Eating after surgery....

Recently when I began telling my family/friends about the surgery - they of course all had different reactions on the surgery itsself, BUT all said - you will never ever eat again.   I was like yes I will just smaller portions (much smaller) and explained if that is what fills me up then it is enough food.    For those of you that are 6months or more past your surgery date what do you eat?   I realize no fried foods and from what I can tell on here eat alot of protein.....any help guidance will be appreciated and for those who have just had the surgery or are going to what have you eaten or been told to eat.  I have not gotten that far yet!   I am going forward with this, but like to absorb all the information I can so I can tell people who have a negative attitude what life is really like after the surgery - THANK YOU!

You are definitely in the right place to find out almost all the information you need.  Almost all the surgeons have a different idea of what is acceptable eating habits after surgery.  My doctor is at a Center of Excellency and his requirements are both expressed to you by a nut and are written out for you to read when you need reminders.  Plus they are just a phone call away when you need to speak to a human.  The first week after my surgery (RNY, gastric bypass) I was allowed fluids, then the next week I incorporated processed food into my diet.  The next month I incorporated almost all foods except for the real acidic ones.  They were eventually introduced after two months.  The reason for the slow introduction of foods is to give the pouch time to heal after this major surgery.  You will feel pretty good soon after surgery and wonder why all the restrictions, but just as life as many rules, so does this surgery and I decided that my own way got me to the weight I was at, that I'd let them be my guide from here on out.  I was told "no sugar" as this can cause a dumping syndrome which was explained to me that it feels like a heart attack.  I decided that that wasn't my idea of a fun evening, and that I was definitely addicted to sugar, so I would not ever try sugar again.  So far, with the help of God and taking things one day at a time, I have not had to have sugar for anything and because I haven't put that first bite of that addictive substance in my mouth, I haven't had to have a second, third or millionth bite of sugar.  And what a God-send during the holiday season.  I didn't miss any Christmas cookies, pies or candies.  This was the best thing I ever did for myself and I feel 99.9% better than I ever felt.  God bless you for wanting to do something good for yourself and for taking the time to find out what is involved with your surgery and your new lifestyle.  I hope this helps you in making a decision and for explaining your needs to others. Sue

Thank you for your reply, I certainly appreciate you taking the time to reply to my posting.    I believe that like everyone I am scared as my surgery date of 02/13/08 gets closer.  The time goes fast. Thank you and I will keep posting!!!

Hi, I had the same reaction from my family before my surgery--they were worried that I would be living a "half-life".  But, now that I am 7 months out and 91 pounds lighter they are very thrilled. Yes, follow the dr's rules after surgery.  I found that I could try foods about 6 months out.  Its trial and error---I find that I can use a small amount of margarine on my potato, etc.  Just remember--protein first and take your vitamins!   I have tried lots of meats. When I need a sweet fix...I find the 100-calorie packs work great.  The only problem I have with my little tummy is if I eat too fast (I was a notorious "wolfer") Its all a mindset...once you see the results...its makes it easy to follow the program.   Another thing I do is when I go out to dinner...I usually order an appetitizer (shrimp ****tail, etc)  I can never eat a whole meal...but, if I do...I take home the leftovers and eat at least another meal...makes me a cheap date :o) Rosemary

Thank you Rosemary, it is a learning curve

Hey Michelle, ignore the nay-sayers!  Granted, I had lap band, but I eat anything I used to eat and as you said, in smaller portions.  Surgery was the best thing I could have done for myself!  Let these folks know that it's a good thing they aren't having the surgery, because it's all about positivity!!!  Don't let what they say deter you!

Blessed Be!

xo

Thank you Cheri, I am scheduled to have my surgery on Feb. 27th and I have been so afraid that I will never be able to eat what I like for the rest of my life. I don't mind small portions as they say we will fill up easy but to never be able to have alittle pizza or bread would probably make me hesitant about the lapband. I believe it is the by-pass surgery folks that cannot have sugar etc. correct? My aunt had it and that is what she said but I thought it was because she had diabetes and now it is gone. Thanks again for making me feel better about this. I have run out of options and dieting has never worked for too long and I am at my witz end with being heavy. Nancy3

Everyone is different sweetie.  I have friends at work who have had gastric bypass and they can eat pizza, sweets/sugar, etc. without problems, others cannot.