JoiaRox

Easy thing about eating/drinking post-op? You physically CAN'T drink while, or after, you eat. It hurts. Seriously - I have to wait a good 30 minutes after a meal to even think about sipping something (I'm almost 12 weeks post op). Even if you don't get the habit down pre-op, you'll be forced to do it after!

I don't see old man NOR too thin. I'm jealous of your success, and hope to be there myself someday!

I told my students that I had brain surgery initially - they bought it, but I eventually talked more openly about my surgery (LapBand back then). In the end, it didn't matter to me what my high school students thought or tweeted about me - goodness knows they had enough "ammo" pre-op!

I asked at my most recent appointment (I'm 3.5 weeks out) and was told "I don't care how many calories you consume, or how much weight you lose! I want you to meet the protein, fluid & vitamin goals and heal!"

The tool isn't fully healed, yet, so work on your minimum goals and the tool will be ready to rock before you know it!

Chew, chew, chew and go slow! It doesn't hurt, per say, but you will feel your stomach adjusting to the consistency. I can now eat purees almost like a normal person, but I've been doing them almost 2 weeks now

Mmm...butter flavored protein would ROCK!

I should add - I use a lot of PB2 (powdered peanut butter) in my protein shakes, especially with either my vanilla or protein flavors! Not only does the flavor give an extra kick, but I get an additional 5g of protein!

I've been on this stage for a week - granted, everyone's NUT has different recommendations, but here are my common foods:

• Fat-free refried beans (w/melted cheese or Laughing Cow wedges)
  
• Any soup that sounds yummy - blended up in my magic bullet (loaded baked potato - YUM!)
  
• Greek yogurt
  
• Mashed potatoes (again, add some Laughing Cow wedges - extra protein & flavor!)
  
• Protein shakes (although I'm more creative with them now - google some recipes!)
  
• Turkey Chili (either blended or not - if not, I chew any chewable pieces up really well first!)
  
• Scrambled eggs - small bites, go slow!
  

My NUT and doctor said, essentially, I can eat anything that doesn't require chewing (although I have to chew my eggs...but they said those were okay!). I was also told that I should try one food at a time to see how my body reacts - tuna canned in water, for instance, is "allowed" on my list of puree foods, but I'm too scared to try it quite yet.

I was reminded at my follow up earlier this week to just go slow, introduce foods one at a time, and remember that you are NOT healed yet! I do drink coffee with creamer and unsweetened iced tea...oh, and plenty of water! Caffeine has never been a "no no" for me, but I'm not allowed to try carbonated drinks until I'm 30 days post-op.

Hope that helps! If nothing else, you could get a Quarter Pounder w/Cheese and throw it in a blender!!

I'm sorry you're having such a horrible experience!

So sorry to hear about the hernia repair! But, yes, another nap is what I need too. Yay for sleeve sisters! I'm lucky not to have to crush any of the pills I was given (anti-nausea and pain) and only had to spend one night in the hospital. Happily recovering at home now!

I bought the store brand of whey protein powder from Trader Joe's - only $10 for 14 servings, and both chocolate and vanilla are really good! I've been mixing the powder with water.