Neensyb

Hello all. I thought it would be helpful for us to share food diaries to other members for some possible insights and opportunities to try different approaches.

I am day 2 week 2. Currently having:

Bfast: 100ml lactose free milk, 1/2 banana, 1Tbs high Protein low sugar vanilla yoghurt, blended with crushed ice.

Morning tea: Usually takes all morning for me to drink a 50/50 mix of apple juice and Water, no sugar added.

Lunch: 125ml thinly pureed pumpkin Soup. Soup is home made, simply pumpkin and water, 1/2 tsp chicken stock and some garlic powder. All pureed.

Afternoon tea: sugar free iceblock - lemonade

Dinner: Last night I tried 1/2 cup of pureed chicken thick, stock and zucchini. YUCK! I reverted back to pumpkin soup. Ideas here would be appreciated.

Snacks: coffee with small amount of Zymil (lactose free milk), lots of water, sugar free Powerade, Avalanche sugar free latte, sugar free jelly (jelly for the USA peeps here).

I know I'm not getting my calories in, but right now this fills me up. Any ideas to increase? I have bought milk powder to add a tsp in each Breakfast smoothie, and ordered some tasteless Protein Powder online today as well. Once that comes, I'll easily meet my protein requirements and already meet liquids.

Yes, I know everyone is different, but I'm keen to hear what you all are consuming to give me some inspiration!

🙂

This is a very helpful article, thankyou so much.

I am one week post surgery today and feel fantastic. For me the first two days were about total rest, then slow and steady increasing fluids as my body allowed. Everyone is different, listen to your body and you will be fine.

Nervousness is totally understandable.

Let us know how you get on. X

I was very tired for the first 6 weeks; my energy built up again gradually. I also got sick of sweet-tasting things. Protein broth (pre-mixed) or low-sodium broth mixed with unflavored Protein Powder worked beautifully for me. Savory and warm was a welcome change from cold/sweet Protein Drinks. Ricotta/ cottage cheese/ hummus were life savers too.

I couldn't agree more! I had pumpkin Soup tonight and felt like I was in heaven!

Yesterday I went from one extreme to the other. I did too much in the morning and felt terrible at midday. I had to sleep in the afternoon, then got up and had a small Soup. We had a retirement celebration to go to and I had set a timeframe of one hour before I came home. Since I slept and hydrated, and took along a shake in a thermo cold cup, I felt great and came home after 3 hours with energy to have a green tea before bed. My sleep was sound, and this morning I would say I feel about 95%.

Gratefulness is an overwhelming feeling sometimes. [emoji178]

I totally understand what you are saying. I saw an immediate improvement in my skin, with it being more soft, no blemishes, and generally looks 100% better and more healthy. I am day 6 post surgery and I had comments from hubby about it too.

Small wins.

Oh wow, that doesn't sound right. I'd go to the ER as suggested by your doc. I was done 6 days ago and the only pain I get now is if I burp.

I was following a tip I’ve read on other posts of using 1oz cups. Approaching it 1 oz at a time made it more difficult to get in all my liquid. So today I made a shake to finish by lunch and another one to finish this evening. A huge Thank you [mention=391480]Neensyb[/mention]!!!! Today I was able to drink all my liquids and feel much better. The dehydration can contribute to not feeling our best.

Isnt it so much easier that way. Ive done one shake and a 600ml Powerade zero. I am going to try and get down an Optifast Soup and another 500mls Water. That will be it today. I'm far less sore today but am absolutely exhausted. I need to add my Protein to the water I think.

Those are all good tips! Glad you are doing well so soon post op. The shoulder pains were honestly the most difficult thing to deal with for me, however I'm grateful they only lasted badly for 2 days. I'm 5 days post op and doing better. I manage 1.5L Water, 1 Protein Shake and 1/2 bowl thin Soup each day now. My stomach is still very tender and getting comfy in bed is difficult at night. But on the whole I am feeling fine.
Haha I totally get those feelings you mentioned of regret on the first day. We just feel so bad at first there's a whole load of it! I'm not weighing myself until 6 weeks post op so unsure how much is gone so far. 4kgs is great so soon! I feel like a bloated whale still.

Wow good intake! Today I am aiming for 2 shakes and a litre of Water (including mandarin Protein powder).

Go us!!

By the way, bloated whale is the new look you know... I'm feeling ya!

Thank you for the post and responses! I had my surgery on Jan 4th as well. Many moments of what have I done to myself!? So, I too, am glad that I’m not alone. My doctor only allows Tylenol and Gasx. But I’ve been very uncomfortable to uncomfortable but it passes. Walking helps and deep breaths help me. Great tips [mention=391480]Neensyb[/mention] Everyday has been better so thank you for the encouragement [mention=382684]PolkSDA[/mention] ! That reinforces what I keep telling myself.
Trying to drink the required liquids is a full time job!!!!! But I’ve read so much about side effects of dehydration that I know how important it is for all of us. sugar free Popsicles have been amazing for me. Though i haven’t finished an entire popsicle in one sitting yet. It seems to make me feel better and another way to get my liquids.
I feel like I waited and waited for the surgery now I feel like I’m waiting to feel ‘normal’.
I haven’t weighed myself yet because I feel like I am so bloated, but I know scientifically this will work as long as I follow all of my Doctors instructions.

Today has been my first real venture away from the house with hubby. I am now up to one shake a day and about 600ml electrolytes. That was yesterday. It's lunchtime and I have already done a morning shake and will sup on one all afternoon in a chiller thermos. It's high summer here so anything cool is appreciated.

I went to a supplement store today and got a no cal no sugar 25g Protein Powder to add to Water. I was dubious, but it is quite refreshing and a mandarin citris flavour. I have it in 150ml water and taking a tablespoon at a time.

I'm so glad I'm not alone in this!

It went well, but I felt like I had been hit by a bus for a couple of days. Still feels surreal, but I am all good x

Today was a rough day mentally. I now see how much I turned to food when I was upset. Not having it today was new. First time I struggled mentally with cravings. I have an appointment with my counselor tomorrow. I’m trying to identify when I feel this way and writing it down.

Otherwise, I ate too fast today and I felt like a lump at the bottom of my throat. Definitely felt uncomfortable but not sick. Won’t be doing that again. Every day is better. Though I’ve been at a stall for the past 4 days. Sigh. Still so glad I did this surgery. I am looking forward to soft foods next week.

I want to agree with the poster above. The first week for me was super rough. Day 7, I turned a corner and every day gets better.

You know what.....your self awareness is to be applauded. Well done for understanding what you need to work on and what you could improve on (eating slower). I am day 3 post surgery and working through so many different emotions.

Oops a few typos, apologies.

I have no patience lol I think I harassed my insurance company into an approval lol but seriously patience is key and you’ll get a call before you know it!

Patience and research is definitely the key, this is life changing stuff. Get on you tube and find a channel you like and subscribe to it. Read as much as you can about your surgery, but more importantly about what to expect the hours, days and weeks following.

Best of luck x

Wooohooo well done!!!!

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I have had the surgery about 6 hours ago now...feeling weak and in pain...woke up very nauseus and pain...not as nauseus now but a lot of pain in my stomach. Struggling to drink Water, can only drink ridiculously small sips without hurting my stomach. Staff are taking care of me though. Hospital bed so uncomfortable! Wll that's me done, best of luck to everyone with upcoming surgeries this month.

This is what I posted in the post op section.

I have to say, being day 3 after surgery I have asked myself a number of times what the hell have I done....then I have moments of comfort which removes all concern.
It took me nearly 12 hours to come out of the anaesthetic properly, and I had the awful sweats and nausea, but no vomiting. I remember only the Ice packs put behind my shoulders and the cold towel on my head.....ooh it felt so good. The nurses were just smashing and I'm going to send a thank you hard to them at the ward. I came home the day after surgery.
I've had two bad nights, but last night felt so much better and slept 8 hours straight. I am already 4kgs down since surgery so that gives me hope.
My first night home I was worried about my intake of Fluid. I struggled to consume even one cup of liquid a day. Yesterday I got through an entire Optifast shake, one cup of warm coffee, and about 500ml of Powerade zero.
What has worked for me through trial and error (haha that auto corrected to "terror")
1. Don't drink laying down. Try and sit upright as possible, it reduces the chance of pain.
2. Small sips mean exactly that. Wet the inside of your mouth, and don't do more than two at a time.
3. Room temperature liquid gives me less issues
4. Make a shake in the morning and aim to complete by midday. Same for the afternoon
5. Keep on top of standard pain relief. Here in Australia we have panadol which is safe for bariatric patients. I tried dissolvable ones but the contain effervescent bubbles... not a great outcome
6. When pain is felt, stand up tall, take s deep breath through the nose and slowly out through the mouth. At most it has been two breaths and the pain is gone
7. A cool shower, clean hair, clean jammies and clean sheets make everything feel better
8. My headaches are likely to be caused by coffee withdrawl. I added 1tsp instant (powdered) coffee to a choc or vanilla shake. Voila!! Headache gone
Just my thoughts, and hope some of these ideas can help others just having had surgery.
Day 1 I was 7/10 discomfort, and full of unfounded regrets.
Today, day 3, 1/10 discomfort, totally happy with my decision to have taken this route.
How are you all doing?



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Been and done Jan 4th and so very pleased with how it's gone, despite my anaesthetic weirdness [emoji16]

I read a response on this forum reminding me that recovery takes time and I WILL feel normal again. It is so true.

I've just posted on the post surgery forum some small snippets of advice that I felt worked for me so far. Have a read if you like.

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While on vacation my hubby said I "looked like Jackie Kennedy". Even after 30 years, he is still the greatest husband. P.S. I'm glad to say I'm 15 pounds lighter now than I was in the picture!!

You are absolutely gorgeous!

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That is also my fear, haven't had my surgery yet.

When are you scheduled for and have you started the pre op diet yet?

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I have to say, being day 3 after surgery I have asked myself a number of times what the hell have I done....then I have moments of comfort which removes all concern.

It took me nearly 12 hours to come out of the anaesthetic properly, and I had the awful sweats and nausea, but no vomiting. I remember only the Ice packs put behind my shoulders and the cold towel on my head.....ooh it felt so good. The nurses were just smashing and I'm going to send a thank you hard to them at the ward. I came home the day after surgery.

I've had two bad nights, but last night felt so much better and slept 8 hours straight. I am already 4kgs down since surgery so that gives me hope.

My first night home I was worried about my intake of Fluid. I struggled to consume even one cup of liquid a day. Yesterday I got through an entire Optifast shake, one cup of warm coffee, and about 500ml of Powerade zero.

What has worked for me through trial and error (haha that auto corrected to "terror")

1. Don't drink laying down. Try and sit upright as possible, it reduces the chance of pain.

2. Small sips mean exactly that. Wet the inside of your mouth, and don't do more than two at a time.

3. Room temperature liquid gives me less issues

4. Make a shake in the morning and aim to complete by midday. Same for the afternoon

5. Keep on top of standard pain relief. Here in Australia we have panadol which is safe for bariatric patients. I tried dissolvable ones but the contain effervescent bubbles... not a great outcome

6. When pain is felt, stand up tall, take s deep breath through the nose and slowly out through the mouth. At most it has been two breaths and the pain is gone

7. A cool shower, clean hair, clean jammies and clean sheets make everything feel better [emoji16]

8. My headaches are likely to be caused by coffee withdrawl. I added 1tsp instant (powdered) coffee to a choc or vanilla shake. Voila!! Headache gone

Just my thoughts, and hope some of these ideas can help others just having had surgery.

Day 1 I was 7/10 discomfort, and full of unfounded regrets.

Today, day 3, 1/10 discomfort, totally happy with my decision to have taken this route.

How are you all doing?

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I’m having the same issue, but it’s slowly getting better. I’m looking forward to it being less of an issue. The first couple of days I felt like I was going to barf when the gas was coming up, but thankfully I didn’t.

Same! I am day 3 and have just stopped feeling like I wanna puke when I belch!

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Good. No turning back now. Stay focused, and most importantly, recovery is temporary. You'll feel normal soon!!!

Absolutely. Its just going on night time on Wednesday and my procedure was Monday afternoon. I have had two pretty rough days and nights, but feel a million times better this afternoon. Ive managed a full Optifast shake and about a litre of Powerade zero. I'm still peeing so must be working haha. I actually had a mildly warm coffee this afternoon too, it took an hour to drink it. Small sips are certainly the way!

4kgs down already. I know it's probably Water weight but I will take what I can get!

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I had my procedure yesterday and feel so washed out. Not hungry at all. Determined to make this work.

2 hours ago, cobear18 said:

I'm 3 weeks out and I still have that fear. After years of failed diets it's only natural to feel skeptical. I have lost 25lbs since surgery and while that is amazing, I am still doubting myself lol. I'm looking forward to getting back to exercising like I did before surgery. This has been 100% a complete and utter life change. I view my body and food in a completely different light. I know the weightloss will get harder as time goes on but I'm ready for it and enjoying this honeymoon period of easy loss now. Good luck with your surgery! You got this!!

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Thank you so much, your supportive message means a lot. It's just me throwing myself a stupid negative.....this is the change I need to make more than anything, the way I think!

Merry Christmas x

Oh good god I am on day 4 of the pre op diet and holy moly I am bunged up like concrete. I'm off to get some benefibre. Fingers crossed, because I don't want to go through my last half hour ever again!