First post-op follow up - great news :)

I had my first follow-up with Dr. Farrell at UNC yesterday afternoon. It was so great to see he, Dr Kohn and Karen again!!! so after a quick weigh-in, and blood pressure check, Gigi (my boyfriend) and I got to talk to the Doc about where i am how i am doing and the plans for the future....

He said my sutures were healing well and the "golf ball" I was feeling in the bottom left incision (the big camera hole) was normal and should be shrinking soon. He also said my weight loss (21.8lbs) is the most from anyone that week of surgeries (hehe!!) but most importantly... he said i was ready to move onto soft foods! HALLELUJAH!!! no more pudding cups!!! and that i no longer need to crush my pills and sprinkle them in applesauce, which is also a big hallelujah for me.... that was nasty!!!

I went back to school last night and started back to work (slowly) last week... I think i am out of the woods where my pain and discomfort is concerned. every day is a new adventure and I just wanted to say a big I LOVE YOU GUYS for all your help and support this past month... thigns to come... finding more tasty protein supplements and joining a gym! wish me luck :)

Congrats on all the good news!  Sounds like you are doing great.  Yummy news about the soft foods and good luck with finding more tasty supplements and your gym workouts.  I can tell you're on your way to much success! 

You are doing great!!  Today soft foods and in a few weeks something you can really sink your teeth into.   Isn't it amazing how fast the wt starts to fall off?  With going back to school and work, your activity level will also increase and keep the wt melting away.

Keep up the great work gal!

Pam

I remember well that first bite of "soft" food after what seemed like months on liquids!   MMMMM.  You're doing great!

Hi Karla Anne,

Congratulations on experiencing such an incredible weight loss in less than 3 weeks. That is just phenominal! It's amazing how different the dietary restrictions vary from one program to another. I know that we weren't allowed anything that you couldn't see through unless it was a protien drink for 3.5 weeks. I thought I might eat the next small child, dog, etc... that wandered by, by the time I had my followup appointment. However, when I was allowed to finally eat, I could eat anything that was classified as soft ... i.e., you could cut it with a fork, it didn't have skins, seeds, wasn't fiberous or sticky. It's just amazing how many things you can find to fit the bill.

Enjoy your new foray back into the world of food.

Wishing you continued success,

Barb

I was surprised but very relieved when he gave me the go ahead!!! also i found some really great myoplex powdered protein shakes yesterday... well, great as in 42g of protein, not so much great as in taste :)

how long do you think i'll have to be on the shakes? i don't have another appt until january!

how long was it until you would eat raw veggies and such?

Hi Karla,

I imagine that your dr or associated nutritionist will let you know what your timeline will be. It really does vary a great deal from one program to another. I was limited to 'clear' liquids, my protien suppliments and vitamins for the first 3.5 weeks. After that, I graduated to what my program considers a soft diet that generally consisted of any foods that I could cut with a fork that were lean, didn't have seeds, skins, and were cruciferous. You can see the detail of my soft diet if you look at my profile in late June, early July 2007. This new diet opened a whole new world of possiblities. Some I was ready for and some I had to put aside and try again later. I know that when I started 'eating' again, one of the things that they had me do was just try one new food at a time. Sort of like when beginning to feed a new baby. This way you know what works and what doesn't. I found that the more dense things were, the longer I needed to chew, chew, chew, chew .... If I misjudged, I'd end up with something getting stuck and/or the dreaded 'foamies' which are dangerous, but also aren't pleasant. As you heal and the swelling goes down, this too shall pass.

Be sure to check with your program re: the best way to proceed.

Barb

Congratulations on your success!! way to go!!

Darcie