Question:
How do I get all the protein and liquids in?

I am six weeks post op and having a terrible time with being able to eat anything normal. I have stuck to two HMR protein shakes with a little milk (mostly water) each day plus 1/2 cup of cottage cheese and maybe 12 oz of other liquid for a whole day. If I try anything else, my chest feels constricted and my stomach cramps plus after getting in the required medicines (11 total spread throughout day) I have no desire to eat. Any suggestions? I have tried eggs, no-fat shredded cheese, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, fruit in my shakes, jello, soups....and none of it is appealing plus the cramping makes me wary.    — Lisa O. (posted on May 25, 2004)

May 25, 2004
Lisa, call Coastal Center for Obesity and tell them what you're experiencing. I'm over a year post-op and Dr. Owens did my surgery as well. I live in Woodland Hills and you're further up the coast than I am so I know it's a few hour drive for you to make that office visit. Dr. Oliak (Dr. Owen's partner) did my lower body lift and has such a great personality. I'm sure he would return your call with advice if you call their office. Don't let yourself hurt like this when they've probably heard/see this problem many times before and can help you treat it. Best of luck!
   — Vicki S.

May 25, 2004
You should definitely speak with your surgeon. I had some problems at about that stage and needed to have an EMG where the surgeon goes in and stretches out the stoma (the outlet). From what I've read here and from what I've heard from my surgeon, this is a pretty common thing. They make the pouch and the stoma extra small to allow for a normal amount of stretching, but the stoma can get a little scar tissue which makes it even smaller and this causes the food to stay in the stomach and not pass thru. As for getting in all the protein and the fluids, you will have to slowly work up to this amount of food and fluid. I'm 20 weeks out and am just in the past few weeks able to get all the fluid and protein. I have to sip on something all the time up to 45 minutes prior to eating and about 30 minutes after eating. Please call your surgeon and explain your symptoms so they can adivse you.
   — Katherine F.

May 26, 2004
I was the same way, and I determined it was "Normal" as each week I was able to consume a little more. A meal at this stage is 1-3 spoons of soft foods not your standard 3 course meals. Actually, you're doing better than I was at 8 weeks. Water and liquids can be sipped through the day, I never drinked - I started the day with protein shake mixed with a banana or other fruit - managed 2-4 oz., But someone has suggested your contact your doctor, and that is always the best advice.
   — Anna M.