mandi78

I am one week out yesterday and I am wondering if it is too soon for tomato soup or tomato broth? I have read that the acid in tomato products is not good for healing. Is this true?

Did any of you eat rice or pasta on mushies? If so, did you blend it up or just chew it up really well?

Does anyone have any tips for reducing the belly swelling post-op? It's driving me crazy! My pants are tighter than before! How long will it take to go down?

I KNOW, I KNOW......HERE TOO!!!!

Anyone else? Mine doesn't seem to be closing or scabbing.

Is nonfat, no sugar added ice cream or frozen yogurt considered full liquids?

I have been back to work for 2 days now and my co-workers are killing me. Not only do they sit and eat ALL DAY LONG...chips, dip, pizza, snacks, etc, etc. but they can't be satisfied with just eating, they have to talk about it ALL DAY LONG too. Even the old me, although I did overeat, I did not sit and talk about food all the time. And I certainly think I would have more consideration for someone who had just had weight loss surgery and was starving on a liquid diet. Sorry, I just had to vent. :angry

I was told no straws when I was discharged from the surgery center. They did not specify if that was forever or not but the air thing makes sense. I doubt I will be trying it.....at least not any time soon.

I have found that adding some fat to my liquids (soups and Protein shakes) makes them more filling and satisfying. Some things to try are 2% milk, sour cream, light margarine or light butter or campbells cheddar cheese Soup mixed in with your other soup (its not so good by itself). It doesn't take alot. It has also increased my weight loss since I have added in a little extra fat calories. My body doesn't think its starving as much any more. Note: These are if you are on full liquids....they are not allowed on Clear Liquids.

1. How soon did you start taking the chewable Vitamins? I'm one week out, do you think it's ok to start? My instruction sheet says to take them but does not say if I can start right away. 2. How long did it take your large incision to scab over or close up? How were you told to care for your incision? 3. How soon did you get to start mushies?

4leafclover-Really? What time is your appointment? I haven't actually made mine with the aftercare center yet but that is the day of my appt w/ Dr B so I'm hoping to get my fill appt. that day too. I need to get in gear and call to make the appt. I hope to get mine early morning so I can get back to work. We will be doing Halloween preparations that day. Halloween is always a huge competition at my work. Did they tell you that you could start mushies on day 10? That's what they told us even though the sheet says 2 weeks. I'm starting mine this weekend!!! Has your largest incision scabbed over yet?

I know I probably won't ever be able to guzzle a big glass of water ever again but will I have to sip for the rest of my life?

I am 6 days post op and my large incision (I'm assuming my port incision) still hasn't scabbed over and doesn't look like it has any intention of doing so any time soon. I emailed my doc some pics and he said it looks fine and will scab over once it stops oozing but I'm just wondering when this will be. Before the steri strips fall off I hope? How long did it take your incision to scab over or has it yet?

Cheddar Potato Soup (full liquids) 1/2 carton of Imagine Potato Leek Soup (its smooth and pretty thin...no chunks) 1/3 can Campbell's Cheddar cheese Soup 1/2 cup skim milk onion powder to taste Mix together, heat, serve, enjoy....it's very tasty.

Maybe you could take Emetrol. It's over the counter. It has always helped me in the past with nausea. I would ask the dr first though.

4leafclover-I have been very lucky and have not had much nausea at all. And, I burp all the time. After every time I eat and drink and I burp a lot. It relieves the pressure and they just come out by themselves....I don't force them. I do have to get up and walk around to get them to come up though. Today was the first day I have felt pretty good and most of my pain is gone. My incision is oozing yellow Fluid and is not scabbing over but I emailed some pictures of it to Dr B today and he said it looks fine. I don't really have any suggestions for you other than to walk. Have you been walking? That helps me be able to burp when I need to. And, it's just helped me to feel better overall in general. Good luck and if you don't feel better in a few days, call the office and maybe they can give you some suggestions.

Well, an update on mine. My surgeon told my mom and DH after my surgery that my liver was still pretty enlarged. He said if I had not stuck to my pre-op diet and lost the 12 pounds I lost, he would not have been able to do the surgery. And, my surgeon is very skilled and experienced so if it was difficult for him, it probably would be for anyone. SO STICK TO THOSE PRE-OP DIETS....EVEN IF THEY JUST HELP A LITTLE!!!

I read somewhere (not from my dr) that the portion sizes of 4-6 oz given for the post op diet are to help create the pouch. Is this true? If I am still on full liquids, do I need to just have the 4-6 ounces and then not have anything else except maybe Water for a few hours? The reason I ask is that the 4-6 ounces does not fill me up. So, like would it be okay to have some broth and then if I'm still hungry have a Protein shake or baby food fruit (I'm allowed this on full liquids) or do I need to wait a few hours in between? Is this what they are referring to when they say bandster hell?

The surgeon looked at the pictures and said it looks fine so I'm relieved. Note to self: Don't watch Rachael Ray during bandster hell.

I called and the nurse said it was normal but she didn't even ask the dr about it. I emailed her some pictures of it this evening requesting she show them to the dr (because the dr is 1 1/2 hours away) and to please ask him if it looks ok or if I need to come in. We'll see what she says.

You're right....healing time is not the time to "try it". :-)

Experts and Band Veterans...I have a question. I was banded on Thursday (9/27) and I am on full liquids. However, some of the things I'm allowed, I wouldn't really consider a liquid. I'm allowed pudding, yogurt and baby food fruit and applesauce. I'm not allowed creamy or blended Soups until the mushies phase. Seems to me they are the same consistency but whatever. My question is this. Do you think it would be ok to have egg drop Soup in this phase? Or would the egg cause my stomach to start the digestion process that is undesirable so soon after surgery? Thanks

I had my surgery on Thursday (9/27) and while I'm glad I did it and I think it is the best thing I've ever done, I'm starting to feel sad and lonely. I'm sure part of this is the fact that I haven't left the house since I got home from surgery. Don't worry, I'm going back to work tomorrow. My life has revolved around food for so long. My social life always included food. When I go out with friends or to lunch with friends or family, it involves food....when DH and I have a date, it's to go eat or go to the movies and I always have to have popcorn. How do I get past this? I know once I heal, we will be able to do more active outdoor type things which such as camping, hiking with our dogs, etc which I am really looking forward to. In the meantime, however, I feel like an invalid who can't eat and I'm bored and lonely and nobody really understands unless they have been through this. I always eat when I'm bored and lonely....ALWAYS. I feel like I don't have anybody to talk to about it because nobody I know personally understands what its like for food to be your best friend and then to basically lose it. I knew this would probably happen but I guess I wasn't as prepared as I thought I would be. Any suggestions?

Hi Dave, did yours have to be drained or anything or did it just stop on its own?

Is it normal for my incision to be oozing? It's the port incision. Its kind of a yellow liquid, its not like pus, it's almost the color and consistency of melted butter. Its a very small amount. I have no other signs of infection....no fever, no chills, no redness around the area, the area is not warm to the touch and there is no odor. I will call my surgeon in the morning but I was just wondering if this is normal in the meantime. Thanks.