Question:
I am 3 weeks post op and just wan't to make sure I am doing everything right.

I had my open RNY on January 3rd 2002 and I am trying to do everything right. I am still on most soft foods (no steak or chicken)although I have been eating lettuce and verrrry thinly sliced deli ham. I just want to make sure that I am not eating too much at one sitting. I weigh everything out on my scale and try and portion between 2-3 ounces (total) per meal- is that too much food at 3 weeks? I keep reading where some members have a problem getting any food down let alone 2-3 ounces. I eat 2 meals and 1 protein drink a day and haven't had any problems with throwing up or with dumping and feel totally satisfied with this amount of food. I started out at 244 and weighed this morning at 217. I just don't want to stretch my pouch too early or do anything to sabatoge my "tools" success. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Alot RP    — roshelle P. (posted on January 23, 2002)

January 23, 2002
My surgeon requires 4 sessions with his nutritionist. I've just had my first post-op session at 4 weeks post-op. She told me that I should puree everything because we have no idea how swollen our openings are or our stomachs are. She said they are recovering from major surgery and may not really be ready for solid food. Also, she strongly recommends eating 3 meals a day and our surgeon wants 2 protein shakes a day. That being said, I eat some soft foods and meat that is not pureed (yuck!). But I make sure it is in very small pieces and as soft as can be. As far as your intake...everyone is different. I have trouble getting 2 ounces at every meal sometimes. I just try to let my stomach tell me when I've had enough. I think if you listen to your body and eat slowly you'll be fine. Sounds like you've lost a good amount of weight already!! Congrats!
   — Pamela P.

January 23, 2002
My doctor requires liquids for two weeks, puree's for four weeks, soft foods for 2 more weeks. Then concentrating on protein food as tolerated not to exceed a half cup. He said if I kept my meals at 7 bites I would never stretch my pouch. It's funny how every doctor seems to have a very different position on this topic.
   — Candace F.

January 23, 2002
It is interesting how every doctor and facility is soo very different. Your diet sounds very good. It seems to be very similar to what diet guidelines my doc sent home with me. I was only on soft pureed foods for 2 weeks then told I could eat whatever I tolerated... off my food list of course... lol... My best to you............
   — Pamela W.

January 24, 2002
Sounds like you are doing great! If you are following your doctor's guidelines and are not uncomfortable I wouldn't worry. I wish my dr had had your guidelines . . . I hated that #$%@ing liquid diet! LOL Don't worry about stretching your pouch as long as you stop when you are satisfied. When you get too much in your pouch it hurts! It is like eating that Thanksgiving meal where you have to undo your pants to breathe. Ironically I have had that feeling and had to loosen my waistband on like 1/2 cup of food before. Maybe it's psychosomatic???
   — ctyst