Question:
How long do I have to stay on stage II? Had rny/lap 10/2/03 Need to chew something?

Had rny/lap 10/02 and saw Dr. Monday, he wants me to stay on liquids for two more weeks! I was expecting to get onto stage III by now. Cream soups really suck, so I am having yogurt, pro-complex for lunch (half portion) and broth for dinner. This is getting to be so boring. I tried a little cottage cheese yesterday and it went pretty good, no problems. I was expecting to go home after surgery and eat tuna and crackers or a little cheese or even baby food and was so disapointed that I have to stay on liquids. Is this normal? I am losing rapidly but my taste buds are wanting flavors in my mouth or is it my brain? I felt I was going over the line teasing myself with cottage cheese but it was fine or so I think. It really tasted good but only had a few very small bites. I lost 24 lbs before surgery and am down 12 lbs from surgery date so a total of 36 lbs since May. I am feeling pretty good and the surgery went just fine. I guess I am just bored with the food. Any info would be great.    — Darlene G. (posted on October 16, 2003)

October 16, 2003
i wouldn't want you to go against your doc's orders, BUT I was eating applesauce, mashed potatoes, town house crackers, scrambled eggs with cheese on the day I came home from the hospital and I did fine... every doc is different I guess! gail -90 lap rny 6 mos.
   — Bama Beach Girl

October 16, 2003
Doctor's generally have a reason as to how they want your diet to progress. No one knows what he saw during the operation but himself. It would be more senseable to listen to your doctor than look for folks to agree that you should ignore your doctor's orders.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 16, 2003
I know this is a controversial answer, however it was recommended by my surgeon. He recommended chewing something and spitting it out if you just HAD to chew something. I know someone that licked the salt off of Doritos just for a little flavor! I chewed a few bites of pizza and spit them out. And, no, to those that are wondering I did not develop bulemia. This was a wonderful way to handle head hunger early post-op. Good luck! Shelley
   — Shelley.

October 16, 2003
I agre with the last two posters. Regardless of what other WLS patients' surgeons tell them, you should listen to YOUR doctor. Often people on here, say things they did and I think we might think "if they did it and were fine..." but the poster who mentioned something about what your surgeon saw inside is right. Perhaps your inner stitching where the intestine connects to your pouch is very tender, who knows. Just stick with the liquids for as long as he says. I had to be on liquids for 2 weeks and thought I'd never make it to phase II but I did. I also chewed some things and spit out (like pineapple). If you go that route, don't chew something really bad for you...make a good food choice. Just because you are spitting out does not give license to eat poorly. Many calories/fats/carbs in the juices you will swallow. You are in the beginning phase of a new life and this early training will build the willpower you need for a lifetime of being healthy. WLS is the only diet I have never cheated on. good luck to you getting over this head-hunger.
   — Donya P.

October 16, 2003
I'll ditto the other posters. There are as many aftercare plans as there are doctors doing this surgery and it's important to follow YOUR doctor's guidelines. After all, he's the one who knows what your insides look like. My surgeon tailors his eating plan for each individual, so while he may have one person on liquids for two weeks or so, another might be eating soft foods 5 days post-op. You did trust this person to rearrange your insides; trust him to guide you through the after care. I know it's boring, but the time will fly and before long you'll be eating normal foods.
   — Patty_Butler