Mews

I'm all for everything in moderation. I find that with myself if I totally ban all sweets or treats then I just crave them like mad and then binge on them. If I have one bite of something sweet then it holds back that craving for quite a bit of time. I know that not everybody will agree with me on this one but I know how my mind and body work and I am losing weight. During the first few weeks I completely banned carbs and boy did I turn into Cranky Kitty. My husband was very thankful when my NUT told me to get some carbs in. As for other foods, just make sure to measure them out in appropriate proportions (e.g. 1/2 cup) so that way you don't overeat.

I didn't really have any caffeine restrictions either pre- or post-op. My NUT wants me to limit my intake to two caffeinated beverages a day. I was a serious coffee drinker prior to the surgery but I have temporarily given it up for the time being (I'm not really into the whole banning things for life with regards to things I can have). I still enjoy a good cup of tea though and I do my English Breakfast Tea quite a bit without any problems.

Are they giving you Lovenox injections to do? They aren't too bad. The diabetes finger pricks hurt like a b****h if you ask me. The Lovenox shots have to be given in the fat in the stomach which seems uncomfortable but you get used to it. Did he say why you couldn't travel? As you're going to be on blood thinners then you don't really have to worry about clots. My biggest concern for you is whether or not you'll have the energy for the trips. For me, I could barely function during my first month post-op. If you could get the surgery moved up it might be for the better.

I will say that everybody is different. I am having a rough recovery due to some complications. I did stick to my diet and did everything my doc told me. I will admit that I had no real pain regarding the surgery and the only time I've ever been nauseous was either due to overeating (my eyes are still much larger than my stomach) or when I tried a new food. If it wasn't for the complications my recovery would've been pretty unremarkable.

Remember liquid in, liquid out. For me it was about five days as well.

I was told to get in 60g a day minimum.

I know how you feel as I was on liquids for a month. SF popcicles and fudgcicles really got me through it all.

I'm doing the sublingual pill once a day. I just put it in my pill case along with all the others. It really isn't so bad.

I didn't have a pre-op diet. My doc has performed hundreds of VSGs and got his MD at Columbia medical school. When I asked him about the liver issue he laughed and said he can work with any sized liver. Mind you I had a BMI of 51. What I'm trying to say is do your research. Find a doctor that you feel has the right education and experience to make you confident in him/her. They're all going to have their own styles and requirements based on those factors. Some want pre-op diets because that's what they were taught or learned in the beginning. Others are going to have different opinions. If you feel confident in your surgeon just follow the plan and you should be OK. P.S. Be careful as sometimes quantity does not always equate to quality.

As I'm only six weeks out I haven't tried many grains. I was told to avoid things like pasta, rice, and untoasted bread. I've been able to eat a slice of toasted wheat bread but that's really the only thing I've attempted so far. My NUT warned me that rice maybe hard to digest so I'm waiting until I'm about eight weeks out to try it.

Besides what others mentioned above, I think the things that really helped me out were smaller containers and silverware. I bought a bunch of toddler sized bowls and silverware to help keep my portion and servings under control. I also bought a bunch of small Tupperware like containers to put my work meals into. And SF popsicles and fudgecicles. God I love those. They have been a real lifesaver in this.

The only grains I've managed to consume is wheat bread and at six weeks out I don't have much of a problem with it as long as it's toasted. I've been trying to get my carbs through fruits and veggies instead.

I couldn't eat it until I got to the mushies phase.

Remember liquid in, liquid out. It's not going to be "normal" until you get to the mushie stage.

I eat 4oz meals (1/2 cup) and I get them finished within a half an hour usually. You'll be fine.

My doc just gave me clearance to swim and I'm at six weeks. Check with your doc and see what he/she says.

It could actually be not enough carbs. I felt very dizzy and foggy for a couple of weeks after surgery and my doc suggested I try to get in more carbs. Don't get me wrong. Fluids and Protein are important but if you're getting it all in you may need the extra boost to your blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor though as you may even have low blood pressure. Better to be safe.

For me it's three 4oz meals and two 2oz snacks. However because I work such long days I usually need to add in a third snack to get through the day.

Oh and there is a New Jersey group on these forums. As for specific support groups, the only one I know of is in Hackensack. Who is doing your surgery?

There have been studies upon studies that show the effects stress has on one's body. I know that pre-op I would gain weight during very stressful periods. It wouldn't surprise me if this is what's causing your stalls.

I can eat pretty much whatever I want but only in smaller amounts. There is a big focus on protein but each surgeon/NUT has different requirements. Mine allows me some carbs as long as I get my protein in. Just don't expect to eat everything right away. I'm six weeks out and I was just given clearance for everything other than salad.

I would recommend three to four weeks off as well. What's the worst that can happen? You feel better and go back to work early. I only took ten days and regretted it as I've had a rough recovery. I ended up taking additional sick days here and there because I was so weak. As for complications, I developed a blood clot in my leg. I do have a predisposition for them but I was surprised that it happened. Luckily I caught it in time. Just make sure you remain somewhat active in the weeks following surgery but if you get a weird leg pain (calve and hamstring area) call your doctor ASAP.

I only took 10 days but I should've taken 3-4 weeks off. I've had a rough recovery.