Question:
ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR PROTEIN AND FOOD IDEAS FOR SOMEONE 1 WEEK POST-OP?

Hey! I am 1 week post-op and am SOOOOOOOOO bored with the type of food that I am eating. I am also kind of scared to try new foods for fear of indigestion (which by the way, I have terribly along with gas) The other day I tried a scrambled egg and it went down okay, but I had terrible indigestion. My doctor says that I can try pureed foods now, but I am lost. I thought that maybe I could try mashed potatoes? Also, anyone has any ideas for high-protein foods that I can eat at this stage? Thanks for any assistance.    — Tanya F. (posted on December 11, 2003)

December 11, 2003
My doctor said to focus on protein first so here are some of the things I did: fat free refried beans (already pureed) with cheese melted on top; string cheese chewed and chewed until it was liquid, soup processed in a blender (i picked out all the potatoes or pasta) then heated with sliced american cheese mixed in; sf pudding with chocolate or vanilla protein powder and fat free milk mixed in; cream cheese (it melts in your mouth); cottage cheese; peanut butter on saltine crackers; mashed potatoes with shredded cheese melted in them........My doctor told me to take a pepcid AC everyday for the first year because of the risk of ulcers. You might need to call your doctor and let him know you're having indigestion. Good luck on finding something you can eat. Just try one thing at a time then wait 'til the next day and try something else. So far, this has worked for me.
   —  SCbabe B.

December 11, 2003
First, remember that you may have some higher carb foods during the first few weeks simply because you need the calories they provide-- however, they should not be made a staple in your diet. That being said, I pureed chile and had it every few days. Also, I used the Isopure Zero Carb drinks (they are clear, have no carbs but are loaded with protein) to stay hydrated and keep very high protein levels. Lastly, try to focus on the freedom that the surgery will help give you from food. Rather than looking to food for excitement, consider it in purely utilitarian terms; that way, you will be less tempted to stray when the food gets boring. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi

December 11, 2003
Gas-X helped me alot with post op gas------ Egg drop soup ? Yummmm went down real well for me- I would just put anything I cooked my family in a little "chopper chopper" ....I would puree it and add water or broth to make it liquid- Alot of people cringe at the thought of puree- but I was missing food so bad..that even pureed it tasted dog gone good to me :)
   — WABBIT F.

December 11, 2003
Hello, I use UNGERY as a supplement. You can order by phone 1-800-571-5111. They are out of Washington DC. 20 grams of protein per scoop (serving) 90 calories. 140 calories with 6 oz. skim milk. Great stuff. Works for me. Been using it since surgery Sep 3, 2003. Good prices: take care. frank
   — Frank O.

December 11, 2003
Starting day EiGHT, I was eating Beef Jerky. I was supposed to be eating pureed food then. However I chewed it until it was liquid. Never anything chewable left in my mouth before it went down. Perhaps try just a sliver of that... wait 10 minutes or so to see if it is being tolerated by your pouch. What worked for me, might not work for you. But I ate alot of beef jerky, cheeses, and deli meats as a new post op and NO protein sups. I had very high protein levels. :)
   — Danmark

December 12, 2003
I drink "Carb Solutions" it's high in protein and it's good too! It also high in Calcium and low in fat. my doctor say's protein first so that's what I have first thing in the morning and maybe try chili, that what I have for lunch as well as ham on some days! I do not eat any beef and only eat ham, turkey,and alot of Chicken. I know your early in you post op but I would try and stay as far away from "CARBS" as you can. I only have about 20 grams a day. Best of luck to you and congrats on the weight loss!:) my surgery date was 8/4/03 239Lbs. now down to 162 as of 12/10/03
   — Jeri L.