Question:
I had my WLS surgery a week ago; few questions for you.

During the first few days I could only sip my liquids, but now I can gulp my liquids down just before surgery. Is that a problem? I know I can't lift anything for a couple of weeks, however, when I lift anything even just a little bit heavy, like a skillet, it makes my tummy ache; is that to be expected? I use my Carb Countdown milk to make sugar free pudding -- I'm able to eat a cup of eat, isn't that too much at this stage? Thank you for your feedback.    — vitoria (posted on January 29, 2005)

January 29, 2005
I would say the lifting thing is normal. It takes weeks to completely heal. As for gulping..I even took a big sip I would bring it back up. My sister had the same surgery, same day, same surgeon and can guzzle drinks with the best of them. As for the pudding. A cup seems like a lot but if you are eating slowly it is basically "liquid" when it hits your pouch and probably goes right thru pretty much that is why you can put so much thru. When you progress to more "solid" food you will see a dramatic difference..especially if you eat your protein first like you're supposed to.
   — FaithMills

January 29, 2005
Did your doctor say you should eat a cup a this point? The truth is this is not a game. Stick by the rules, there is a reason for them. When people eat what they shouldn't, wind up back in there doctor's office with complications, it gives the surgery a bad name. As for lifting the skillet. If it hurts, don't do it. Linda JA Rodham
   — lindarodham6

January 29, 2005
I have yet to have the surgery, but from the classes I have to attend right now pre-op it is being stressed over and over and over again how important portion control and measuring out food is when post op.
   — AimsMcB

January 30, 2005
The lifting thing is normal. I had a burning, pulling pain near my incision for about 3 weeks after surgery every time I lifted even a little something and sometimes when I would move in a weird direction...it is normal. As for the amount of liquid you are drinking and the amount of pudding....it really is up to your doc and dietician. Check with them. Everyone on the message boards have the best of intentions but it really is important to do what YOUR doctor says. I can drink about 8 oz of water or crystal light in about 20 minutes. I am on 'mush' right now and can eat about 2 to 2.5 tablespoons of food before feeling full. However, a lot of it depends on WHAT I am eating...some things don't fill me up as much. Be safe...check with your doctor. Good luck!
   — karenisahogfan

January 30, 2005
Vitorio-- A few things to consider as you learn the limits of your new pouch. First, the goal of learning to sip liquids early on is to re-train your body to practice moderation. It's tough and it goes against years of what was normal behavior for us. But, learning to sip at this early stage is a precursor to learning to eat small bites slowly when you move onto solid food. Secondly, your new pouch and your intestines are not fully functioning yet-- it takes weeks. So, you shouldn't be pushing the limit. One cup of pudding is simply too much in one sitting. Also, if you can have that kind of soft food at this stage of your progression (which is dependent upon your surgeon's instructions), consider higher protein choices. You have a wonderful opportunity to capitalize on the courage you've shown by submitting to gastric bypass surgery-- don't let old, bad habits undermine the success you justly deserve.
   — SteveColarossi

January 30, 2005
Drinking is an interesting item..Yes it is possible to drink without problems. I never had a problem, with water even two days out. But one should always follow the doctors instructions. Every doctor and clinic had their own protocal. I' love to give some advice on milk but I am lactos intolerent and it is even worst after surgery. As far as the amounts of food, you will alsway be about to eat a higher volume of soft or mushy foods than drier or hard foods. I am two 1/2 + years out and I still need to remember to chew chew chew...
   — Cindy P.

January 30, 2005
Thank you all for your kind response and encouragement!!
   — vitoria

January 30, 2005
It is my opinion that it is a problem if you can get down a cup of ANYTHING at one week out. Why are you even trying? At one week, I dont recall that I ate anything solid - or that I was supposed to. Please call your doctor....and most importantly...stop pushing it. If you are pushing your limits now....what will later look like?
   — MissKimberly

January 30, 2005
Vitoria you might be able to gulp, but you should be using a straw to sip, it one of the learning aids that will help you in the future - sip, your liquids slowly, and chew your foods many times (when you're at the food stage) - pudding is light - I could only ingest a spoon or two at a time, but each person is different. - but don't eat it quickly - develop a pace - take a spoon then put the spoon down - and think about all the weight you're going to lose in between bites - GOOD LUCK
   — Anna M.

January 30, 2005
At 1 weekput I was allowed full liquids, and sugar free pudding is considered a full liquid. It was one of the food recommended in my instruction book. if you want the protien can be increased by adding extra ff dry milk powder to it. (I didn't personally do that but it was a rcommendation from Barix Clinics) ) What period of time is involved in eaing the 1 cup of pudding? If it it over an hour or so, well, it is liquid and I don't think it is very unreasonable. when you progress to actual solid food they will fill you up and you will not be able to eat as much quantity wise. did yo get any guidelines of what and how much to eat and how often? I'd be glad to share some of the info from my group. Just email me if you want it. Good luck!
   — **willow**

January 31, 2005
Well... you may not want to hear this... but this is what a very wise wls patient told me... and learned to take the advice and now see the best results that I have ever had since my surgery. Just because you can eat more, doesn't mean you should. I have found that with my wls (lapband) that I am hungry a lot of the time... it just means I have to refocus my energies somewhere else: GET BUSY... if I am still hungry after a half an hour and I have had 8 oz of water to drink then I will have a high protein snack... This isn't good for your predicament right now... but try something that is as much body as you are allowed, it will fill you longer. And be wary of lifting a heavy skillet. I have my hernia thanks to a cast iron fry pan. Don't over do it... you can clean your skillet on the stove and you can leave it on the burner until you are fully healed... get others to help you if you can. I even had the mailman one day lift something for me when I was all alone in the house. I live in a closenit community mind you. Problem solve to avoid other problems. You can do it. I use carb aware milk all the time. If you are counting carbs do your food plan that way. If you are counting calories and fat do your food plan that way instead. Pick one and stick with it you will do better in the long run.
   — winniepooh2

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