Hi all,

Today is the start of my second week of mushy's and 3 weeks post-op. I have really done well according to my doctor's standards with 18 lbs lost. BUT I have lots going on that I don't know if it is related and what to do. First, I am dealing with Bell's Palsy or some other sort of facial nerve problem and spent several hours in the ER the other night. They put me on prednisone (for my face) and bactrim (because they found a kidney infection and I have kidney disease). My potassium was also low. I have been drinking G2s even though I don't care for them because I felt like it was low. Any other ideas for potassium, I have eaten all the mashed potatoes I can stand. I am going to get some yogurt and bananas for homemade smoothies?

Putting all this together. The first few days it seemed like I could eat more than a cup at a time (3 times per day) but yesterday and today. I have fixed my portion and even this morning tried to go a little smaller (probably 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup of soft scrambled eggs made with peppers milk and cheese to make them crumbly) and after I eat I have a pinching feeling under/right below my left rib cage. I haven't had a fill so my restriction should be only slight should I roll back the amount to 1/4 cup and see what happens.

Part of my soreness could be too much activity. I did an "walking" exercise video and might have pushed it too much on Wednesday and then yesterday I visited with a friend who has an 8 month old and I held her while standing a good bit.

Is this pinching because I have eaten too much?? Has anyone else had these Bell's Palsy type symptoms? Mine really don't seem to be responding to the steroids. I am supposed to see a neuroloist next week.

I love my band but figuring out this new body is taking some time.

In His hands!

When I get a similar "pinching" feeling, it is usually because I have eaten both too fast, and not chewed well enough. I don't have any restriction, so it would be super easy for me to eat probably 2 cups of food, or even one of my "old" portions I force myself to keep it down to 3/4 or 1 cup, but I don't know how long I'm going to be able to hold out. I don't get a fill for another month still!

My favorite high potassium mushie meal is a spinach tomato Pasta sauce with a dollop of ricotta cheese on it. I actually put the pasta sauce in ramekan with a bit of fresh parm on top, and brown the cheese quickly under the broiler, then plop the ricotta on it while it's still hot. Having a "baked" dish is a real mental treat. Makes me feel like I'm actually cooking for myself, instead of "mixing" for myself, you know?

It's about 500-600 mg in 2/3 of a cup total.

Edited September 12, 200817 yr by Lanakila

I am the same way...I am a month post-op and can consume everything...I am not near my old portions but nothing gives me a problem! My doctor said it was normal and expect that until I have my first fill on October 8th!

That Pinching feeling is exactly from eating to fast, not chewing well enough, or eating to much so usually I stop and thats that.

Good luck with your journey!