Question:
Almost 5 weeks post-op and not sure if I am eating enough

I have noticed a lot of post-ops at about the same timeframe as I am and I would like to find out what you are eating ( Also, any of you that are further out and can remember when you were a new post-op). I guess I didn't realize how little I was going to be able to eat. I can only eat about 3-4 bites of mashed potatoes or soup. I get an incredibly full feeling in my chest. Here is what I ate yesterday- 3 protein shakes(each have 20 gm. of protein and 110 calories), 3 cubes of Kraft cheddar cheese, 4 bites of mashed potatoes, 3 very small bites of salad, and 2 ritz crackers with creamed cheese (each of these items was eaten separatel and several hours apart),48 ounces of water(I know--I'm working on it!!), 2 chewable vitamins. Does this sound like the amounts that you can eat? When will I be able to eat anything close to resembling a meal--more than one item? I am not wanting to pig out like I used to, but I would love to be able to have a few bites of salad and some chicken. I also notice those that are further post-op mentioning different foods but they don't mention how much they can eat of it. I guess I am just concerned about my nutrition and wondering if I am okay. There are some days that I do feel a little weak and lightheaded and wonder if it is because I am eating next to nothing. Believe me, I love the weight loss (1/8/01--37pounds)but am I suffering nutritionally? I also need a little variety in what I can eat. Help!!! Shelley    — Shelley. (posted on February 10, 2001)

February 10, 2001
I think what you are eating for 5 weeks out is normal. That is about what I was eating. I think the 'reasonable amount meal' comes in time. I am 3 months out, and still eat very little. But, more than I did at 5 weeks. It just slowly increases. As for your lightheadedness, I suffered from that as well. I now make my morning protein chocolate w/a banana blended in it. Potassium is very much needed, and with us getting very little in our diets, it is very important to add this. 1 (or 1/2 depending on size) added in the morning is just fine for me. Until you have your lab work-up, I personally, would not add potassium in the form of tablets or supplements. GREAT weight loss!!! You will feel much better in the coming weeks. I found that at around 2 months, I just started feeling much better. Good luck!
   — Patti S.

February 10, 2001
Shelley... you sound like what I'm eating. And I'm starting week 3 post-op! I would talk to your doctor if you don't think you're getting enough. But it sounds like your getting the protein, vitamins and a good deal of water in. I think everyone's different. And your doc should be able to tell you what might help. Final thought... from what I read of my weekly food intake, your week 5 sounds about normal to me! Hope that helped a bit?? Paulla
   — capodo

February 10, 2001
these next few months are your largest weight losing months so stop worrying My Doctor assured me I would not die of malnutrition.. I ate very little like you for the first 3 months and now have eating days and days i cant eat much I would watch out for the salads being only 5 weeks out My Doctor said Salads and meat at 8 weeks My sister had a tostada at week 4 and her stomach went into stomach spasams and the Doc said from the lettuce ...they were terrible and lasted for about 5 hours so be very careful just drink you proteins and water and exercise and you will be fine soups go down well during the first few weeks and corn chips ..that was on my Doctors list at day 10 chewed well good luck and stop worrying Kathy
   — Kathleen M.

February 10, 2001
hi shelly, I am just about 10 wks post, and i am still only eating about what you are now, somedays maybe a little more but hardly ever, I have noticed that i must remind myself to eat or I wont like friday i forgpt to eat and by the time i remembered it was 7 in the evening, I just am so busy at work time flys and I forget, I do however make sure i get all vits, and protein, but this surgery has almost made me not even like to eat, but thats not good either! I think your doing great! HUGS KIMMY
   — kimberly G.