Question:
AM I DOOMED TO FAIL?

I'M 2 WEEKS POST OP. I'M SCARED TO DEATH THAT I'M DOOMED TO FAIL. MY DOC PUTS HIS PATIENTS ON PUREED RIGHT AWAY AND AT 10 DAYS I WAS TOLD THAT I COULD START REGULAR FOOD. HERE'S THE THING--I CAN EAT A SMALL CHICKEN BREAST OR 4 RITZ CRACKERS W/ EGG SALAD ON TOP OR IN 30 MINUTES TIME I CAN EAT A TACO BELL SOFT TACO SUPREEM. EVERYTHING GOES DOWN FINE. I HAVE NOT VOMITED ONCE OR EVEN FELT SICK. I'M SO TERRIFIED THAT I'VE ALREADY STRETCHED MY POUCH OUT. MY TOTAL CALORIES EVERYDAY ARE BETWEEN 600-750.I'M ALSO NOT LOOSING AS MUCH AS OTHERS, 20LBS. TO DATE. I'VE WORRIED MYSELF TO DEATH ABOUT THIS. I'M FEEL SO LOW RIGHT NOW I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. THANKS FOR LISTENING. ANY HELP WOULD BE REALLY APPRECIATED.    — PAM P. (posted on October 7, 2002)

October 7, 2002
Congrats 10 pounds a week, thats GREAT! You are doing fine. Fewer calories can put your body in starvation mode stopping the loss. Your able to eat good food in small portions and arent sick. Thats FANTASTIC! Pouch stretching is a overrated problem according to my surgeon. Just relax and enjoy the ride, your doing well...
   — bob-haller

October 7, 2002
Someone in my support group put it very well - "just because you *can* eat something doesn't mean you should." - They explained it this way - your stomach is still "asleep" for the first 8 weeks or so..you can't always feel that you are full or are eating the wrong things because your stomach is still healing. You should be very careful for the first 8 weeks..because your staples are still healing. My surgeon stressed not to overeat (more than 1-2 oz per sitting) during this time. He was also a firm believer in getting you on "regular" foods ASAP..I was only on pureed for a week and a half or so like you. I think what you are eating is fine..but it may be a good idea to try to eat smaller amounts at a time..even if you "can" eat more. I was told 1-2 oz. every two hours. It's pretty hard to fail at the surgery..everyone goes through thinking they will be the one to screw it up. I have been there several times myself. You will do fine.
   — sheltie

October 7, 2002
We're on clears for 4 weeks, so the timing was different for me. Our meal size was 1 oz. But if the volume bothers you, make your meal 15 min. Much beyond that is grazing, so you can just set a clock and that's your meal. It'll do wonders for your worry factor, as well as keeping your pouch intact.
   — vitalady

October 7, 2002
I am ten weeks out, and I still couldn't eat a whole taco bell taco if I TRIED!!! I would be full after half of it for sure. I am surprised you can eat so much so soon. I was still barely eating two bites of regular food at that stage. 20 pounds isn't bad, but I would be careful about how much you are eating. Try the water loading thing before a meal, that way you will not be able to eat as much. Did your surgeon tell you how big he made your pouch? Mine was only made to be one ounce, and I have heard that others are bigger, so that could be it too. THis could be normal for you...as we are all different! If you are really concerned, go check with your surgeon and find out what he thinks is appropriate amounts of food at this point. Good luck to you and God Bless. (open RNY 7/23/02 -60 lbs)
   — Shawnie S.

October 7, 2002
I would call and ask your surgeon if you are eating too much. Personally, it sounds like a lot to me. I am 10 months post op and still can't eat that much. NO, I don't think you are doomed to fail, you just need to call your surgeon and ask a few questions. Only he will be able to truly ease your mind. Another good option is to go to a local support group meeting. Your surgeon's office SHOULD be able to furnish info on when and where they are. There, you will be able to talk to people face to face who have had the surgery and are going through or have gone through what you are now. Good luck!
   — Kim B.

October 8, 2002
Like the others, I was on soft foods for the first month and would not have been able to handle chicken at only 2 weeks post-op. Your tummy is still healing. I would suggest you eat softer foods (egg salad on ritz is good), and try eating a little less for the next few weeks. Try eating just a few ounces of food-no more than 15 minutes worth of eating, and eat every few hours. I ate every 3 hours for the first few months, then switched to 3 meals and a few snacks. Don't think about being a failure..its a waste of your time. You won't be. And 20 in 2 weeks is really good. Never compare your weight loss to others, there will always be those who lose more, and lose faster than you. Just don't do it. You will lose at your own pace. Just remember your vitamins, a ton of water, and PROTEIN always.
   — Cindy R.