Question:
Feeling really nervous

Im due for my RNY surgery on Wed 13 Feb and am feeling really nervous. My main concern is that Im not sure what I should be eating as soon as Im out of hospital, Im so scared Im going to eat or drink something wrong and end up damaging my pouch ! — Tracy K. (posted on February 11, 2008)

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February 11, 2008
Its normal to be nervous. Do exactly what your dr tells you to do and you will be fine. The first day you will drink nothing never mind eat anything.They will start you on water and then move to sugar free jello. and protein drinks. I drank sugar free carnation instant breakfast. Your dr will tell you what you can eat each step along the way. Dont worry. Like I said if you do everything the Dr says you wont damage anything. I did everything right. When I could start eating foods I was nevervous. A lot of it is going to be trial and error but that is when you go back to regular food. I had a hard time with steak, pasta, cereal and green beans. I dont eat a lot of bread anymore. If I am going to eat and get the most of what I eat it wont be bread. I did and still do very will with chicken and fish. Any kind of fish. It has a lot of protein too so its very good for you. You will be fine. Just think of it like this. In about 6 months your going to look like a totally different person and feel wonderful. Good Luck
— Joanc

February 11, 2008
WOW Tracy didn't they have you go see a nutritionist? I go Thursday for a 4 hour class to learn all about these things. Do a search online and you should be able to find some info too. Your Dr should of told you how much protein and all that too.
— Kim M.

February 11, 2008
Your surgeon and dietician should have given you all this information....in person and in writing. Did they not go over this with you? You need to ask them so that you know. For me, I was allowed only liquids (which include protein drinks) for 2 weeks. It can be in the form of soup, or super pureed items....as long as it's a liquid and can be sipped through a straw...although don't use a straw as it's possible to drink too much too fast. That's the other thing...sip slowly. You can build up speed later when your pouch has healed. Also, you need to be taking vitamins...chewable for several weeks. I take chewable miltivitamins, calcium and B12. Best of luck to you.
— cjjordan

February 11, 2008
I understand your nervousness! I just had mine Jan 21 and was petrified of stretching my pouch or hurting my sutures. I was on clear liquids for two weeks and although I was sick to death of chicken broth, it was the best way to make sure I didn't hurt anything. Now I am on soft foods and I avoid all bread except for toasted 100% wheat VERY occasionally. I eat string cheese alot, it is soft and goes down easily. Just follow what your surgeon says, listen closely. It is so worth it, even with the little bit of sickness I had right after, it was the best decision that I have ever made. You will do great!!! The best of luck to you
— Tabitha M.

February 11, 2008
Do not worry! You will be fine. You will be drinking liquids at first.
— Carlyn M.

February 11, 2008
Hi Tracy, It's hard to tell you not to be nervous...you can't help feeling that way, but as long as you follow what your doctor says, everything will be fine. I just had my surgery 12 days ago and it was a cinch. Remember the motto "Sip, Rest, Walk" Just do that and you will do fine. When I came home, the first 2-3 days I had a hard time getting down my 64 oz. of liquids (water, crystal light, tea, broth.) I was only doing around 32 oz., along with my protein shakes. But after the 3rd day I had no trouble getting in my 64 oz. You Can Do IT!! Congratulations and all the best. Dee
— DeeDiamond

February 11, 2008
If in doubt ask the nurses while you are in the hospital. I had to have a nutrition class before and after my surgery. The main thing to know is your stomach will let you know if it does not like what you put in it. But don't e afraid to try it again later.......Hope ALL goes well!
— neewoods

February 11, 2008
You will not be eating regular food at all honey. week 1 clear liquids week 2 solid liquid week3 pudding items, baby food and ect. there is a set plan on how you do that ....they should have given you that. You will not be hungry so do not worry.
— tl_morgan

February 11, 2008
THIS IS HOW IT WENT FOR ME.STAGE 1 HOSPITAL,S/F JELLO,DECF.COFFE OR TEA,VEG.BROTH,CHICKEN BROTHWATER BEEF BROTH,STAGE 2 WHEN YOU GO HOME,WHEY PROTIEN DRINK COTTAGE CHEESE,S/F BEVS.,SOY MILK,CRYSTAL LIGHT,PROPEL.DIET SNAPPLE.LIGHT YOGURT,STRAINED CREAM SOUPS,BROTH,BOLLION,SUGAR SUBSTUIES.THEN STAGE 3SCAMBLE ,SOFT COOKED POACHED,HARD BOILED OR EGG SUBSTIUTUT.MASH POTATOES,PUREED VEG. TIN SLICED TURKEY,CHICKEN LUNCH MEAT,LOWFAT-CHEESES,SLATINE CARCKERS,FINLEY GROUND OR PUREED POULTRY,OR LAMB,OR VEAL.MAKE SURE ALL MEAT IS MOIST.TUNA ALL SO LOW-FAT MAYO.OLIVE OIL OR COOKING SPARY. HOPE THIS HELPS.I'M 6 MO. OUT AND STILL CAN'T EAT CERTIAN THINGS.I USE EAS PROTIEN POWDER,MIX WITH WATER& YORGURT,OR CRYSTAL LITE OR FRUIT.CAN'T DO MILK,MAYO ,TUNA,EGGS,OR CHICKEN.BUT YOU CAN BE DIFFERET.OH YEA FAT-FREE PEANUT BUTTER. LUV IT!!!!!!!GOOD LUCK YOU'LL BE JUST FINE.KEEP IN TOUCH. LEHIGH
— lehigh

February 11, 2008
Tracy, there are several good books that you can find in the library on WLS. My copies are dog-eared and highlighted all over the place! There's also tons of information online. But the most important information is what is coming from your doctor. Listen to him and his team and do everything they tell you! Do not second guess them! They will get you through this! And you will do great! I'm scheduled for GBP-RNY on Tues 2/26 and can't wait! I am very excited and my mantra is "I'll do whatever the doctor tells me!" I am so determined to be successful. Good luck to you!
— [Deactivated Member]

February 11, 2008
First, good luck on your upcoming surgery. You are in my prayers. Also, just follow the direction your surgeon and dietician gives you. You will be just fine. Just remember, you can't get much in anyway and believe me, you will not want to. Darla
— darla47

February 11, 2008
Just take a deep breath....it'll be ok. I did RNY last June and then my mom did it in October. I wasnt quite so nervous, but she was terrified...hence her doing it so many months after me when our original plan was to do it together. Like other posts have suggested, just follow your doctor's instructions and you'll be fine. Our surgeon had us on clear liquids only for the first week following surgery and then slowly moved us onto to mushy foods in weeks 2-3 (like cottage cheese, refried beans, soft boiled eggs, etc)...and so on... Once again...just follow your doctor's instructions exactly and you'll be good to go. A lot of people are not hungry at all for a long time after surgery anyways... I wasn't physically hungry at all during the first week afterwards, despite living off of chicken broth only. I did get real bored of broth though... :-)
— calbearsgirl

February 11, 2008
Hi Tracy, thanks for writing. It is not unusual what you are thinking, not at all. Take a deep breath, and just take one day at a time. No one knows how they will respond once they have had surgery, just know that you can take one day at a time. If you make a mistake, you have a chance to correct it the next time. Obesity is a head issue with a body consequence. You will fight head hunger, and head issues every day for the rest of your life. This is true whether or not you have surgery. Surgery gives you a tool for your body, it does not fix your head. It does not fix head hunger, it does not fix the lust for food, it just gives you a chance to lose weight if you will take on the battle of the brain. It is not easy, you need a support group, or a good wls friend, but if you are willing to take on the challenge, then just take one day at a time. You can eat the wrong stuff and damage your pouch, or what if, just what if, you follow the rules, do what you are supposed to and have success? It would be great, but success is scary in itself. I am four years out next month, and I still deal with success being a problem. I take it one day at a time, trust God, whom I serve, and walk in truth, for better or for worse. It works for me, and I am thankful for the weight I have lost. Take care, and I wish you well. Patricia P.
— Patricia P

February 11, 2008
Hi Tracy! I had my surgery 9/27/07, and I had a different fear. Mine was not that I would not know what to eat (I had been nutrition classed to death!!! But that's a good thing.). Mine was that I would take too big of drinks of my water or broth or whatever and stretch my pouch that way. Well let me tell you, from the moment I took my first sip after surgery, it was a NATURAL INSTINCT to take small sips and go slow. I could not have gulped if I had wanted to. I felt really blessed by that and it helped me to know that my body would know how to handle the rest of it. So although it is totally normal to be nervous, try to take a deep breath and relax. It is not an easy road, but it is definately a worthwhile and lifesaving one! Good luck tomorrow! You will be in my prayers. Deni
— Deni

February 12, 2008
Hi there! Your doctor will tell you exactly what you can and cannot eat. If he doesn't, be sure the nurse will. You'll do just fine hun. Just be very cautious and ask all the questions you have. You may even want to write them down. The nurse should be able to answer them for you as well.
— Cari_C

February 12, 2008
Everyone is right it is very normal for you to be nervious. But you need to talk to your Dr about his post surgery eating plan. Everyones is different and you should follow your Dr plan particularily early on. While some people are on liquids for a while some start on soft foods a couple of days after surgery. The most important thing to remember immediately after surgery is to not eat or drink more than your portion. You probably won't be able to tell when you are full for the first couple of months. Amy
— Radgalut

February 12, 2008
Don't worry, one small step at a time, it will become normal soon. Keep asking questions and you will be fine. Good luck tomorrow and try to relax even though that sounds impossible we are all here to help you through. I'll be thinking of you, Good luck
— ANNAJEAN

February 12, 2008
Of course you are nervous. Just following your doctor's instructions and you will do great.
— t_roxus

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