Problems post op!

Hello......I am 2 1/2 weeks out for my RNY....I am having alot of problems getting ANYTHING in. Is this a common thing for everyone? it first started with those NASTY protein shakes that would just make me want to gag. And then they advanced me to the pureed, blended meats. I can hardly get in a couple of bites, and I either vomit, or feel like it is stuck somewhere between my throat and pouch. The ONLY thing that seems to agree with my is cream soups. I have also stopped losing. I lost around 20 pounds in a really short time, now I am at a stand still. If anyone else has had this kind of reaction, please let me know. Thanks, Jane

It takes a while to get used to eating after surgery. Just remember ......very small bites.....chew well....and eat very slowly. As far as the shakes go......I found a few that I could deal with and used them....some things you just have to do. Your weight loss will stop and start constantly. Right now.....your body is just playing catch up. Good luck

Hi Jane - Congratulations on your recent surgery. I had my lap RNY done at Parkland Medical Ctr. in Derry, NH on Monday - 12/12/05. So we're close in dates. My post-op diet was clear liquids for 1.5 weeks & then full liquids until I'm 5 weeks out. I've been doing protein shakes for a week now. I like the Atkins shakes in the cans. The chocolate are good & if you get the vanilla you can add other flavors (like extracts - i.e. banana, almond, etc.). If you can't stomache these you can try the No sugar added Carnation Instant Breakfast w/added dry powdered skim milk. I do 4 4 oz. shakes every day & in between those meals I do crystal light or bullion cubes. My surgeon & dietician truly believe that we shouldn't be eating any soft foods until 5 weeks out. I know my program tended to be a bit stricter than some others, but if it works, then I'm game. I went to bariatriceating.com & ordered some protein shake samples from there - that way I didn't have to commit to a huge container if I don't like it. So far I like all of their Elite Shake flavors - chocolate, strawberry, vanilla & I just ordered chocolate coconut. I encourage you to find a great tasting shake that you like & make it part of your daily routine.

Jane, I found that I couldn't tolerate the protein shakes for almost a month or two after surgery. Don't focus on the weight loss right now...it WILL come off. Focus on the things that settle (and stay down) well. I lived on creamed soups, warmed Carnation Instant Breakfast and warm tea with skim milk. I found that warm things were easier to get down than cold things. Its a very individual process and your body will tell you what it likes and doesn't. Just stick with it and you'll get there!

I am 5 weeks out and I haven't had a problem, but my surgeon did tell me that if I find myself in that situation go back to the protein shakes for a couple of days to reset your system. I had trouble with some foods, I found that cream tuna went down the best (still in my learning process of what my body likes and what it doesn't). I know what you mean about gagging them down, I had diabetes so they made me drink the glucerna. Hated it, would cry when I had to drink it but my husband would sit there and hold my hand until I was finished. Good Luck Jennie