So I had my four week follow up yesterday. After four weeks of shakes / sugar free beverages, Jello and popsicles I was super excited to see what the next step was. Mentally I was preparing for purees (they don't tell you ahead of time what the program is). Thankfully my surgeon doesn't require that step. Instead, they added seafood (minus shrimp), tofu, cheese and eggs. Here's the problem: the smell, taste and even thought of seafood makes me gag. I love shrimp and scallops, that is it. I don't eat tofu and I have the same problem with eggs as I do seafood.

At first I was upset. I don't want to eat nothing but cheese. I'm already having issues going to the bathroom and, well, cheese does not help on that front for me.

Then I realized I was being silly. I can have cheese! Scallops! So I went to Wegmans that night (to all of you who don't live anywhere in the NE, I mourn that you do not have one of these amazing stores) and bought several types of nice cheeses and stuff to make the ricotta bake. Got some medicine that the nutritionist recommended to help with the, uhm, aftereffects. That night, my husband insisted on taking me out for scallops (we used to eat out 5-7 times a week, now haven't been out for 6 weeks). I managed to eat one, but it was the best damn scallop I think I ever had.

So yeah, I can't have chicken for four more weeks, or food that I really enjoy, but at least its a step. At least I didn't have to go through purees. I was really sad at first, but now I have the motivation to stick with it.

On another note, I am frustrated about something else. Even though I've been drinking between 64-90 ounces a day I was terribly dehydrated. Had to sit in the office for several hours for IV fluids. Doctor said I shouldn't be that dehydrated. Oh well. Guess I gotta step the sipping up.

That's awesome! I'm on my 2 week pre op diet and feel like quitting :/

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I'm also 4 weeks post-op and have started to eat seafood. I had a little trouble with scallops but they were so good that I will absolutely give them another try! Sorry that you don't care for fish in general. There are some mild white fish varieties that are very mild and aren't smelly. Tonight I prepared tilapia with sides of pico de gallo and guacamole. Couldn't eat much but it was great!

BTW - I no longer live in the NE and really miss Wegmans!

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Curious to why no shrimp?

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Curious to why no shrimp?

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Because it's fibrous and hard to digest, my nurse told me also to stay away from it.

I hadn't heard that....thanks. I love shrimp... I actually ordered shrimp cocktail the other day when I went out, thinking it was a good option for me.

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Congratulations!

One of the miracles of this surgery is how good and satisfying a small amount of high quality Protein can be.

Shrimp is the one seafood that sits very well with my pouch and system. I began eating it probably 4 weeks out. I continue to eat that and crab and I'm sure I could do scallops as well. I have a harder time with steak, pork, and sometimes even chicken!

I was also told by my doctor that shrimp can be difficult (he said it was fine, just a warning). Ironically, at 3.5 months out I can't tolerate much at all, but shrimp and scallops go down great. Other than that I eat mainly cottage cheese and cheese sticks. Finally able to get some non-meat Soups down as well. Meat is pretty much a no go for me.

But the moral of the story is to tell you that even someone who has a very hard time with a lot of foods can handle shrimp and scallops, which are your fave!!

Oh yeah, and I told my doc about the shrimp, he just shrugged and said this is why food guidelines are so difficult for the doctor and the patient. Because everyone varies so much!

I know getting all the fluids in you need each day can be challenging. I am 1.5 years post op, and I've started keeping a bottle of water on my nightstand because I've found that post surgery I wake up thirsty at night all the time. It's strange, but makes me think I need more liquids than I used to. When I wake up, I fill up a 28 oz. mixer bottle full of cold water and put on one scoop oz Zeal (amazing whole foods complete vitamin supplement that completely absorbs into the body fast) and drink that before anything else. Then I eat a little something for breakfast, wait about 30 min. and fill up my 28 oz bottle again with water or Crystal light and drink all before lunch. After lunch I repeat the process, etc. I drink about 4-5 bottles a day, and that seems to be enough unless I am exercising more. The longer post you are the more you can drink. Another weird thing for me, after surgery and to this day, I do not like chicken or eggs. I used to live off of them pre-op, but now can't stand the textures or smell. Isn't that weird? Good luck! Oh, by the way If you need a good supplement, I highly recommend the Zeal everyday. I've had three full blood panels done now at 6, 12, and 18 months post op, and envy thing comes out perfect! I do take an extra calcium and iron supplement because I am post menopausal, but that is all. No more hand full of pills and I feel great. Here is where I order it www.zurvita.com/jjwhitman. You cannot buy it at the store, but it is worth every penny.

Edited July 10, 201610 yr by Yes_I_Can!

I very much appreciate the feedback. I might have to try a shrimp or two in the next week or so. Scallops are so hard to find (and really darn expensive), while shrimp are everywhere. I really want something warm. Plus I'm worried about all the fat and calories in cheese. I hope I am okay with chicken when the time comes. I seriously lived on it before my surgery. I would probably have it for dinner 5-6 times a week. I really can't wait until I can have my chicken meatballs - stuff a cube of mozzarella in ground chicken with seasonings. Mmm.

@@Ale Nunez - stick with it. It gets better. I am not even that far out - just over four weeks and every time I see that number drop (even after this ridiculous stall) I keep my motivation.