checking in

Good morning everyone. I am now 5 days post-op. I think I am doing very well. Yesterday, of course, I seemed very hungry most of the day. I will be happy to go on full liquids on Tuesday. I have been having food dreams almost every night...lol. Mostly, eating things that I should not eat. Upon waking, I am very happy that I was just dreaming. I have been having a craving for tuna. I cannot believe it! No cravings for sweets. My friend said my body wants some more protein. I have not worried about protein this first week but will surely be glad for my protein shakes next week. I cannot deal with the chewable Centrum. I did manage to get one down this morning. I broke it in half, chewed it some and then took a swig a warm tea to swallow. Does anyone have an suggestions on the vitamins for me? I am not walking as much as I should be. What are some of your experiences with the walking early out? Also, I will be so glad to get the drain out. It deos not seem to have to much in the tube anymore so I am sure it will come out on Wednesday. I have to admit that my clear liquids are getting very old and boring.  hot tea crystal light chicken broth sf jello sf popsicle sf itallian ice any other suggestions? Talk to uou all soon.

Hi Gail !  Congratulations :~) I too had trouble getting my chewable vitamin down, I know it sounds gross, I suck them as much as possible and follow w/ some warm tea to help dissolve the rest. It seems to be working but takes about 15 min or so to completely dissolve. I just cant bear to chew them for some reason ??  Are you aloud to mix the chicken broth w/ a FF cream soup? This really helped me + it's a little protein.  I have been walking since day 2 and it really helps w/ feeling of pressure. Walk but don't try to over do it. I think this week I will start walking outside, just up and down the block 1-2 times ( if it gets cooler of course ) Be careful w/ the Italian Ice, I had the foamies for about 2.5 hours after eating a 1/4 of one. It may have been I ate too fast ?? But I'm scared to try another one. Take Care ~ Christina

Hi Gail, It is great to hear from you.  I am glad you are doing good.  Yes it will definitely be a big relief when the drain is out.   I never liked Crystal light as post op so the walmart brand great value flavor ones were easier for my taste bud.  I still love them now.  As for the liquid diet yes it gets very old quickly.   I drank a lot of chicken broth when I felt a like needed something in my system and chamomile tea too the sf popsicles were my life saver!! As for the vitamin I did the liquid centrum for the first month and a half post op it was easy to get it down quickly.   Then I switched to the chewables later.  I tried chewable after surgery and I got really sick and it got stuck in my esophogus yuck.   When you go to full liquids it will be much easier, yogurt, creamy soups, pudding and stuff you can grind in the blender much better.   Take care and call me anytime if you need me. hugs,

Hi Gail, so glad to hear you are doing well! I haven't had my surgery yet, so this is just stuff I've found/observed recently.  Walmart sells the liquid Centrum, that might help. Also, what about other flavors of broth, beef or vegetable? What about Miso broth, without the tofu or veggies? Since you are craving tuna, I believe Trader Joes has fish stock, and I wouldn't be surprised if some supermarkets sold it as well. I know they sell clam juice too, both of which might satisfy the craving, and give you a little protein boost.  Have you tried the tropicana sugar free lemonade? It is really great!  They come in cans and bottles, although I have trouble finding a multi-pack of bottles. I don't know what kind of tea you like, but I use green tea a lot, including to make iced tea. I also use koolaid envelopes, but I make it with a gallon of water and only about a cup of Splenda, I like my drinks very watered down. I have no idea if it's allowed, but Shoppers has a great low sugar fruit juice, I like the apple and grape, and I water them down a bit as well. They have Splenda in them. When I was low-carbing a few years ago Myloplex, I think was the brand, made protein drinks that were clear berry and orange flavors. I don't know if they still do, but I am almost positive I got them at GNC. They were most definitely low carb, just 1 or 2 carbs per serving, I know the brand also has a high protein option that is not low carb. I hope this helps. Just a few more days till full liquids, and a whole new world of tastes.  Good luck!

Gail You sound great!  I would not worry about walking fall at this point.  They want you to walk this early to really get the gas out.  Next week you can walk all over but I would just walk around the house unless you feel up for a nice walk outside.  Vitamins, mmmmm  find out if you can take the Viactive chews, they are great.  I got my vitamins from bariatric Advantage and they are not too bad, I here the Centrum is really bad.  I hope I could help a little.

Hugs Kristen

Welcome to the Losers Bench, Gail!! I am so happy you finally made it. The clear liquid stage is a hard one. I muddled through it. One thing I did get was some wonton soup. I didn't eat the noodles, but the broth was heaven. I have always loved the broths of wonton soup when I'm not feeling well.  I am surprised you are feeling hungry. I think it must be head hunger. I felt no hunger for about 3 months. You will feel like a new person once that drain is removed. I hated it.  Again, welcome new Loser!!!!!

I had alot of egg drop soup. Well, one small bowl lasted 3 meals. It was so warm and not too salty. Best wishes to you.