Just out of hospital. Post-op diet.

[chelseamarie]

I had my surgery on the 21st and was released from the hospital today. Everything went great! But I am having a lot of difficulty with drinking, every time I take a sip, I can feel it going down and it causes a sharp pain. My stomach starts to gurgle along with the pains like I am very hungry. I have been on a liquid diet for almost 3 weeks now and have another week to go before being able to eat pureed foods. I am having A LOT of difficulty with not eating. I feel like I need something solid instead of just liquids. What would happen if I did eat a bowl of soup or a banana? I am supposed to be on a clear liquid diet. But all that consists of is water, broth, sugar free jello & popsicles. I am going insane with not having any food for a month. But I am too nervous to even take a bite of something. Did everyone have a clear liquid diet after surgery? I was thinking about possibly making a protein shake with fresh fruits to ease my cravings. Also, how did you stomach feel after surgery? Did you have trouble with pain while drinking or eating?

Thanks!

[Teddy65]

I am 3 weeks post op and for the last few days I have been having shakes with fruit. I have also tried yoghurt and mince and well cooked carrots in gravy. I was not able to eat much but it was lovely to be able to chew.

[healthier86]

Congratulations on getting sleeved! I was on clear liquid 0-3 days and full liquids 4-14 days. You are healing you, although it is difficult please following your surgeon's directions. I only had stomach pain near my incisions. However, I had severe gas pain. It all should go away as each day goes by. I hope you have a speedy recovery.

[lgutenberg]

If it hurts to swallow water, do not eat a banana!! Be patient, the pain will disappear. Make sure you are taking small sips and space them out. It is very important to get in as much clear fluid as possible to prevent dehydration. I used 1 oz medicine cups and drank one every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day. When can you start on protein shakes?? Protein will help with healing. It would be odd to go from clear fluids to puree. You should have a time where you are on full liquids which will include sugar free pudding, and protein shakes. Don't try the banana until at least on the puree stage and them you will have to mash it up first. I definitely felt each sip go down the first few days, but by day 5, I could swallow fluid without it hurting. Try room temperature liquid, and try adding flavoring to your water. For some reason it seems to go down better flavoured.

[DebCos]

I'm almost two weeks post op,and still on liquids. Be patient, you've had major surgery that removed 85% of a major organ. I had the "pain"you're talking about, and it will pass. Day three post op was fought for me, but after that I started feeling better each day. Please, do not eat...your stomach can't handle it. If you feel you have to chew, chew something and spit it out. Good luck, you can do this.

[chelseamarie]

Yeah, I thought it was odd they have me on clear liquids until next wednesday and then said if everything is going good then I will be able to start pureed foods on Thanksgiving. But I have already been on clear liquids for 2 weeks and I feel like I am getting no protein. I take flinestones vitamins but that does not seem like enough. I would kill to have a protein shake right now, but the only things included in my liquid diet is water, sugar free-jello, sugar-free popsicles and broth. I am trying to take in 4 oz of water or broth every hour, but I am getting so sick of the same stuff. Is there any other "clear liquids" that I can have? I read some people eat sugar-free sherbert or italian ice. Did anyone eat those? Is there a reason that I can't drink dairy-based products? I feel like that is the only way I will get any protein or calcium.

[megameter]

Try sugar free popsicles. They count as a clear liquid, and the smaller ones are about 3 fluid ounces.

[MADR]

I had surgery the same day as you and am on clear liquids until tomorrow, and then on liquids until I see my doctor again on the 10th.'I was told to get the nectar protein powder for the clear liquid portions of my diet. Vitamin Shoppe has them. Maybe someone can pick a box up for you. I've only had that, 1/4 cup of chicken broth and water. But I really have no desire to eat. Pain has gotten better everyday. Unfortunately it took them 24 to realize the morphine pump wasn't helping me (I also had a hiatal hernia repaired and have some swelling in my esophagus). I hope you feel better!

[SuddenlySlimmerSusan]

Hi - I had my surgery on Wednesday and I can relate.

I don't have much to add to the clear liquid discussion - my doctor only required the clear liquids for the 2 days I was in the hospital. As soon as I was discharged home I was allowed "full liquids" which includes yogurt, cream of wheat cereal, etc. I can't say there is a lot of chewing going on - although I do have chewable multivitamins, and chewable Iron and Calcium tablets - so at least I get to chew those.

I can relate to the pain you are talking about. I was told that the sleeve surgery produces a lot of stomach gas - even more than the bi-pass. So when I swallow anything, it displaces gas in my stomach that comes bubbling up. The gas bubble can be a bit painful. The best thing I have found is to get up and walk as soon as meal is over - and often during the day. Walking moves the gas around and helps the burps come up.

[chelseamarie]

Yeah I think it is definitely the gas pains. I am so jealous that you got to go on a full liquid diet! This clear liquid stuff sucks. I was on it 2 weeks pre-op and while I was in the hospital. I am going to call my doc tomorrow to see if I can do full liquid instead. At least to insure I am getting enough protein and calcium because the only vitamins they told me to take were flinestones vitamins and I can't imagine that has enough of what I need.

[sunnygirl_28734]

It is so important that you follow your surgeon's instruction re: the clear liquids. I would call him though and ask about the protein shakes- I was told to continue them along with the clear. If you give in to your cravings for a banana or soup..or anything outside the clear liquids, you will have more pain. You are only a couple days post op, and your new little tummy is healing. Please don't risk setting yourself back by eating before you are supposed to. I promise, it does get easier! Best wishes and good luck....you can and WILL do this!

[Flipflops]

I just had my pre-op appmt on Thurs. Dr. told me DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT THEY SAY. It could cause problems with the healing. He also told me no more Jello! PLEASE, stay with what the Dr. said. I'll be praying for you...

I am 3 weeks post op and for the last few days I have been having shakes with fruit. I have also tried yoghurt and mince and well cooked carrots in gravy. I was not able to eat much but it was lovely to be able to chew.

[DebCos]

See, my liquids includes protein shakes. Call your doc to clarify this, please?

[Healthynewme]

I had my sleeve done on 11/12- and was on the same post op- only broth, water and sugar free jello - a friend suggested I drink the jello while still warm and that helped - but understand- -the warm broth did feel good on the tummy- hang in there - do as they say- it's a major surgery- and we are all here to support you... the pain is worth the goal....