Question:
What major harm did I do by eating hamburger meat?

OK. I think I blew it. I'm 11 days post-op (open distal RNY, 5/21/01). I'm on pureed diet now. I've been battling really bad cravings since surgery. I posted earlier today about protein; I'm sorry to be such a pain, posting so much. I had mentioned that I stopped the protein drinks. Anyway, I had such a terrible craving for a hamburger, so I went to the freezer & took out the burger (100% beef), nuked it according to directions, blotted it real well w/ paper towels, and then put it in the blender with alittle vegetable broth. I couldn't get it to a totally smooth consistency, but it was really mush. Then I went & had 2 oz. of that, taking an hour to eat it. I mushed it even more by chewing before I swallowed. I waited for any kind of dumping or reaction but nothing. Now I'm so worried about what's happening on the inside of me. Will I get any obstructions fom this? I have to say, it really quieted those cravings & I'm wondering if the cravings (for meat) are my body's way of telling me that it needs protein; or iron (I haven't started my iron yet [slap on the wrist]). One more question: How long does food hang around in the pouch before moving on into the intestine?    — lalasmommy (posted on June 1, 2001)

June 1, 2001
I really don't see any harm at all. My doctor does not use a pureed diet. I was eating solid foods before I even left the hospital 4 days post-op. I was told however that beef is harder to digest so I don't eat any tough or stringy beef. ground beef however sits well with my pouch. I also can't do fresh veggies or fruits for a couple months. I'm not really sure how long the food stays in the pouch, but they did tell me not to drink for 30 min. so I'm assuming at least this long. Best of luck to you.
   — Lisa B.

June 1, 2001
I'm 17 days post op, and I've eaten ground beef on several occassions, including yesterday, and I am still alive and kicking. My surgeon encourages us to try different foods. I see it this way, so long as you didn't stuff yourself, or feel pain or out of control, then you're fine. Personally, I stop eating the very second I feel the twinge of fullness, even if I have to spit out the bite in my mouth. At this point, I throw whatever is left on my plate right in the trash. There might be people starving in third world countries, but in my case, leftovers and me are not good company. In the very beginning, I ate too much and too fast because I was unsure of my signals, but now I've learned to adjust.
   — Peter S.

June 1, 2001
Honey, you need to relax! Assuming your doctor is allowing pureed foods now, 2 oz. of hamburger is fine. You say you waited to dump and are now worried what is going on inside of you, as if you wanted to dump. Well, hon, you may not ever dump, so you'll have to limit your choices on your own. As far as any obstructions, not likely if you pureed and chewed that hamburger. And yes, it is my experience, when you crave protien, your body needs it. Food stays in the pouch for a couple of hours, depending how digestible it is and how soon after eating you drink your liquids. Since I've lost so much weight, I can actually feel my pouch through my skin. If I feel hungry, I feel my pouch. If it is bumpy (full), it's head hunger. If it's smooth, I eat. Good Luck to you (gotta love the newbies...they are so cute!)
   — Allie B.

August 10, 2001
I JUST RECENTLY HAD RNY ON 08/02/01 AND WHEN THE DIETICIAN CAME IN TO GIVE ME MY POST OP DIET, SHE TOLD ME NO BREAD OR MEAT FOR THREE WEEKS AND NO BEEF FOR SIX WEEKS. SHE DIDN'T REALLY EXPLAIN WHY I HAD TO WAIT AN EXTRA THREE WEEKS TO EAT BEEF (I LOVE IT!), SO I ASKED MY SISTER WHO WAS WITH ME IN MY ROOM WHEN THE DIETICIAN CAME IN. MY SISTER, WHO IS A REGISTERED NURSE, TOLD ME THAT BEEF IS THE HARDEST SUBSTANCE FOR THE BODY TO DIGEST AND THAT IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DIGEST UNTIL AFTER THE SURGERY LINES HAVE HEALED! DIANE HARRIS
   — DIANE H.

August 16, 2001
My doctor says we can have hamburger at 2 weeks post-op. We can have any meat except steak because it is too hard on the stomach. I am 3 weeks post-op and tried some hamburger today for the first time (not pureed either), and I am fine.
   — Amy T.