Question:
Am I eating the right foods?

Today I'm 3 weeks post-op. Sat.I had a slice of pizza for dinner. I left about 1 inch of crust & I chewed the rest real good. It all stood down no problem. I never threw up since having surgery. At 2 weeks post-op I had about 2 ounces of meatloaf & 2 tbs. of mashed potato's & that also stayed down, no problem. The problem is I'm feeling hungary 2 hrs. after eating. I also can't seem to get in all my water. This morning I had a Designer Protein drink for breakfast. Can anybody help me with a menu plan for 3 weeks post-op. Could my pouch be stretched already. If it wasn't for the scar I would swear I never had surgery. I've been driving since 10 days post-op. I have had no pain since coming home from the hospital. At my 10 days post-op visit I was down 17#. Thank you! open rny 3/19/01    — socco58 (posted on April 9, 2001)

April 9, 2001
Susan I would suggest you do everything in your power to get your water consumption in. I will help keep you hydrated. Secondly, I would suggest you eat more protein. Protein will help make you feel full for a longer period of time. Good luck. -Celtic Bristow-
   — Celtic B.

May 13, 2001
I am 2.5 weeks post op, and I've been able to eat a large variety of foods. I have had some chicken, a little bread, and a little pasta. Beef is very difficult for me. I certainly can't eat large quantities, and I don't feel ready for pizza yet. But it sounds to me like you are doing fine. I think different people can eat different things. I have been very fortunate so far, and it sounds like you have too. Good luck.
   — Roxanna

August 12, 2001
I read your posting and was a little concerned. Every doctor has a different view of what you can and can't eat. You really need to read up on what is healthy and what is not. One piece of pizza is not bad for how much your eating but you have to remember bread is very very fatening you should watch how much of it you eat. Also bread will sit in your stomach longer giving it more time to stretch out your new pouch. You can eat what you want but if you want to lose your weight you should really watch what you eat. Also you need to eat every two to three hours. The more you eat the less your body is going to hold onto the fat. But I would not eat unhealthy food every two to three hours. What I do is I have my main 3 meals a day. Then in between I eat fruit or vegetables. Or fat free crackers something that is not fatening or sweet. You really should talk to your doctor about eating the right kinds of food cause even though you have this new pouch you can stretch it back out to the size it was before.
   — Maryanne B.

October 18, 2001
This may sound harsh, but I really, really don't mean it as an attack. If you are questioning the types of food that you are eating, then I would worry a bit. It would seem that we all know what we ate to put on the weight, and if we are making those same selections quickly after the surgery, then we are reverting to patterns and tastes of weight gain. This is the time to look at some of the foods that we all know are good for us - basic proteins (fish, chicken, beef, milk products) and fruits and vegetables. Aim for flavor and variety in smaller quantities more frequently. Try seasonings and lemon. Choose sweets from snackpack unsweetened applesauce, pureed baby food peaches and pears. Try for some of the flavorable lunch cups that are microwaveable and blend or puree them. Find a jigger or espresso shot glass, or use the tiniest 1-4 oz stacking mixing bowls in your cupboards, and have your meals out of those. Their physical smallness will keep your mealsize down. If you can't get it in the bowl, then it's too much for the first month. Look at the external scar and remind yourself that you have an internal scar to match that needs protective care! Drink water. Drink water. Drink water. Get your pills in (your doctor probably has you on vitamins, B12, iron, and possibly others). Walk every day or perform exercise of some form. Yes, it's hard, but the rewards will come. We're hoping for a healthier body and a healthier lifestyle. More energy means better attitude and more exciting possibilities. Good luck.
   — Fiddi B.