I wonder if I am doing this right.

I have read many things both before and after the surgery. Everything I read before stated that I would be eating 4 oz of food in stage 2. Now what I'm reading tells me that I should be eating only 2 oz. What do I do? I dont want to screw up. Some days 4 oz goes down fine other days I'm lucky if I can get 2 oz down per meal. Could someone please help me figure this out? Thanks. Lori

Hi Lori, I am 9 weeks post op and I don't think any one knows what is right this early. Somedays it seems I eat very little at meal time, and then I decide to really make an effort to eat more at one meal and it doesn't seem much different. When you really never feel hungry it is hard to judge when you are full. My guess is that if you were eatting too much you would feel sick right away, so you must be doing okay. I've decided to drink slim fast for breakfast, I found some that has 20 grams of protein in a can and that is way better than I could get eatting breakfast. Much easier when getting ready for work too. Just know we are on the road to a much healthier life style and in time all this will be very "normal" to us. Take care and hugs from Papillion, NE. Joyce L.

Thanks Joyce for the advice. I was just in a real funk last night. When the depression hit me I about knocked me over, I really felt as though I was going crazy last night, as though I had made a big mistake that I could not follow through on. I do know better then that though and it was just a moment and that I have those every now and then. I am sure others have them as well. I don't know about everyone else but they need to go bye bye and never come back. I do think that things will be better once the staples and drainage tube is gone. As well as getting back to school (which I will do Monday) and work (who knows when that will happen). Getting my mind off of just all of this will be very helpful. Thanks again for everything, I am so glad this site is here, I would be so lost without it. Love, Lori

Good to hear from you Lori, you are doing fine if you still have your drainage tube in. I also felt the first month took the most adjustment, and a lot of thought about what to try at meal time. I was delighted to have the drainage tube out because the site had gotten very red and sore. I am going to try to branch out a little on my food choices this week. It is very easy to eat the same things week after week, but we all know that variety is more normal. You hang in there and keep in touch. Hugs, Joyce

Lori, You are doing fine. Are you out of the puree stage yet? I think I had to be in the puree stage for a few weeks. It did depend on what I ate as to how much I could eat. If you have a question email the nutritionist, they will answer all your questions. I still email about once a month just to see if I am on track. Rhonda 312/166/155?

Rhonda, Yes I am still in the puree stage will be here for another 3 weeks, then back to the dietician. I forgot all about e-mailing her. She was so nice and helpful in the hospital. Last night I just had that depression hit me like a ton of bricks, and lots of self-doubt, I really thought that I was going crazy for a moment. Part of it was that I was over-tired, as I had gone to my grand-daughters 1st birthday party. I am glad that it didnt last long. I am also really glad I have all of you to come to. Mys sister has been a great support, but I think she gets worn down by all my talk at times, and since she has never had the surgery, she does not know all the answers. I so hate to burden her. So I let her know how I was feeling after I have figured it out and dealt with it, I think that we both feel better that way. Thanks for everything everyone, Love, Lori

Lori, Every one is different. With the band we are told not to eat unless we are hungry..which is rare for me. I'm almost 4 years out and still can only eat about 4 ounces at a time. check out our web site, www.npwlssg.org And get into a support group. If you cant find one let me know and i will help you locate one. Hugs, BEth from NP

Your right on schedule Lori.. For the depression part that is.. The first 2-3 months will be tough trying to figure out what is right with your new body. What works perfectly one day will not work the next. I'm surprised at this point you can even attempt 4 oz. so dont worry when you can't. Don't push. Protein drinks are the best idea, I still start my day every day with one. If you check out vitalady.com you will find something called necter.. it comes in great flavors, ( I like the fuzzy Navel) a scoop in Crystal Light gives you I think about 23 grams of protein and is easy to drink.When your buying the canned drinks watch the sugars!! Advantage Edge is another decent one with less sugar that Slim fast. Hang in there it WILL get better, and soon you will be throwing out the big clothes left and right..Jeanb