Post OP Instructions for Caregivers

Do ya'll know if there is information out there somewhere about the post op diets, Stage1, 2, 3? My sister is flying in from Texas to care for me after surgery and she likes to be well informed ahead of time. I referred her to the OH site. But if I could find some specifics it would help. She won't be here for my "teaching appt" either. My hubby will be with me the first few days but then he has a major war game exercises.

You will always need to stick to your doctors protocol sweety. As there are so many dif diets .. the one YOUR surgeon prescribes for you will be the best . My suggestion is to call your surgeons office today , aske them to email to you or have ready for you something you can share with your sis now . I am sure they can give this to you before hand . Let them know what the cir****tances are .. I am sure they will help you . She can always get the Book .. WEIGHTLOSS SURGERY FOR DUMMIES .. this is a great tool and is very informitive . But as I said your doc needs to prescribe your diet stages . Best wishes to you ... ! Natalie

Hi Jenny, All doctors vary on the post op stages a little bit but generally it's clear liquids...jello, SF ice pops, crystal ligh****ered down 100% juice, broth, etc. (usually in the hospital only but some keep you on it a bit after). Next is full liquids which adds cream soups, SF pudding and yogurt as well as runny oatmeal and that type of thing. For some that lasts a couple of weeks, some a month, and some don't have to do it. (I had to do 2 weeks). Next is soft/pureed which is adding meats like tuna, canned chicken, etc boiled and pureed (some docs let you mush really well with a fork), eggs, shrimp, and really anything that is not fatty and can be mushed up. That stage can be a couple of weeks to a month (I think I was on soft for about 2-3 weeks). Finally, regular foods. As I said, some docs skip a step, and they vary on length so you may want to check with yours. Hope I was able to help a bit...Who is your doc? Christine 253/213.5/134

Yes, you helped. Thanks my doc is Dr. Chastanet at Portsmouth Naval. I have the "green bible" they give as reference lot's of it is background stuff. I think I will scan the post op diet pages and email those to her. I was hoping for something already online. Thanks.

Jenny, we need to know who your doc is. I know my surgeons office provided everything for me. I have a bunch of paperwork on everything. If you don't get it soon enough, let me know and I'll type up a copy of my instructions. I've done a great job so far and its working for me, but again everyone is different!!! I'm hear if you need any questions. I live at the oceanfront, if you're every up this way, let me know! Amber

Thanks Amber, my Surgeon is Dr. Chastanet at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. My teaching appt. isn't until the 22nd. I know my sister and she wants as much information as she can get ahead of time, I am the baby of the family so she looks forward to being big sister to me for a while. I have some stuff in my Green Bible but I was hoping to find something for the family/caregivers of wls patients. I have a friend who had surgery a couple of years ago, her husband is on faculty at EVMS and they both suggested making sure I have emotional support for the first week or so because some people go thru a "grieving" process for food. Anybody heard of this? What are you eating now? Are you going to Thurs. Night's Support Group Meeting? I live in Kempsville if you want to split the drive I will be happy to take you all the best Jenny

I may just take you up on that, I can bring my information for you to read. What support group to you go too? It seems that every support group for all different things I belong/go to are on Thursdays, hehe! I have to figure out what place is open tomorrow night. Have a good one, Amber