19 days post op & eating food, Is this normal??

I had RNY on 12-9-04. I had no complications. I did the clear liquids for 4-5 days post op, then I started the supplements & creamed soups, I did that for 5-6 days, then I got brave & started trying food, cottage cheese, turkey breast, etc... I am still drinking at least 3 supplements per day, taking my vitamins, chewing my pepcid, but I am eating soup for lunch (tomato or cream of chicken), bites of a sandwich, even PB & crackers. I am tolerating everything well, no nausea, no vomiting. But I have lost only 31 lbs. I am wondering if eating will make me lose less weight or if it is fine as long as i tolerate it. I told Dr. Keith that I was eating & he seemed unconcerned. So I was just wondering if anyone else started eating this early? Any advice will be very welcome!! Thanks!!

"But I have lost only 31 lbs." When in your lifetime have you ever lost 31 in less than three weeks???? You're doing fine!! Just take the new foods slow....and remember to chew, chew, chew. ALWAYS do PROTEIN 1st!!!! Introducing too many carbs this early can sabotage your loss. Are you doing protein shakes??? Dr. Keith required it when I had surgery..... Remember that the higher your starting BMI the more quickly you lose. I had to introduce food fairly early...I couldn't tolerate the protein shakes. Good luck with your journey! Happy thoughts, Va 5' 3.5" 232/134/13? -98 pounds -87 inches

Thanks for the reply! My starting BMI was 57, now it is 52!! So I guess you are right, 31 # is awesome!! I am doing the shakes. I do the carnation instant breakfast. I wasnt tolerating the 8 oz of milk, so with the instruction of the nutritionist, I decreased the milk to 4 oz & added another scoop of Beneprotein. I am able to choke that down better. I do 2 shakes for sure everyday, 3 if I am really good. I just dont like the consistancy of the milk & vitamins. Do you know if there are fruity shakes? ( that are meal replacements ) Dr. Keith offers a protein supplement, but not a meal replacement that is fruity. Congratulations on the weight loss!! You are almost to the century mark!!

Sheryn, I had a real problem with the texture and consistency of the "meal replacements" post op. Neither the SFCIB nor the stuff that they sold really went down well. The Optisource was the best solution...I'd refrigerate it to get it chilled... pour it into a glass...stick it in the freezer for 15 minutes then drink it. Ice cold it seemed to go down better. Also the caramel can be added to coffee for a different taste. But again as a new post op...that ended up as too much volume. There are very few options for shakes that are "meal replacements". I can't help you there...sorry. When you get to the point you can do standard protein shakes the Syntrax Nectars come in a variety of fruit flavors. Just remember to order lots of samples and make sure you REALLY like it before you buy a tub!! Hope this helps! Va

I had my surgery on 12/13/04 and can eat practically anything, too. I was worried, but if you can handle it, don't worry about it. Each case is different. As long as you are making the food you eat count - protein and other good things, then eat if you are hungry. I even had 4 chips with salsa at a restaurant the other night. I just broke it up in to small pieces. It's a case by case basis. Just make smart choices. Good luck!

Thanks for writing Lyndsay! I am happy to hear that someone else is having no problems. I keep hearing all the negative stuff, so I guess I feel like I need to be having some kind of problem too!! Crazy huh?? I am still losing weight even though I am eating real food, just tiny amounts, so I guess all is well. I am even doing my POWER walking every night. So I know that it will help shed the pounds too! (By the way my 9 yr old daughter is named Lyndsay & spelled like yours!!) thanks again!! Sheryn