4 days out back home-move over and let me sit down

Everything went well.  Surgery on Tuesday, discharged Thursday and made it back home with my 250 mile trip on Friday morning.  Everyday seems a little easier.  I have a couple of questions...  Since my surgery was at the VA Hospital, I never saw the main surgeon, only two residents surgeons that came by about 3 times a day.  My dietician never showed up, probably because I was released a day earlier than expected.  My meals from the cafeteria included bread with my "Liquid diet."  luckily I knew not to eat it.   So I am at home without a great deal of instructions.  I drink my liquid protein drink (Gluycerna) 4oz. for every meal.  In between I am sipping on water/juice.  The doctor did say I could have all types of liquids, just no solids yet.  So I have tried jello, and SF popcicles.   I am watching my ounces.  Today, I would give $100.00 to take a 4oz bottle of water and chug it...  Tonight I'm trying beef broth.   I go back to see the surgeon in two weeks.  Today is better than yesterday and hopefully tomorrow will be better than today.  I seem to be off my pain meds. (I hate the taste) but also I'm not hurting, just uncomfortable.   I've been walking the last two days. (twice a day) to the end of our block and back.  Any advice send it my way.  Mike Ray

Here is what my doctor told me about eating after surgery: http://www.thinnerfuture.com/dietary-steps.html

That was a very informative link.  I printed it and will continually read it.  Thanks for the help. Mike

Well welcome back Mr. Mike and allow me to show you your seat here on the bench! Way to go! I'm glad you made it through despite the VA staff :=)  Since they didn't give you anything here is liquid stage instructions from the Duke WLS patient manual: The full manual can be found at: http://secure.visualzen.com/duke/wlsc/patientmanual/default. aspx 

STAGE 2: Modified Full Liquids

When you go home:

   Starting on the day you go home from the hospital, you should drink 2 oz. (60 ml) of a high protein liquid every hour, on the hour, while you are awake. This must be a nutritionally complete liquid, which is something that would pass through a standard strainer. In addition, if you are thirsty, you can have another 2 oz. of any non- carbonated, non-caffeinated, liquid every 15 minutes after the hour. This liquid should not be high calorie and can be with or without protein.

   Your first priority is to drink enough fluid to prevent dehydration; protein is a secondary priority. You should drink a total of 6-8 cups of fluid each day to avoid getting dehydrated. This will take some effort on your part because you may not feel hungry or thirsty at first. For best tolerance, do not use straws, take small sips, and start with room temperature liquids.

Sample Meal Schedule

8:00 a.m. - 2 oz Boost High Protein 8:15 a.m. - 2 oz water (optional) 8:30 a.m. - 2 oz beverage (optional) 8:45 a.m. - 2 oz water (optional)

You should choose a high protein drink with no more than 30 grams of sugar and at least 10 grams of protein in an 8 oz serving.

PROTEIN:

   Protein is essential to aid in healing and healthy weight loss after surgery. It may also help avoid (but not necessarily prevent) hair loss associated with rapid weight loss. Try to consume at least 45-60 grams of protein per day.

STAGE 2: Modified Full Liquids (continued):

Vitamins and Minerals

   Due to the change in size and function of your stomach you will need to take a complete vitamin/mineral supplement every day. For the first three weeks post op your multivitamin will need to be chewable or liquid. We suggest you start with an adult chewable vitamin such as Centrum Chewable (take one daily) or Children’s Flintstones (take two daily). Thereafter you can change to an adult complete multiple vitamin with minerals (ex: Centrum Advanced Formula, One-A-Day Maximum). You can take generic equivalents but be sure to compare the contents to the recommended vitamins to make sure they have adequate nutrients of at least 18 mg of Iron, 15 mg of Zinc, and 400 mcg of Folic Acid.

   After the first month you will need to add a calcium supplement as well. Calcium Citrate is the preferred form of calcium since it is better absorbed. You will need to take 1200 mg of Calcium daily. For best absorption take no more than 600 mg of calcium at one time (ex) 600 mg in the a.m. and another 600 mg at bedtime (Citracal, or Bariatric Advantage Chewable Calcium Citrate from www.bariactricadvantage.com are acceptable options).

Follow up:

   At your three-week follow up clinic visit you will have a diet advancement class with the program Dietitian. In this class you will learn how to successfully incorporate soft solid foods back into your meal plan.

Thanks for showing me where to sit.   This Duke WLS patient manual is excellent.  It has answered and few questions already.  Thanks for the help.  You guys are the greatest. Mike

Mike, It is great that you were able to get out ahead of schedule, and too bad you missed out on some important information. At least some of the guys were able to fill you in on some good references. The days definatly do get better and better. I really loved the beef broth, I still drink it as an afternood liquid when I am at work. Keep up the walking it really helps in the healing process.  Welcome home, loser. Herb

Welcome back Mike, glad it went all right for you.  I'm anxious to get on the bench with ya. BobM.

I think the other guys have already pointed you in the right direction, so I'll just say welcome back, looking forward to your weekly weigh-ins.

I'd welcome you back Mike, but I just found the bench myself (Roux-En-Y 7/10/07). But it's good to find a fellow traveler at this stage of the trip. Congratulations!! And from what I have seen so far, the guys on this post are chock full of great information and advice. They have certainly helped me.

Mike, So glad to hear that all is going well. Keep up the great work. Monday is my day so Your gonna have to scoooch!!! on over a little to make some room for this JumboPetite Loser.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Take Care Mike, Talk at Ya Soon John