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sounds super yummy! thanks for sharing the recipe!

You're welcome, and I don't blame you. When people ask me how I'm doing, I usually say "Well, it's no walk in the park!" But I can tell it's going to be totally worth it, and probably one of the best decisions I've ever made. Congrats on making that decision yourself!

I had my first full liquids day yesterday. For dinner I had some blended-up lentil Soup. I was able to eat about 8 oz. of it about 6pm. I was almost uncomfortably full. By 10pm, I felt like there was still no way I could possibly eat anything. It was one of the oddest things I've ever experienced! But also a wonderful thing! I'd had some Protein shake and creamy tomato soup earlier in the day and hadn't had that feeling. I'm sure it was the high Fiber content of the soup that made the difference. So my answer would be that if you eat a meal that's high-protein/high-fiber, you will feel full for a very long time...

Thanks! Sounds perfect!

So missing my salads! Made my kids a chopped cuke & tomato salad last night - when they finished, drank the 1 tsp. or so leftover dressing/juice one of them left at the bottom of the bowl. Delish. Would pureed/strained gazpacho be a good substitute while I'm on full liquids? Anyone? Thank you!!!

I'm a strong believer in telling for a couple of reasons. The main reason? Every single time I "tell", I get very helpful information. People know something about it I don't, people have tips for succeeding, people have stories about why others have failed. Second reason? The people I've been in contact with are overwhelmingly supportive. And you need all the support you can get going through this. Sure, you'll meet those who aren't. Take them as a personal growth challenge that exists in other areas of life as well - get a good comeback or simply ignore. Third reason? Keeping secrets is a psychic burden. Usually the risks of keeping one aren't worth it. Fourth reason? It can help many others. Very very best to you!

Loving this thread!!!!

I am 10 days out and still on clear liquids. The last couple days I've had spells of mild nausea after being on my feet for a few hours, to the point that I had to lay down for a few minutes to let it pass. I haven't been able to stomach protein other than what I get from homemade chicken broth, so that's probably part of the issue for me. I agree that you should back off the soft foods for the time being.

I don't know why it's called 'mups', but it's a tablet, not a capsule.

I paid $8750 to have surgery by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. I have no support at home, so I wanted the recovery days in the hospital, plus he has a stellar reputation.

Hi all: I'm a single mom of boy/girl twins, age 8-1/2 (in 3rd grade). I'm 6 days post-op now, and realizing I'm just not up to snuff yet to do all the running around with my kids that I thought I'd be able to do. Today, for instance, they have a short day at school and right now are at the local after-care program which ends at 6pm. This morning I was feeling okay and told them I'd pick them up at 4pm and go shopping for a few items I'd promised them. Since then, I've had some nausea and am feeling tired and sleepy and know I'm not going to be up to what I promised. Can anyone help me with some general ideas of what to tell them? I don't know how long I'll be in this recovery phase and not know what my capabilities will really be throughout the day. I hate going back on what I've said I'd do, but I don't think it's a very good idea to push myself physically right now. Not to mention, the general challenge of day-to-day care. Oh, maybe should I mention that I was an very much older first time parent? I was 46 when the twins were born, and they're my only children. I love the support all of you give here. It makes all the difference. Karen

well said, emily!

I am horrified to hear about this terrible aftercare. The emotional part of this journey is bad enough without being compounded by staff with a demonstrated lack of empathy. In any case, for myself, I am 6 days out from surgery in Mexico with Dr. Aceves. Each and every one of his staff was caring, and responded immediately whenever I had the slightest need. So no, you can not generalize about surgical experience in Mexico based on this poor person's post. That being said, I think it's an eye-opener for those considering surgery to make sure and check out not only the surgeon's reputation, but that of the entire staff. I certainly do that for my medical care in the States. It can make all the difference in your outcome, as you'll always spend more time with staff than the doctor(s). I think it's a valid point for those considering Mexico for surgery to avoid having to be in the hospital on a weekend day, especially Sundays, for the first few days post op. It's common sense that there's less chance of getting the more experienced and better caregivers on a Sunday, and possibly on a Saturday as well. My opinion, of course. I wish you the very best in having the outcome you're hoping for, despite those rocky days you've posted about.

having minor bout of nausea today. managing to drink apple juice and chicken broth, but not much else. maybe some jello later. the thought of any kind of protein supplement today is revolting. bad headaches woke me up a couple of times last night, but gone by the time i woke up. very tired.

update: nighttime cravings are kicking in, HARD. knew before surgery i had a bad habit, but didn't realize how much a part of my actual sleep routine it had become. wow. really missing the little sumpin' sumpin' comfort bedtime snack. sigh. g'nite all.

Now that you mention it, I remember in crises that I was told to use it sublingually. Think I'll go that route.

I have some Xanax in my "leftover meds for emergencies" stash, so good to know it's working for you. Are you crushing it or swallowing it? I also have some Sonata, which is a capsule...

you can get calories from the clear, no sugar added fruit juices. Also, you are supposed to be getting Protein supplements through Liquid Protein or unflavored Protein Powder like unjury. You will get calories there. You can also have sugar-free Jello. Some calories. Granted, not many calories, but you don't really need them at first. You do need to stay hydrated, and the more protein you can get in, the better you will feel, and get the essential nutrition needed. The protein is the really tough part for me...but I've been reassured by my surgeon's office to just do the best I can with this instead of beating myself up as I was at first. It's no walk in the park, any way you cut it. But neither are the symptoms of overweight and diabetes... And one thing we know for sure - the post-op diet doesn't lower your life expectancy! Best of luck!

I am 5 days out and had the worst night last night. I couldn't for the life of me get to sleep until 3 or 4am. I've had a terrible problem with nighttime eating pre-surgery, and it has been going on for years. So now that it's not even a remote possibility, I can understand the connection with my newfound insomnia. Luckily, I have a small stash of sleeping pills, which I plan to use for the time being. I'm glad to hear from others that it passes after a while.

What is the discomfort level coming back from Mexico after surgery? I will be coming back from Mexicali on Sunday. There is a 2 hour drive followed by a 3-hour flight from San Diego and then I will retrieve my car from airport parking and drive 30 minutes home. I will be traveling alone and have not come across anything that would make me think there is any problem with this plan. My only concern is possible pain and discomfort. Thanks in advance for your insight and suggestions.

I tried the ISOPURE grape and could not stand it. I am having the same worries about protein intake during stage 1 post op diet.

Hi there - I'm at day 4 post op w/Dr. Aceves. Overall, the pre-op/hospital experience was quite comfortable. The entire staff was kind and quick to respond to any need that came up. Now that I'm home, my only concern is with the timeframe of the post-op diet Dr. Aceves requires. This is only because I'm finding it very difficult to get the 70 gr. clear liquid protein in, and we're supposed to be at that stage for 10 days. I have no worries about things once I'm into the full liquids stage, but I'm worried that I'll only be able to get maybe 40-45 gr. clear liquid protein in during this first stage, and what that might mean for my recovery. I'm posting here and there trying to get input, but I haven't resolved the issue yet. I will post more as time goes on, but I've been very happy with my decision to go to Dr. Aceves and would recommend him without hesitation to anyone.

I'm really confused at the variations in the length of time different doctors are requiring for each stage as well. My surgeon adheres to a 10-day per stage plan. I'm doing everything I can to figure out how I can rationalize shortening this stage 1. Today is day 4 for me, and I'm having a horrendous struggle with getting enough clear liquid protein in. I may manage 45 gr. today if I'm lucky. Once I get to the full liquids stage, I'm not concerned, as there are several ways I know I can get in the protein without the taste problems. It's hard to imagine struggling with this all day long for 6 more days. Any comments?

you talkin' to me? Just got back. I'm feeling travel fatigue and slight headache, but it's great to be home. Very minimal discomfort. Thinking about things I'd normally be eating right now and how large a change it's going to be....

Just back from my trip. All went well. I'd gotten a cold 4 days before I left for surgery, so that had me feeling a bit more under the weather and also a little concerned about risk of pneumonia. However, I feel okay. Lowgrade headache continuing, which I expect is due to caffeine withdrawal and anxiety. Thanks for all your tips and support! Am very happy with my choice!