F is for Fiber
Is it any different pre / post op? I'm RnY.
I used to put a little Benfiber (clear dissolving fiber powder) in a protein drink before surgery. It helped curb hunger longer and made a GREAT midday snack/drink. I'm thinking of starting it again but thought I'd throw out this line for comment.
OK, So you asked...... This is SOME Of What I’ve got…… Foods High in Soluble Fiber, Like Oatmeal, All Bran, Blueberries, etc… Are very beneficial. I throw a little Bran (just a spoonful) into any food it can “hide in.” Soluble fiber tends to break down very slowly After it has passed the stoma And it sustains your blood sugar levels longer than many other foods. This keeps insulin levels stable And keeps you from being “hungry” for hours longer. Oatmeal is the Ace of Spades when it comes to this. But for those still on full liquids, Or relying on Protein Shakes that pass on through so quickly? Cook up a little instant Oatmeal, In fact, overcook it into a real mush! Keep it in a little dish in the fridge. When making a “smoothie” drop a dab of it In the blender with the rest of the mix. You’ll never notice it, except you’ll feel satisfied Longer! Parents out there? Remember when you could first add that little pinch of cereal To the baby’s formula/milk, And suddenly they would sleep through the night? Same thing, Different Baby! Typically, “Fiber” comes up in discussions of Constipation for Post-ops. But when it comes to Constipation, An ounce of Prevention, Really is Worth a Pound of Cure. With the reduced amount of food in the pipes, The large intestine has less traffic to push stuff on through And since the large intestine removes water from the waste material The slower it travels trough, the drier it becomes. Fiber is your friend in keeping stuff moving. Many Docs recommend increasing overall water intake as well Which just makes sense. The more water in the overall system, the more remaining Even when the large intestine has taken out all it can. “An Apple a Day” is a great one, so are most all crispy Veggies. If Oats aren’t good for you, then maybe more salad stuff Like celery, carrots, raw veggies in general? Be selective though. Broccoli, Cauliflower, and other High-Insoluble Fiber foods such as Cabbage, can cause major gas and act more like “Colon-Blow!” Resulting in more output than one might think of as “Normal.” You can always just get some Metamucil Or any of those clear drinkable fibers, But it would be beast to adjust your typical dietary intake To include more roughage, rather than be tied to some “Product.” Whole grains are also a good source. Just look at the fiber content on labels. Some of this is where all the rage about Flax-Seed Meal comes from. Excellent fiber source as well as Essential Fatty Acids in one food. A teaspoon or two of Flax Seed meal in Yogurt or in “Anything” Is hardly noticed and it’ll keep you regular and provide The essential fatty acids needed for great health and fiber to keep Blood sugar levels constant and digestion “smooth.” On the other side of the coin, For those experiencing diarrhea, Taking 1 tsp pectin powder 3 times daily is very effective.
I had difficulty early on, and this stuff was amazing! That, and Simple Fruit Pectin, A ‘Dietary Fiber’ Found in it’s pure form in dietary supplements or in Jelly additives like “Sure Jel” – http://www.kraftfoods.com/surejell/sj_index.html or any of those “Home-Made Jam/Jelly” additives. They slow the movement of food through the intestine And can slow or even help prevent “Hair-Trigger Dumping.” Pectin delays gastric emptying, slows carbohydrate absorption, and reduces the glycemic response, thus reduces “late stage dumping.” For a “Epcot Center-esque” tour of all of the benefits of Fiber, Checkout- Fiber-Fitness-&Freebies
Hope this Helps… Best Wishes- Dx
Capricious; Impulsive, Semi-Predictable 
