Question:
I need help with my Post op Diet

I know this question has been revisited time and time again so I apologize in advance. Whoever says WLS is the easy way out needs to walk a mile in my moccasins. I honestly thought it would be easier and I haven't come to the point yet where I'm thankful for it. On Monday I celebrated 4 weeks as a post op. Well, I didn't REALLY celebrate but anyway...on to my question. I had a very difficult time the first 2 weeks following surgery. I didn't want Jell-O or broth so I basically lived on ice chips and other clear fluids. I honestly don't know how I wasn't hospitalized for dehydration because it was even difficult for me to drink. Anyhoo, the past two weeks have been much better. I've been experimenting with more food each day and I haven't had a problem tolerating anything I've tried. To this point I still don't have an appetite. I'M NEVER HUNGRY!!! When I do eat it is because I make myself eat. I know this is normal and a lot of people go through this. I tire of food/drinks quickly and can't buy a lot of anything because it goes to waste. The only things I have found that I really like (and don't tire of) are Skim Milk and No Sugar Added Popsicles. But because I don't get in a lot of protein and I don't drink as much water as I should I'm not losing as much as I could be. Does anyone have any suggestions on how a REALLY fussy person can get in more protein and water?!? Keep in mind I'm a struggling college student and I don't have the resources for protein shakes (my surgeon is against them) or flavored water. Thank you in advance. :o)    — Tracy A. (posted on December 10, 2002)

December 10, 2002
I am only two weeks post op, If you live near a walmart try the equate shakes they are inexpensive abot 3.50 for 6 cans.
   — Kelli Miller-Freeman

December 11, 2002
I was like you too as far as getting tired of things quickly. To be honest though I do find myself eating the same things a lot but I especially found the protien drinks and bars to taste nasty. In a few weeks you will be able to eat more and more variety of foods with comfort. My surgeon and nutritionist reccomended that I eat more seafood because of my slow weight loss and the fact that chicken really bothers me no matter how slow I eat it and how much I chew it. I was never much of a tuna eater but now I eat tuna a few times a week. A spoonful of tuna and a couple saltine crackers goes down the patch really well. I also go to my local grocery store that has a seafood department and buy shrimp ( they steam it right there for me) and crab cakes. They have really meaty crabcakes all made up. They aren't cheap at 2 for $7.98 but one crab cake is two meals for me so for less then $8 I get 4 meals worth of meat and when you think of it that way it's not so bad. Even with the shrimp a little goes a long way. Recently I tried scallops but didn't like them. I cook the crab cakes in my toaster oven and just spray them and the pan with butter spray. I eat cracker barrell low fat cheddar cheese and I also buy bags of frozen Orange Roughy Fish at Walmart or Sam's Club. You just have to find what you like. The drinking was so hard at first and you really have to work at it. It's hard but neccisary. I discovered just recently that the carbs really do slow me down in my loosing. My surgeon said we should have carbs at every meal ( just a tiny bit) but since I have drastically cut back on them I am loosing a lot faster. Carbs also make me want more carbs and I eat more. I don't snack, I just eat three meals a day most of the time. When I was first post op I ate a 4 oz yogurt almost every day. Now I eat a cheese omelet almost every day to get more protein in and I can tolerate the egg better now. Just one egg and 1 slice of american cheese. It just fits and some days doesn't fit in my pouch and I am just now 4 months post op. If I do want a snack and can't shake the urge off I get the sf popscicles but my kids eat them up and they are never any left when I want one so now I eat a Claussen Pickle spear. They are 5 calories and 0 fat. No protein there but they are chunky and salty and very satisfying for me. Preop I'd have never been satisfied with just a pickle but now I love a pickle. Try getting a cookbook for a diet program such as atkins you may find some good ideas there. I know none of mine are that great but that is what is working for me. Carrie
   — Carrie D.

December 11, 2002
To get in more water, carry a water bottle with you night and day-as a college student, that means to class with you and sip all day long. Eliminate other liquids from your diet and just concentrate on the water. I carry around this bottle that has a shoulder strap so it goes with me to meetings and whenever I am in the car. You'd be amazed at how quickly you can get in the water when its always with you. As for protein, you have to force yourself to eat, even though you don't want to right now. Actually, enjoy this stage because somewhere around 4-7 months out, most of us get our hunger back big time! If you can handle eggs and cheese, thats a great morning meal. Tuna fish is vry inexpensive-have it over crackers for lunch, chili is great for dinner-Burger King has it for 99 cents. Other good forms of protein at your stage are thinly sliced deli meats, nuts (chew well), any type of cheese. Try some of the protein bars that are on sale-Walmart has some good ones for 96 cents. I love the Balance Gold ones.
   — Cindy R.

December 11, 2002
Hey! I just wanted to say that I wasn't really getting in any of my protein, water or vitamins until I was about 5 weeks out. I know that isn't good, but you all should know that you are not really feeling all that great until then. I just wanted to say, that at that stage, I would eat yogurt EVERY morning and eat cheese constantly. I even bought the cheese in a can -eww-. Amazingly, it's not that fattening and it does have a good amount of protein in it. Anyway, I ate it so often that I can't stand it now. I tire of different kinds of drinks as well. What I have been doing is making Kool-Aid with Splenda, so when I get tired of a flavor, I just make a new one. I am also getting back into craving water, which is good. I just wanted to tell you that you will learn in time. Now, when I make a meal, if it doesn't have enough protein, I feel guilty. It's funny how you don't think you're changing, but when you think about it, you already have. Good Luck with everything, and it will get better. <3Chrissy
   — Christine C.

December 12, 2002
You haven't stated if you live someplace with a freezer available or not; if so, put the food you don't eat into ice trays and after it is frozen, transfer it to baggies. This way you have instant access to single servings of food and no waste. Just put in microwave and viola! You could keep peanutbutter and crackers. They last without going to waste. Now they also sell the small serving size of the chicken salad, tuna salad, and such. It comes with about 5 crackers and a little spoon. Good luck!
   — Tammy .