I finally "ate"

After over 2 weeks of mostly yougurts and pudding, I decided it was time I ate something. Last night I ate about 1/8 of a cup of haddok,(baked with lemon juice and pepper on it) 2 tsp of mashed potatoes (Instand potatoes that i made with skim milk and "I cant believe it's not butter) and 3 green beans.. OK, I know this is no big deal to you all but I'm wondering if that was too much or not enough? I had been drinking two protien shakes a day so I pretty much knew I was getting my protien in. Now I am trying to not drink so much and get my protien from food so I am having one protien drink in the morning then trying food for the rest of the day. I know I didn't get as much as if I was having the drinks, but will I work myself up to it? Another thing is.. I am having a hard time getting my liquid in. I get about 24 oz. a day. I'm trying to drink more, I just can't!! So this was my menu for yesterday.. Breakfast: Vanilla Unjury shake w/ skim milk. Lunch : stick of string cheese (not even half of it) Dinner: The haddok meal above Then of course my water (24 oz) Cannot even think of snacking right now. I could never put it all in there!! OH AND THERESA, I LOVE THE VANILLA UNJURY. THANKS FOR THE TIP!! Kell

Kelley, First I have to say I feel bad that all you ate for two weeks was yogurt and pudding, you could have had cheese, ham, and all that other stuff...maybe you did. But to answer your question with my opinion...you did just fine. Most often you will find in these early weeks that as long as you eat most of the protein first and then some fruit or veggie for variety you will be satisfied with the tastes and full. Whenever I went to see Dayna she said to have 1/4 c of protein, 2Tb veggie and 2TB of fruit. Of course you could have 4TB of one fruit or whatever. But usually I wouldn't be able to eat all of the fruit or veggie depending on what the protein was. Like if I had some yogurt with fruit for breakfast I could most often eat the majority of it. But if it was some hamburger with cheese and carrots I wouldn't be able to do as much of the carrots. It depends on the density. When you talk to Dayna next (or email her/call) ask what she wants you to shoot for as far as grams of protein go. For me she said about 45-50. Which doesn't equate to a million protein shakes and meat at every meal...I don't think I would have room, lol. She is a nutritionist and will push variety. Not only for your health but for your sanity, gotta have different foods. Staying "regular" is a factor too. You will need the fiber and fruits to help with that stuff as well as the recommended fluid intake. You don't have to have jus****er...but finding out what other drinks you like is a hit and miss. For I while I couldn't get enough strawberry-orange-banana crystal lite...can't do it now...all I want is the lemonade. So those thinks will change from time to time but I have tried not to over-do the plain water...even though I love it...I don't want to get sick of it. Right now you should be aiming for about 36oz per day working towards the 64oz. Maybe work it out so you have a "timeline" of when to start drinking/eating etc so you can see where you might fit more fluids in. Make sure to count your milk/shakes etc towards that number. Add a little bit at the end (drink a little extra water or something) to allow for the "solids" in heavy drinks (milk etc). I don't know if Dayna would recommend having a shake as a meal. I think she might want you to do the food for breakfast then 30 mins later (or before) have the shake. I'm not trying to be all bossy...just my 2 cents I guess. Hope this helps some. You're doing great anyway! Goodluck, Casey PS Is the unjury powder thick or clumpy in any way? Does it depend on how you make it? I don't think I could drink something if it was goopy...I am thinking I should get some to try.

Thanks for your reply Casey!! I have done the ham, cheese etc.. but VERY little. I am just now feeling like eating more. I have never been a breakfast person, so I think the protien drinks are just perfect for me to start my day. As far as "regular", I am sort of, but I am not going every day. Dr. Clough suggested Metamucil, and I bought it but have not tried it yet. I have a lot of questions for Dayna on Thursday (that's if I dont reschedule because they are calling for snow that day). As far as the Unjury, it stirs up great. I love the vanilla but if I feel like something different, I add a packet of NSA instant breakfast and gives it a chocolate flavor. I'm not much of a chocolate person but to make it different once in a while, it is great. I have also added 1/2 tsp of SF Jello powder to it to give it a different flavor. I ran out of the Unjury and am using Carb Solution and I couldn't get it stirred up, had to put it in the blender to mix it up and it is chalky. Now that I am used to the Unjury, I can't stand this one... Have to order more today!! Thanks for the advice. I am going to get me some fruits today. My favorites are watermelon or cantelope. Hope that gives me fluids. Take Care!!!!!! Kell

Hi Kelley, I feel much better now that you said you had food not just yogurt, lol. I would be nuts if we had to do a "liquid" diet or some other stupid thing like other surgeons out there have their patients do, BOGUS, lol/. I didn't eat much of anything the first two months either so don't sweat it. Just try to read the cues, and as I always say 'everyone is different' so don't be alarmed if what you are able to eat is less/more than someone else. It's kind of a wacky thing not knowing what is the 'right' amount, I've been there but after a while you'll know. Comparing notes is always fun though. Do you still have some of the "UU"? If you aren't planning to use it maybe if you are able to swing the Friday meeting in Feb I could buy it from you? Or just buy a scoop or 2. I sent an email to them asking if they had a sample portion but never recived a response...oh well. I am hoping if I try upping the protein I will feel a little more energy or at least not feel so wimpy! lol Let me know if you're going ok? I don't know what I'd do without fruit, it's so damn GOOD! lol I eat just about any fruit and love it. Eat what you like and see how you feel. The first fruit I had post op was watermelon- I felt a little sweaty after I had some but the second time I didn't feel weird. I think it was just cause my body wasn't prepared for the natural sugars but all was well after that first time. Too bad you have your appts for Thurs...I go tomorrow and apprently so does Lauren. Would have been neat to see you! You take care too! Casey

I agree with what Casey said and boy am I glad she said it so I didn't have to type it all out. As for the protein drink in the morning(btw you are welcome) Dayna won't like it but she won't say NO. I explained to her I was never and would never be a breakfast type of person. I have my drink when I first get up(about 9am) sometimes at 6:45 when watching the children get on the bus but I swear it just does not sit well that early. Nothing does. I always went by eating what I could, no way could I eat much of anything till I was about 6 to 8 weeks out. Then I increased and now know that at times I eat too much, I get that FULL feeling.It isn't often, just a reminder not to do it next time. Sounds like you are doing wonderful. Much of it is trial and error. If it doesn't feel right then it most likely isn't. Good luck hon! Theresa

Hey hey think I'm going to do all the work around here do ya?!? I don't think so miss. lol Just kidding. It's weird, after the first 2 months post-op till just recently I didn't want breakfast. Now I sort of do. Ick. You're very right, she is doing great! ;) Casey