Question:
I can't seem to put together a reasonable day of eating

I had surgery 6/17/02, and can't seem to get it all together. I don't like any of the protein drinks, i'm drinking fruit 2-O, trying soupy cereals. What should my day look like ..EXACTLY? Forget the milk, yogurt...HELP please!    — Elizabeth P. (posted on June 23, 2002)

June 22, 2002
Less than 1 week-- Clear liquids. These first 6-8 weeks are not much fun. You need to let your stomach heal. Call DR and ask him what you should eat exactly. DR or your dietian can provide with guidelines or exact meals. Good Luck
   — Robert L.

June 23, 2002
Elizabeth, have you tried clear broth? How about some sugar-free Popsicles? How about sugar-free Jell-O? How about baby food, thinned down some with bouillion and jazzed up with some seasonings? The first weeks I had trouble with protein drinks, too, and I'm also dairy-sensitive. Have you tried soy milk? They also have a soy yogurt which isn't too bad. Also, there are soy-based protein drinks which aren't too bad. If they are too thick, just add some water. Are you drinking plain water, too? Good luck - Margie B
   — Marjorie B.

June 23, 2002
I agree with both posts. I lived on diluted chicken broth (mostly homemade); sugar free popsicles; sugar free jello; and warm water; carnation instant breakfast (no sugar added) diluted with soy milk and a tiny bit of protein powder, but that I did not tolerate too well until a couple of weeks later...so, I did not concern myself with the protein, just healing the tummy/pouch. Crystal light diluted tasted pretty good. Whatever YOU can tolerate fairly easily. Small sips. Space out your time, take your time. Don't hurry on anything you eat or drink :-)
   — Barbara B.

June 23, 2002
WHICH protein drinks have you tried in so few days? How did you make them up? There are HUNDREDS on the market, from gross to scrumptious. We did clear liquids for 4 weeks, s/f popsicles & drinks, broth, V-8 (I dunno, but it's always considered clear), s/f jello. The protein drinks are the thing that made that period bearable to me.
   — vitalady

June 23, 2002
What did your doctor say you SHOULD be eating? I'm 18 days postop and still can only get a few bites/spoonfuls in at a time before I need to walk about a bit...then I can return to the table. I had the duodenalswitch, so now I can eat anything I can tolerate, but when I was on liquids I had popsicles, juices, broths. I was told to do sips only for the first few days. Good luck!
   — Pamela B.