changes

In to the the 3rd week after surgery and I have gone from no appetite to now having a taste for a little bit of everything.  Feels like I haven't had a balanced meal in forever.  I am also experiencing some stomach discomfort when I drink fluids at first.  Is it because it maybe too cold?  I have a really bad cold too so maybe that has something to do with the taste bud change.  I'm still not eating much as far as servings but I feel like I want a full meal.. lol.  Like meat, starch, veggies, etc. 

Can someone help me out?  The changes just keep coming. lol.  It's like everyday I have a stack of new questions.  They should give you a 24/7 nurse to call after surgery.

Hi Patrice, I am in my second week and I thought I was going crazy because I have no appetite either.  trying to remember to eat the 6 times a day has been a challenge. I do drink alot though so I have the meal replacement shakes for protien and drink 4 ozs a few times a day to get my protien in though... I was thiking that I have become bored with my options for meals.. lol maybe not : )... good luck and I wish you the best results : )

Hey, it's so funny because I was like I don't have no appetite and then it seems like that has changed to early morning to late afternoon.  After that, in the evenings is when I get ready to eat. lol.  Then I think I'm gonna eat you know a meal. Nope.lol... I fix it and sit down and after a spoonful of veggies and protein it's a wrap.  It's crazy.lol....  good luck as well and i think we will get a bit more excited about meals soon.lol.

You are still in the very early stages. This means a few things. One: When you do feel hungry, you "think" you are gonna eat a meal..lol NOT ... not how we used to anyhow. Second: There are going to be many new feelings, sensations, and challenges that you are still going to have to learn, and figure out what exactly they are telling you. Third: things are going to happen now and then that you just don't get..  SO you are wise to come and reach out.

First the water issue, a couple things can be causeing this. It may indeed be too cold. Some peoples pouches are very fussy on cold drinks, and for the first few months or sometimes longer, have a hard time with drinks that are too cold.  Another thing is maybe you need to take smaller sips. Taking sips that are too big (and these can be smaller than you are used to but still too much for your new pouch) can cause discomfort. And then there are some people who do not handle plain water well, so need to use crystal light or something to help it go down and set better. As long as this discomfort is only with drinking, I doubt it is anything like a stricture. Probably just a fussy pouch!

At this time too, you should only be consuming about 1 oz per sitting at a meal. By 3 months out, 2 oz. By 6 months out 4 oz and 9 months out 6 oz and at a year 8 oz (or 1 cup)  As far as foods you can have right now, I don't know what phase you are in on your post op diet, so I can't help you on that until I know.

If you are in the puree stage, there are ways of getting other foods in, but be ever watchful, now and later on not getting in much startch and carby foods. These can result in slower loss and later regain if not careful. Any carbs taken in should be whole grain only and in strict moderation and only after you get your protein, and veggies / fruits. BUT again, tuck this info away for when you are in the stages where these are options. I was almost 1 year out before I'd touch starches and grains, I was so afraid of them causing me to stop losing.. lol. 

Hey Patrece, Thanks so much for all the cool info... man, I'm telling you it's like learning new things everyday...  I have had trouble with water and I was thinking it was because I never did like water. lol...when I have popsicles and stuff it doesn't hurt.  I do drink alot of the Crystal Lights and stuff.   and yes, you are so right about wanting to eat a full meal... NOT!! lol... I am so tierd of saying I want a full meal and I don't eat it..lol... I do, but it's only a very little. lol... 

I'm in the puree stage but I have been tolerating food really well.  Well, the foods that I have tried.  I have tried some very small things, but I'm really scared too sometimes.  I'm really scarey about busting my pouch or stretching it, but I fiqure if I'm not overeating then I don't think it's anything for me to be concerned about but of course I still do.  I haven't had vomiting or dumping at all.  All things are normal so I'm hoping those worries will go away.  Everyone that hears about me having the surgery they always want to share horror stories and I have to defend our choices.lol.  And then I start getting scared sometimes.  I tell myself all the time that if I'm feeling this good already then I'm well on my way.

I'm so thankful for this support.  It has helped me so much!  I'm hoping I get more and more confident because it seems that every little thing makes me goofy.lol.

You are very welcome. It is alot to adjust to and learn. Just do be careful not to go too far on foods, as you are right, you do not want to damage your pouch and have to get fixed up.  Also remember protein first... no matter what. Being that you can only eat a few tablespoons right now, make them the best choices you can.

It will be quite a while before you have "full" meals, and even then not what they used to be. Thats part of what helps this surgery be so effective so quickly. Just follow the rules set out by your doc so you can enjoy a lifetime of success with it.

Ask away when ever you need to

Hi Patrice, I want to share a happy story.  Yes, lots of horror stories float around out there.  I am 14 months out from my RNY, still trying to lose more.  I have only thrown up once in these last 14 months, and I should have known better that day too.  I tried to eat raw carrots before my pouch was ready for them. 

There have been some episodes of getting things 'stuck' from not chewing enough, I get slimy until the offending food finally settles into my pouch.  I have dumped and am glad to find out that I do dump.  I need to have that knowledge in my back pocket to remind myself that I need to stay away from the things that will cause a dump.

Do call the nurses at your surgeon's office, they have wonderful information.  Are you attending wls support group?  Come share with us, ask any and all questions.  I will share my experiences.  The bad stories always seem to travel faster than the good ones.  What do you think buddy members, share the good stuff too.  Hugs