small insulated lunch bag in her car. I went to Dollar tree ( in People's Plaza ) and they had cooler bags the other day, snazzy red ones lol. Put some ice in a ziplock bag and pop a bottle of water in there, maybe a yogurt and one of those ready done 4 oz Breakstone Cottage cheese's, that way if you get stuck out you don't need to miss a meal or eat something bad for you. Later on when you begin other stages you can change what you carry, maybe some cheese and crackers, protein shake...whatever you like. This really can be easily adapted to your individual lifestyle. a little bit of planning ahead goes a long long way! I have my food intake all recorded, if you're interested email me and I will gladly share what I am eating and when with you. Oh one last thing....ask kathy about the Tupperware Shaker, I got one from her and use it constantly! Also invest in some inexpensive small containers. I found 4 oz size Gladware ones that I use all the time. You can also take some of the veggies or mashed potatoes leftover from your family meals and freeze them in ice trays, once frozen pop them into a bag and keep in the freezer. The other day I had a veggie burger and nuked one potato cube and one creamed spinach cube, it made for a nice change! All you pre-ops are gonna do GREAT! Have faith in your doctors and have faith in your own abilities to adapt and remember, it's a journey, half the fun is getting there! Linda

Wow Linda, thank you for all the great ideas I would have never thought of the shrimp that is a great idea. Thank you Dana

Thanks, Linda. I'm printing this and placing it overtop my Martha Stewart Cookbook. LB Stewart?

Hi Linda, Thanks for taking the time to post all this detailed information and great advice, you're making me hungry! I didn't think anyone could make pureed food some good, but you sure did. ((hugs)) Patti C

Hi Linda, reprint... sorry for the typo I didn't think anyone could make pureed food SOUND good, but you sure did. ((hugs)) Patti C

Linda.......Terrific job with the menu ideas! I think there will be an electrical surge, once more people read your post, everyone will start printing your menu ideas!!! I know i did!! And thanks for the great words about pre-ops!! It's well appreciated!! -Joe-

Wow thanks Linda for taking the time to share Great ideas too.....I'll be emailing you soon for more food menus. ~Shay

Linda, This looks great! A lot of info for us pre-ops who are not used to the changes yet. I have been a little scared that I wouldn't know what to do and I'd have to spend a lot of time experimenting. I know everyone is different but this is a great help in knowing the kinds of things to keep on hand and try. Kit

Linda, This is my first time at this site. Your message is really helpful as I'm still 3 months from surgery but trying to learn as much as possible about post-op eating. I have the same surgeon so this is really great. Thanks for taking the time to write it. Kathleen

Thank you thank you thank you! That was fantastic thanks for all the info Hurry Sept hurry hurry cant wait to eat pureed shrimp ha ha. thanks again Patricia