Question:
Is it normal to be able to eat a whole hotdog without the bun?

Im 2 weeks post op today and last night i ate a whole hotdog without the bun and a few chips is that normal?    — Amanda G. (posted on March 18, 2002)

March 18, 2002
At 2 weeks it is surprising that you are eating that kind of stuff. I am 6 weeks post op in 3 days and I will only be able to start the soft foods at that time.I know on the gudelines my Dr. gave me, hotdogs were a definite NO,NO and the chips are empty calories.I think it would be best of you choose food more nutritional for your body. That is just my opinion. Best of luck to you.
   — Christy R.

March 18, 2002
Normal is a relative term. Permissible depends on your doctor and the type of surgery. Quantity-wise it is quite feasible, but, man-o-man, who want to put garbage grind like "hot dogs" in their stomach? YECH! Allow yourself something more nutritious, tasty and capable of decomposing before you do.
   — merri B.

March 18, 2002
I'm nine months post-VBG and no way I could eat an entire hot dog. And chips? Why???? Your calorie/protein/nutrition in general intake is limited - you need to concentrate on "getting in" the best quality, highest nutrition foods that you can.... (132 lbs gone forever!! YEA!!!!!!!!)
   — Cathy J.

March 18, 2002
Amanda, I am 3 weeks post and my doctor has me on full liquids for 6 weeks. After that I go to soft solids. He said I needed to give my pouch and insides time to heal. I am with the others a hot dog and chips is really "junk food". Remember you have been through alot and so has your body. Treat it with care and don't mess up the new tool you have. You will do great!
   — terrifogle40

March 18, 2002
I am 8 months post-op and yes I can eat a whole hot dog and even a few chips. I chose to eat Wow chips when I eat them because of the fat content. I also eat lean hot dogs when I want one. I had this surgery so that I can eat normally not to deny myself. I know I couldn't have eaten these foods at 2 week post-op because I was still on a full liquid diet as directed by my doctor. I had open RNY and have lost 112 lbs so far.
   — samizaki

March 18, 2002
I can answer in two parts...first, the volume of eating a whole hot dog is a bit much.How long did it take you to eat it, because if it took you an hour then that is grazing and you should be eating over a 20-30 minute time period (or whatever your doc/nutritionist recommends, which is probably something close to that)and then stopping. At two weeks out, I am surprised you're eating solid foods at all just yet. Now, as to the quality of the food choices you are making already. BEWARE... at two weeks post op you will inevitably lose weight no matter what you do. It is at this time that you need to form good habits because long term results is what you are after.You must change your thinking now, while your body is in the losing stage to make this a permanent loss, one that makes you healthy for life. If you are choosing hot dogs at this early stage, I fear that down the road you will continue to lose sight of eating what fuels your body, not to mention the chips which are completely useless to you and add fat and empty calories. I would suggest that you could choose some turkey breast instead, or a turkey burger, some tuna, shrimp, chicken, cottage cheese, etc. As far as the chips, a great, nutritious and delicious alternative would be Glenny's Soy Crisps. They are packed with protein and absolutely delicious. You can find them in a Health food store or order them on line. When I need a "crunch" I eat these and I am telling you all my friends now eat them too they are so good! Also, a crunchy alternative is Kashi GoLean cereal, some reduced fat Wheat thins or whole wheat crackers. You must make these changes now, because once the window of opportunity for weight loss starts to close, it is up to you how far you will tke this and re-learning to live as healthy people do is the key. Best of luck to you and much success...
   — Vicki K.

March 19, 2002
I had the Ds surgery and was allowed to eat whatever I was capable of at 2 weeks post-op. No, I couldnt of eaten a whole hot dog at 2 week post-op. But everyone is different.I do remember craving a hot dog early post-op and if I craved it, I had one. She didnt ask for a lecture and I dont think 1 hot dog is gonna screw up her otherwise probably good eating habits. All hot dogs are not terrible some have 10 grams of protein. Even if hers didnt, she doesnt deserve to be insulted. Carol L
   — C. L.

March 19, 2002
Hi Amanda! I had surgery 3 weeks ago so am not too far out. I was sent home on a soft diet, then onto regular foods 1 week late. If your doctor is one who starts normal foods fast, just follow his orders. I agree that there are better choices than hot dogs and chips *BUT* I'm a strong believer in not denying yourself. It's all about moderation. I didn't have surgery to be on a diet for the rest of my life - I had it to be satisfied on much smaller, normal-sized portions of food and also to be able to re-learn how to eat. Have a bit of a "forbidden" food. Savor it. Did that satisfy the craving? Once again, it's all about moderation. Over the entire day we need to make good choices so that we can live well, but there is room in that day for other stuff. Just don't overdo. I hope this makes sense!!!!
   — Sarah C.