plugging along

After almost 3 weeks in the hospital, I convinced my docs substitute to release me. I could do at home what I was doing there. He was worried about dehydration, due tomy not keeping things down, but that has improved some since getting home. I am still up chucking in the night due to major problems with reflux, but otherwise, things seem to stay down fairly well. Although it seems when I eat or drink it sits like lead in my tummy. I have been trying to eat slowly. My return visit went well Friday, lost 23 pounds. I was kind of disappointed in that I didn't lose more, then my hubby reminded me I spent the entire time in the hospital hooked up to i.v.'s, with little exercise. I have been given the go ahead to eat what ever I want, minus sweets. I don't seem to have any real cravings, and what I do eat seems to not taste as good as it smells. I didn't ask portion size, does anyone know about how much you should eat at 3 weeks post op?

Cheryl, I had my surgery a day before you and have had no problems. I am beginning to eat more things but still can only eat about 2-3 ounces of food at a meal. I now eat 3 meals a day and have a protein shake for a snack. My doctor wanted me eating more than that in the next couple of weeks but I don't know if I'll make it I just am not hungry. Boy I never thought I'd live to say that. I think you just have to eat as much as is comfortable but of course you should get the info from your doctor as to what he recommends. Best of luck to you. Ann

Ann, What kind of shake is it that you eat? I have been worried I am not getting my calcium and protien in.

Whey protein shakes. You can buy them at Walmart or GNC or some online sites, just search the net. I'm 4 weeks post-op & can handle 2 oz. I measure my food because my body forgets to tell me I've had enough then I'm miserable. Good luck & call your MD with any questions. Denise

Hi Cheryl I am Paula; I too spent quite awhile in the hospital. I was hooked up to more stuff than I can count. 2 months in the hospital I only lost 25 lbs. so don't be down. It comes off fast once your back to your home and in familiar surroundings. Also when your having complications they don't want you to lose too fast because your body is dealing with other things so don't get discouraged. I was only eating 2 oz. of food --remember when you when you were in the hospital the litte tummy you do have shrunk even more because you didn't use it. I still can't eat that much and I am 2 years post op last month. For instance I had a small Wendy's chilli last night and it took a couple sittings to fini**** all. Your body will tell you when your full; listen to it and eat a little more in a couple hours. I tend to eat 6 to 8 times a day; when my stomach says ENOUGH I pay attention. Otherwise I am so miserable. I had lots of acid reflux at the beginning; see if the Dr. will perscribe some "regalin" (sorry I know that's not the correct spelling) it seemed to help. Also GAS-X helped me. After more weight loss the Acid reflux got better. (this is from someone who took 3 pills a day from it...now I don't have to take anything or worry about spicy foods) This is just my experience; hope it helps. Take care It's a great start; don't get discouraged and be proud of your accomplishments. Paula

Hi Paula, Thank you so much for the encouragement. I am taking Nexium, and it seems to help a bit. I have such a problem with trying to get fluids in, seems my tummy just doesn't like them. I have a vomiting spell almost immediately most times. I try to take the tinyest sips, but... I will try to keep the chin up and remember that in days gone by, even 10 pounds lost would have put me in heaven! I guess I just want it all to happen now! :0) I can't wait for the day when I can go to the Mexican resturaunt again. I just love the food there. It was one of the treats my hubby and I did when it was a special day. Maybe I should try to eat less but more often. Perhaps that's the answer. Once again, thank you for the support. I am fairly new here and do not know many.