Quest4TheNewMe

I only took a week. Other than being tired, it felt good to be back.

If you had one, how long did you wear your stomach binder? It feels like a security blanket and I like having it on but I'm afraid I'll have a hard time hiding it at work. The end of last week, I just wore a fleece coat all day (I'm super cold anyway, so it worked out), but u can't wear my coat EVERY day...

It's been around for a few years.

Maybe it's only been "mainstream" for like a year? I learned something new today!

@@Quest4TheNewMe Thank you! I mean, who knew there was such a thing? Not me -- thanks again

I think it's pretty new, like within the last year. If my 3 yr old wasn't addicted to Peanut Butter, which puts me in that aisle frequently, I probably wouldn't have seen it either.

Ok, don't laugh, newbie question -- what's PB2?

It's powdered Peanut Butter. Less fat that regular peanut butter. Works great for mixing into Protein Shakes.

Thanks everyone! I bought the Jay Robb yesterday and it seems to be pretty decent so far. I'm definitely going to need a little variety though. I also can't believe how long it takes me to drink a 12 oz shake. It should have been obvious based on my Water intake, I guess. LOL!!

Anyway, thanks for all the input!

In a case like this, it NEVER hurts to call your doc. It could be nothing, but better safe than sorry.

I'm down 52 lbs since July 9th (though only about a week and a half post-op) and no one has said a thing. That 52 lbs is almost 20% of my original body weight. But heading into winter, I'm also bundled up a lot. I'm definitely noticing it in my face though.

I went back to work on day #8 (last Thursday) and it felt good but I was exhausted when I got home. I've pretty much needed a nap every day since surgery. I hope that now that I'm on puréed food, my energy will pick up a bit.

I have to figure out a way to prep without my 14yr old and my husband eating all my stuff. I'm thinking hiding my meals in the vegetable cubbies in the fridge may work...they never look there. Lol

I specifically told my husband that anything on the top shelf is mine and he would like something he needs to ask first. My kids aren't old enough for them to be a problem yet.

I don't have any history of blood clot issues, but I was given a shot of lovenox right before surgery and then once per day for the next two days that I was in the hospital.

My first non-clear liquid was refried Beans (yesterday) and those were THE best refried beans I have ever had in my life!!!

How can you do that? You can't eat very much in one sitting so you eat til full, wait then drink Water. 3 hours later you are hungry! I don't even know if I could get in enough Protein in 3 meals. I just made a note on my diary today because even though the recommended cal is 800, I worked extra hard at the gym today and I'm hungry. Today's total will be over 1,000. It simply has to be because otherwise I'd be crazy hungry.

I plugged in my food for today, including the Protein Shake I had for Breakfast and I'm at 243 calories for the day... About 130 of that is from the protein shake. Granted, I'm only a little over a week out, so I know that it will be on the extreme low end, but I can imagine in the next week or so, as a move to soft foods, that will increase a bit.

that is insane. There is NO WAY I could have gotten even close to my Protein requirements without shakes. Even at 11 months out I have one everyday. And there's no way I could make it on only 3 meals/day. Personally, I didn't start pureed until almost 3 weeks out, and even at that point I was stuffed with 2 tablespoons. But I ate 2 tablespoons of whatever many times/day (plus Protein shakes).

I'm not one to tell anyone to go against their doctor's orders, but your nut is not very realistic. Her "rules" seem to be getting in the way of your proper nutrition. I'd say do whatever it takes to get in at least 60g protein, 64oz Water and your Vitamins. You cannot possibly overeat at this stage.

And I'm not asking anyone to give me permission to go against her orders. I'm just looking to compare and find out that if I feel that I need to something outside of that she recommends that it isn't completely insane by other people's standards.

I will be doing one Protein shake in the mornings, we'll see how the rest of the day goes after that.

I also understand that long term, three meals makes sense, but at this point the volume is so small. Thankfully I don't feel any hunger. I'm just weak and tired (at least partially due to lack of nutrition).

It's on theworldaccordingtoeggface blog. This is a screenshot from there.

Yeah, I guess I wasn't distinguishing between a meal and a snack either. I was told three meals, no Snacks, and no Protein Shakes. Strictly three meals, that's it.

My plan calls for 3 meals per day, no Snacks other than Protein Shakes. At the puree stage (weeks 4 - 8), meals were 3 tablespoons max and at the soft food stage (months 3 - 6), 3 ounces max.

Wow, that's really extended progression. I will be on normal food at week 4.

For the record, mine technically calls for three and NO Protein Shakes.

I thought I had heard of people eating every 3-4 hours. No biggy on the 3 meals, just curious.

Yes, puréed was a great progression!! I just finally moved from clear liquid to puréed yesterday.

I'm just curious, how many times per day are you supposed to eat while on the puréed/soft food stage.

My NUT said that I should be sticking to 3 meals per day. I'm only a little over a week out and I'm eating between 2 tbsp and 1/4 cup at a time. So, each meal is only like 50 calories, if that...

I'm just curious, how many times per day are you supposed to eat while on the puréed/soft food stage.

My NUT said that I should be sticking to 3 meals per day. I'm only a little over a week out and I'm eating between 2 tbsp and 1/4 cup at a time. So, each meal is only like 50 calories, if that...

I planned on doing the baked ricotta tomorrow but forgot a couple of things at the store. Ugh!!

Look for a Protein shake that has soy isolates in stead of whey. They will be dairy free. Just make sure to read the labels.

@@Quest4TheNewMe - I too am surprised your nutritionist had you on Clear Liquids post op. I can't imagine getting in your Protein in those early days post-op without a Protein Shake. Anyway I prefer getting a vanilla or neutral taste powder. I have a shaker cup and found that the key is to put the milk in first, then the powder and shake that thing like your life depends on it. I also use a nutra bullet because I like to add things like spinach, fruit or nut butters. In addition to GNC you can also check the drug store chains like CVS and Rite Aid.

I'm currently using Orgain organic. They make both a powder and premade drinks. I like to keep a few premade in the fridge in case it's a really busy day when I'll be out running errands.

I asked her about protein intake the first week and she said that it isn't necessary or recommended. All I had for 9 days was Water and broth...

As I move ahead, I look forward to mixing a few other things into my shakes (spinach, etc). For now, my shaker cup and I are just going to have to have a dance party.

Yeah, what's up with that? I'm 11 months out and have had a Protein Shake everyday since the first week. I couldn't get in all my Protein (70-80g) without it

I know, right?? I was really surprised, but she said it goes against their "rule" of all beverages being 10 calories or less... She said to just be aware of the calories in it (FIRST time she has ever mentioned calories as a consideration). She said that as long as I keep it around 150 calories she's okay with it.

@@Quest4TheNewMe Have you tried the ready-made Premier Protein shakes? They are my FAVORITE! Well the chocolate is anyway. I feel like I should be paid some kind of commission because I'm always recommending them but They truly are my fav! If you haven't tried them Maybe you should? They are cheaper if you buy them from SAMS. Just an option. I haven't tried a ton of different kinds, maybe 6-8 but I didn't care for any of them and they usually have less grams of protein..ect

I have not tried them. I'm kind of hoping to find a powder so I can change up the flavors more easily (add PB2, maybe some sf flavorings, etc). I'll definitely keep those in mind though!