Sunshine

Thanks so much!!!

Well...let's put it this way. I technically should be on my full liquid diet. Then, mushy foods for a week. But...talking with them, they made me understand that if I did this, I would have to pick and choose my foods VERY carefully (soft, etc.). Which, I did (fish and soup). I chewed them up BIGTIME. I think they were just very pleased with my health so far and the outcome of my surgery and the way I'm handling things. I think they sort of made an 'exception' for me. The nurse said I probably needed to puree my food for the mushy food week, but that if I didn't.....it certainly wouldn't kill me. Basically.....it's all about good choices that I will be making. I know not to eat Doritos and things like that. he he he. It'll be very soft foods for a long time (and that's my choice).

Laylasmojo... Thanks. It has been the most painful thing....by far....from the entire surgery experience. Good Luck on your surgery.

I'm not exactly what it is...but it feels like either a knife stab or someone ringing out a wet rag in your stomach. Quite painful. But...my Dr said I had a severe case of it...so, I think the pain level would be different for each person individually. I feel after I swallow food.

Saw my Dr today for routine visit. I've had the spasms since the surgery on the 19th...so about 11 days worth. He says they will go away in time and not to be scared. He said that I had a severe case of the spasms.....sort of rare, but to just stay calm. They WILL go away. Thanks everyone.

Today I saw my Dr for the first time after surgery. My surgery was on the 19th. As of today, I've lost 12 pounds. I didn't have a pre-op diet plan, so I'm sure most of that is Water. He stated that he'd like to see me lose 30 more pounds at the 6 week mark. He said that I needed to start doing my exercising now. That this week is the foundation of what I'll do the rest of my life. To put up an exercise/food chart on the fridge for accountability. He said to always eat 3 meals a day and ABSOLUTELY NO snacking in between (which I never, ever did to begin with....my vice was the midnight PBJ). I asked about the Esophageal Spasms and he said they would go away in time and not to be scared. To keep taking the medicine for as long as I needed to. I can now eat 'normal' food, but I need to chew it up good and eat slow. Had 5 bites of a fish sandwich today and 6 bites of Soup broth and thought I was going to be sick. I think I ate too fast. But, I'm learning my body and it's limits and things like that. He is more concerned about me staying hydrated vs getting in my Protein. It was a GREAT appointment. He was extremely proud of me and stated I was a very positive person. 12 pounds in 11 days isn't bad. Oh yeah...his nurse told me that many patients always feel as though they will be the ONLY patient in the world that doesn't lose weight with this surgery. And she says it's normal. It was part of the eating/dieting that has my mind confused. She says I will lose tons of weight. I just want to lose it all NOW!...he he

Thanks Kathy. For some reason, I just have this fear that EVEN THIS won't work. Not sure why. Like I said, I haven't weighed yet since after surgery on the 19th,....I do that tomorrow at the Dr's. But I am soooo scared that I will be that ONE person who only loses 50 pounds or something like that. WHYYYY do I feel that way?

How awesome for you!!!!!!! ......but why do I feel as though I'm the only one that the surgery isn't going to work for? lol....I must have a distorted mind. And, I haven't weighed since my surgery, so I have no idea how much I've lost.

Well, I don't think everyone has them. But I sure do. Through the surgery, and the pain of it all......the spasms are the worst of it ALL. I hate them. They make it very difficult for me to stay on top of drinking and doing the Protein thing, because most of the time when I swallow....it spasms and hurts. I just want to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel!!!

Does the Dr. take blood on the first post op visit to see if you've gotten all your protein in? ...because, GASP...I haven't been able to get it all in yet.

10 days post-op...WHEN will these Esophageal Spasms stop?????? :thumbdown:

lol Well, some of them are gritty, ...and I don't like that. But....I don't like milkshakes, chocolate milk, ....those things anyhow. So, it's been hard for me to get my Protein down. But - it's GREAT that you like it. Good for you!!!!!!

Globetrotter....I'm glad I'm not alone in this thinking. My husband thinks it's silly....but he's not the one who had the 20 year struggle with weight.

Mary...you literally took the words out of my mouth. I told my husband tonight (as I ate my Protein infused Jello for dinner while they had a nice hot meal) that I thought 'I' would be the 'ONLY" one who doesn't lose weight from this surgery. I haven't 'cheated' badly. Just a nibble here and there. Nothing substantial AT ALL. But...even a taste of something not allowed makes me feel as though I have cheated. pudding is on my Full Liquid list of foods I can eat (and BOY OH BOY is it good). We went to a chinese restaurant today for lunch and I had 'Egg Drop Soup'..which is also allowed on my Full liquid diet. YUUUUUM It's just that if I eat ANYTHING.....I think, "Boy, if I continue to eat, I'm never going to lose weight". But, I'm glad you have had the same thoughts (that sounds bad....but you know what I mean). I'm not the only one who has thought that. Thanks Donna!!!!....I'm lovin' the pudding!

I see your surgery has already come and gone....but I'll comment for others who are interested who haven't had the surgery yet. I started my period the day of surgery. It was no issue. Just a little embarrassing. But, we're all women.

So, I'm on my last day of the liquid diet. And I started early and went ahead and had a SF pudding (yum). But, as soon as I ate it (which only took 3 minutes...is that normal?), I felt guilty. I felt like...."Oh my gosh, if I eat food instead of just drinking broth, etc.....I'm not going to lose weight". Is this a normal fear?...or the beginning of a small eating disorder. Please don't laugh, I know it's a silly question.

I'd like to see if I can get some Smoothie recipes for protein. I can't stand the pre-mixed. Thanks so much in advance!

Whey Gourmet? I may try it if you're saying that it's THE BEST. I have no idea why I am having trouble doing the protein drink thing. But, I may try that. I am going to Walmart tomorrow. Thanks soooo much.

Soooo, I had surgery Monday (6 days ago). Had it a little rough. Esophageal Spasms, my abd has been hurting due to the incisions, slow-going,...etc, etc. I've been sticking to the diet (only cheated 1 time - had a bite of mashed potatoes and mac/cheese ---- both went down fine). My husband works 24-48 hour shifts. He came home this morning and said, "OH MY GOD honey, you look skinnier BIGTIME". Then, my son commented on how I looked skinnier. Which FINALLY gives me some 'hope'. I was getting upset because I felt so bad. I had the "What have I done" feelings, and it just felt like I was going to stay fat forever. My family made me soooo happy. NOW,....my journey can begin. I am finally smiling. All I needed was a little 'something'. Know what I mean?

Wow. I am sorry to hear that you are having to deal with this. All I can tell you is that I will pray for you....

NURSE --- so far, I've tried all sorts of protein things. But not the powder shakes. I think because it's gritty. Is there a way that you can add ice cream to it?

Thanks so much. So far, I have bought: - Tomato Soup - pudding - egg drop soup mix - sugar free Jello and sugar free popsicles (doing that now for clear fluid) - hot chocolate (diet) - cream of potato soup :cursing:

I have read everyone's post with eagerness! My surgery was Monday (it's Saturday today). And I have NO IDEA why I feel as though I should actually SEE and FEEL different....even if it's just a little progress. I've hardly had anything. Just broth, etc. I feel like a failure already. Crazy....I know. While I was in the hospital, I got quite dehydrated. So...I ended up receiving 8 bags of Fluid. Perhaps that caused me to gain some weight. Not sure. I know my thoughts don't compare to the people on here who have been doing this for months....but, to be honest....it IS a depressing feeling as though I haven't lost anything.

Hello! I had my surgery Monday, ...and soon I will be on the Full liquid Diet. I know that I can have: - Cream Soups (I'll be eating a lot of Tomato soup!) - Hot cocoa - I will still be able to eat the broths from the liquid diet What are some other things that I can have on the Full Liquid Diet? (P.S....I don't like Cream of Wheat)

I have had the spasms since the day of surgery (Monday). They are called Esophageal Spasms. It's the bottom part of your espophagus that is having spasms. I have them all the time. The Dr. gave me a medicine called Levisil (spelling?)...which is a muscle relaxer and it helps TREMENDOUSLY. The spasm (from all my researching and talking to people) will only last a maximum of a few weeks. Yes, they are painful....but take that medicine religiously, and it works!! I am 4 days post op and I have had them all day today. They hurt like heck...but knowing that they'll go away soon is what's helping me. Good Luck hon....and ask for that medicine. You put it under your tongue and it dissolves. It's been a lifesaver for me!