A Few Questions

[kadiev]

I had my surgery on 6/18 so I am 6 days post op. Initially every smell made me sick, food, BO, perfume, anything. Now, food is looking real good to me. Everytime I think about it, I ask myself, "Is my stomach saying it's hungry?" The answer has for the most part been no. But gradually there has been a little tinge of yeah, I'm definitely hungry. According to my Doc's diet, I'm to stay on clear liquids until Wednesday. Last night I had two sips of protein shake to take the edge off. It went down well and no problems with digestion. I'm back to water today as I can't drink anything else without causing major acid reflux.

My question is, I've seen so many varying diets, is it okay to start with protein shakes if they are tolerable? I keep telling myself that I need to make sure my stomach heals and that is the number one goal right now. I think I can manage until Wednesday on water though.

By the way, I'm down at least 7 lbs. (varying weight from home/surgeon.)

Kadie

[Christie13]

So I never had to be on clear liquids only. I was on full liquids right out the gate. I had 2 weeks of full liquids, 2 weeks of soft or pureed foods, and then off to solids. And I can tell you that every surgeon has different post op instructions. We all make it out just fine. That being said, I think you are fine to have protein shakes. It is not like you are super high in weight either. So I say go for it. I also moved on to my soft foods a few days early as I was so sick of liquids. I did just fine, no issues, and lost all my excess weight.

[kadiev]

Thank you! I'll try to keep it up but I will definitely keep that in mind.

[The North Sleeve]

You want to drink or take in at least 50-60 grams of protein per day for a female, I believe it's 60-70 for males or a little higher?? I am no doctor so just trying to give good advice. Protein shakes will not harm you in any way just drink them slow as the new sleeve needs to adjust for the first few days. Congrats on the surgery and soon you will realize that it was the best decision you ever made. Good luck on your journey!!

[Stacey03]

I was on protein shakes from day 3 when I went home :-)

[sraebaer]

My first two weeks after surgery I was on protein drinks. In fact I had one in the hospital. Started soft foods at week 3. It's odd how all doctors have different rules. But I think my protein drinks are the reason I was feeling pretty normal by week two, and felt fine going back to work 2 weeks after surgery.

[Tuesday2]

As others have said, every doctor's postop advice is different, so there's no real correct answer. If you can tolerate it, you're fine. start small and slow.

[Happyme2]

My surgery was two days after you. I'm on full liquids and it has not been too easy for me. My husband made himself some toast this morning and It looked so good. My stomach feels sore so I really don't think I could eat it. The warm soup seems to help me. I set my stuff out on a tv tray, Protein drink, warm soup, water. I fill my little 1 oz cups full of all of them. It looks like a Grand Buffet. Ha Ha Not Really. It really does look like I'm having Tea Time with my Granddaughter... She would love it. Last nite I got up to go to the bathroom, My doggie tasted it all and looked really happy.

I'm using the Bariatric Advantage Shakes and they taste pretty good. Best of Luck, We all walk this walk together if we let each other.

[kadiev]

It will get better day to day. I'm back to work today! I don't really want to be mentally and admittedly I feel a little fuzzy and easily distracted but physically I'm fine.

I started sipping on a protein shake this morning and it's going well. Hopefully it will help my brain wake up too! Thank you everyone for your advice!

[kadiev]

Okay guys, I'm really actually hungry now. I'm craving something with flavor that will satisfy the hunger. It's not the same hunger as it used to be but protein shakes just aren't cutting it anymore. Day 11, think I could have some scrambled eggs and salsa?

[Stacey03]

Okay guys, I'm really actually hungry now. I'm craving something with flavor that will satisfy the hunger. It's not the same hunger as it used to be but protein shakes just aren't cutting it anymore. Day 11, think I could have some scrambled eggs and salsa?

Nope, not if the doc hasn't said you can. When do you go onto soft foods?

[AnnieG]

NO to the eggs and salsa. You have the rest of your life to eat things, so don't rush and damage your journey of healing and re-learning/learning...

[kadiev]

Thanks guys! I just needed to be talked off the ledge! I'm sticking to my diet. I can start soft foods on Wednesday so I'll try to be patient!

[Dutchie]

It's odd how all doctors have different rules.

Can you believe there are hospitals in Europe, where you are not allowed to go home until you had a meal?
Like a real meal?
Dense food?

[kadiev]

Wow, I definitely couldn't have done that!