Question:
Please define the term 'Tool'?

I am 1 week post op from the lap RNY and I do not have any "tool". My doctor has told me that all I can have is an 1/2 oz 3 times a day. My meals are to consist of chicken, fish, lean turkey or ham or leafy vegetables. Again, I can only eat these and a half ounce at each meal.    — Leslie H. (posted on February 5, 2003)

February 5, 2003
Leslie.. congratulations on having your surgery! I wish you a speedy and uneventful recovery as you adjust to life as a post op! The term 'tool' is used here to describe your digestive system as a post op. WLS is not a CURE for obesity, as there are often other emotional and physical issues for each of us that contribute to how we became morbidly obese, each us has a different story. Weight loss surgery is not a magic bullet, a cure all.. but a tool, something we use for the rest of our lives, along with education and some times counseling/therapy to deal with the issues that sent us to the high weights of morbid obesity. The 'tool'.. the new pouch.. alone will not allow for the conquering of morbid obesity, but used along with dilligence, determination, education and exercise, it is the most powerful thing in the arsenals of those of us who have struggled with our weight and the health, social and sometimes even economical issues that go along with morbid obesity. Here's hoping this makes sense.. ~Peace
   — Joscelin

February 5, 2003
A tool is a device to be used to achieve one's goal. Your "tool" at this point is the reduction of volume in food you can eat and the malabsorption of fat in your intestines of the food you do eat. Hence: WLS is a tool to be used to control morbid obesity. My doctor claims that morbid obesity can be "cured" as he feels that with the DS, there is never regain of significant amount of weight.
   — merri B.

February 6, 2003
Never mind tool...you're told to eat only 1.5 ozs. total of food a day? That doesn't sound right to me. Are you sure?
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 6, 2003
I'm sorry Leslie...what I just posted sounds rather flippant...I'm sure you're doing as your doctor is instructing you. Again, sorry for sounding self-righteous just then. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 6, 2003
Joy, I don't think you sounded self-righteous. I can't see someone subsisting on 1.5 oz of food each day. It *doesn't* sound right. How much food/calories could that possibly be?
   — susanje

February 6, 2003
Hi Leslie, I think you should talk to your nutritionist/dietician again to clarify your food and calorie intake. At 1 week post op you should only be having clear and maybe full fluids. If it's a pourable thin consistency it is probably OK. Your pouch and intestines need time to heal-NO SOLIDS PASSING THROUGH, THERE IS NO REAL 'WORK' TO DIGEST THE FLUIDS. Less than 2 oz per day of meats and veggies doesn't sound right to me, the quantity or the food choices. Please check with your nutritionist
   — mary ann T.