I cried a lot yesterday

Lynne,

I'm a Dr. Schweitzer patient too, albeit almost 11 months post-op.  They expect you to get "as close to" 60-80g as possible in the beginning.  Let me assure you that it was probably a couple of weeks before I could.  If you are on full liquids, I believe the binder from the nutritionist at Bayview said you can have cream soups but you have to strain them to get out any pieces of meat, veggies, etc.  Right out of surgery, I think it's more important to get enough fluids anyways, and I lived on Isopure and Crystal Light.  If I were you I'd order a bunch of protein powder samples from Vitalady.com.  You'll find that your tastes may have changed since surgery and some are going to palatable and some are not. Another option in the meantime is Carnation Instant Breakfast.  It doesn't have THAT much protein but every little bit helps.  Added to milk, it's pretty good and you can even warm up the milk (not hot) and then add the powder for a hot chocolate type of drink.

Welcome to the Maryland board, congratulations on your surgery and feel free to ask away!

Heather

You know, when I was banded in '06 they gave us the Carnation Instant Breakfast post op, but for my revision to the sleeve they didn't. They gave me Isopure (ICK!!!! The smell!!!!) I think they figure that if you can only get in so many ounces an hour that it is better to do the higher protein. Although the Carnation DOES smell and taste better! That's why I prefer the Body Fortress I think! lol

I'm not sure what they gave me..some kind of unflavored powder to put in my broth.  I've really only done the Carnation Instant Breakfast as a backup if I run out before I buy more.  I like the Body Fortress Strawberry but haven't tried any of the other flavors as of yet.

Hi Lynne,

Everyone has given you great advise and I agree with everything that has been said.  I want to congratulate you on your new beginning of life and wish you a speedy recovery.  

Remember the amount of protein that the doctor expects to get in on a daily basis look at it as a goal to reach.  No one at this stage can get that much protein in.  So what you are going to do is work on reaching that goal.  Maybe every two days or so you can add another 5 to 10 more grams of protein.

Please feel free to vent or ask questions. You are definitely not alone in this journey.

Best wishes!

Lynne, I also had Dr. Schweitzer and you CAN have cream soups during full liquids. I ate cream of chicken almost daily! LOL Full liquids include yogurt and even cottage cheese (which baffles my mind!).  The most important thing for you to get in right now is your protein and fluids. The protein shake that I use is Body Fortress - chocolate (you can get it cheapest from Walmart) and it's probably one of the better tasting. Don't worry about the tears, they are normal! In the long run, all the tears and feelings of "what did I do?" are worth it!  If you have any questions you can call the office or even email Pat.

Thank you so much for all the advice!  I'm feeling a bit better about things this morning.  I know, I know...I read about this "phase".  But, as a lot of you know, it still sucks.  I am going to try some strained Cream of Chicken soup for lunch.  I'm also going to look in to the Liquidcel, Body Fortress and Carnation Instant Breakfast.  I guess it takes some time to find what works.  I am already planning my menu for pureed foods this weekend.  It is so good to hear from people who have been through this.  I don't feel like I'm the only one.  Thanks again!

Some of my favorite "pureed" foods were Taco Bell's pintos & cheese and a good cream of crab soup from a restaurant.

I didn't own a blender since I was in the moving process when I hit the pureed stage, so I improvised as best as I could.

~Ren