Question:
Have I ruined my tool?

I am only thirteen days out and have eaten things not allowed (i.e. nonproteins) and more than the amounts allowed for the last three days. Today I ate an egg, and a piece of toast, a container of refried beans from Taco Bell and a two ounce hamburger patty. I have recommitted to following my Doctor's strict program but wonder if I have ruined my pouch. I am afraid to ask his office since I "broke the rules". Please help me with your answers or experience. I am so upset that the last four days could have ruined the surgery I went through so much time and pain for.    — Shellie G. (posted on May 9, 2001)

May 9, 2001
Shellie, congrats on making it to the other side. Friday will be 4 weeks for me so I understand what you are going through right now. I have to tell you that in the support groups I have gone to plus another group meeting at my surgeons for our two weeks post-op visit everyone admitted to cheating a little. You can only stay on liquids for so long before you start craving a little texture in your food. With me I did stay on just liquids for the first week. During the second week I had wonton soup and one wonton, it was delicious. The other thing I ate was matzo balls, I know it sound strange but I found they satisfied me. I do not think you did any damage to the pouch, just keep the food in moderation. Good luck with the food.
   — Barry R.

May 9, 2001
Ima Cheater, here. I cheated with Cheez-Its at about two weeks. And it was the texture I wanted. I 'confessed' to my doctor and was told that the real danger was damaging the fragile sutures in the stoma. At your stage, the reason for the liquid and soft diets is to heal the surgical wounds in the stomach and intestines, not to lose weight. But having lived through the experience, I can tell you that if you took tiny bites, chewed very well and have no pain, you are fine. As far as your food choices are concerned, I'm assuming you ate that over the course of the day. As long as the egg wasn't drowning in bacon grease, the toast wasn't drenched in butter and the hamburger was grilled and you were able to tolerate everything, I would say you've made some good choices, although they probably should wait a few more weeks. Just keep trying to stick with the program as much as you can - it gets better! Good Luck and DON'T WORRY!!!! Your tool is still functional.
   — Allie B.

May 10, 2001
Hi: I agree with the below message. I find it amazing that some people post about absoletley no "straying" It is important to get your protien in first and to generally eat healthy. HOwever, naturally thin people have "treats" once in a while and not beat themselves up. The only thing I would worry about at the stage of the game you are at is, that your insides are still healing. I would be careful of the things you eat so you don't hurt yourself. I am 3 months post op, and I occasainally have something as a treat, but mind you, I fill up on only a couple of bits. But you know what? It satisfies me. It is just a freeing feeling to know that I can eat pretty much anything I want, but in MUCH smaller quantities. GOod luck!
   — Karen A.