post-op worries

Ok I will be 2 week post op on Friday and I am worried about what I am feeling or not feeling. I have been following the diet to the letter and walking everyday. I am sooooo afraid to eat to the full point because I don't want to throw up but at the same time I don't know if I am eating enough. "Dumping" sounds so uncomfortable so I am really paranoid about that. For breakfast I eat maybe 1/2 cup of oatmeal, drink water, next a SF pudding, drink water, later the other half cup of my oatmeal, water, 1/2 cup soup and couple of tablespoons of cottage cheese. Somewhere in there I drink a protein drink too and throw in a popsicle. Sometimes I do feel like I am hungry but is that all in my head or should I try eating a little more so I do get that full feeling. Sometimes I have that hungry feeling a couple hours after I eat. But a bite or two of pudding or cottage cheese gets me by. I know I'm supposed to eat every few hours in the beginning but I guess I am just scared. I know I am really rambling about this but I'm hoping to hear words of wisdom from here. I just don't want to screw this up!!! I was self-paying so I know how much I have invested in this tool. Then I'm also paranoid about getting enough protein in. Please help me. I'm rather emotional right now too with PMS knocking at my door. So I know that doesn't help either. Thanks for letting me ramble here. I have witnessed so many times the help and support everyone gives here. Take care, Kelly

Kelly, I'm a little over 8 months out, and in the beginning it is hard to know what to do. Just follow your doctor's orders. I know fluid was the major focus in the beginning for me, I also was worried about the protein then, but they said that it will come in time, our pouches are still very new at this time. As they heal we will be able to tolerate more protein. I would recommend measuring your food at least in the beginning and keeping a food journal-as to how much, what you ate, and at what time. Good luck to you on your new journey. Connie

Thanks so much Connie. It's good to hear I'm not the only one who worries. But I know with everything being so new most things will come in time. I know I'm not getting all the protein I should now but I will get there. I my my first check today. Doctor said I looked great and the incision was healing well. I lost 14 lbs since the 8th and I now get to move on to the pureed stage. Any suggestions come to mind??? Thank you again, Kelly

Hi Kelly, You sound like everyone of us. In the beginning I tried to get somethiong in around every 2 hours because I knew I had to eat to lose. Eat whenever you feel like it. It seems like whatever you are doing is right. I am a year out and have never dumped. I eat whatever I want and sugar doesnt bother me a bit (unfortunatly) I cant eat alot at all but I keep satisfied. Try not to worry to much and just do what you can. Its very hard in the beginning but I promise you will feel great soon. We all go through this and it really takes a while to get used to your pouch. Enjoy the ride and always feel free to ask anything you want. You have alot of friends here,we have all been through what you are going through now,Love,Cindy

Thank you so much Cindy for the encouragement. I know this is all so new but it is scary sometimes as to what I've done. I in no way have any regrets but I do want to make this work for me. That is where my fear lies. I went for my first check up today and the Doctor said I looked great and the incision was healing well also. I've lost 14lbs since the 8th and was given the ok to go to the pureed stage. Any suggestions for the pureed stage???? Is there a certain number of sugar grams you should avoid? Or does it just depend on the individual? I go back in another 2 weeks for my next check. Thanks again, Kelly

Yes I do. Make a big pot of veggie soup . Then puree it in a blender. Pour into icecube trays and freeze. Pop out 1 or 2 and put it in the microwave for 20 seconds. I lived on this the whole time. I would put it over Bob Evans mashed potatoes and it was wonderful. This is what got me through. Sugar doesnt bother me (unfortunatly). so I dont know. Someone will tell you I am sure.Great on your weight loss ,this is just the beginning of this wonderful journey, its so much fun, Love and good luck, Cindy

Kelly, Something that has worked for me is not allowing myself to get to the full point. Sometimes its just that one little leftover bite that can send you over the edge of comfortable to uncomfortably full. Try to eat to satisfy the real hunger and stop at that. That one extra bite isnt going to make much difference nutritionally and its one step closer to stretching your pouch. Maybe my theory is full of beans, but it works for me. I was so sick and tired of overstuffing my pre op belly and feeling so miserable I vowed I wouldnt do it to my little guy.. LOL Have a great day. And remember you are just 2 weeks out and just learning all about your new little tummy. Hugs Laura

Thanks for the encouragement Laura! I know this is all new to me but I have no regrets at all. It's just sometimes I worry about screwing it up! I did feel better after going to my doctor today. She said I looked great, incision is healing well and I can move on to the pureed stage. Any suggestions??? I am down 14lbs since the 8th. I would say that's a good sign. I am walking everyday. Thanks again, Kelly

Kelly, I can relate to your worries. I am about 4 months out and my sister is almost 3 months out. We get extremely worried that we are overeating or going to extend our pouches. My advice to you is follow all doctor's orders exactly and take your time when eating. I was very worried initially that I did not feel full and that soon after I ate I would feel I wanted to eat again. I always seemed to have food on my mind and what I could eat and when. I realized that pre-op I was always so concerned with food and when I was bored, upset or simply in front of the TV, my hand was in front of my mouth shoveling something in. So it is not that I am "hungry" I am just "used" to eating and my body and mind want to do that. I am still working hard on deciding if I am hungry or just want to put something in my mouth. I try and drink fluids if I am not really hungry or if it is not time to eat next. I also try and preoccupy my time, and my hands, with other things so as not to concentrate on food so much. Find a hobby...it helps! I have taken up stamping through Stampin' Up and this is what occupies me in front of the TV now! I wish you all the best. Feel free to email me any time with any questions or concerns. Best wishes to you! Much success!

I would like to know how you feel when you eat. When I have had enough my pouch is full and I cant eat another bite. I know if I take that next bite I will feel terrible. And sometimes I do because my head says Oh 1 more and then I have to lie down for 2 hours. It seems like I get the most uncomfortable at dinner time. I cant say I never think about food because I still am human. The best part is that my pouch can only stay comfortable if I eat and make a good choice. I dont care about fast food,steak , and no rice for me.The best part is once you are full,thats it.I also have found I am hungrier one day and the next day I have to force myself to eat. Does anyone else feel the way I do? I would love to hear how everyone else deals. Love. Cindy