Staci

Congrats!!! It's encouraging to see sucess pics!!!!

I'm so glad you posted this Disney!! I started the pureed stage and can do 3-4 ozs. before I start to "get that feeling". I always wondered if I was overdoing it, by reading these posts I think I'm on par with everyone. Not a "silly" question at all!!!

2 weeks now!!! The drain has been out for 6 days and you're right, I immediately felt so much better. I'm over the mourning process of food (now that I can puree dinner and eat with the fam). I'm still on the fence but leaning more on the side of being happy I had surgery. Everyday is an adventure to see if I can get in all the protein and water in- that's a 24 hour job. I haven't lost the big numbers as many posters that I see have, but I didn't get so well insulated over night and I shouldn't expect to slim down over night either. So the adventure continues.......

My co-workers know and either go out of the way to avoid me when ordering out or try to "sabotage" me since finding out, either way makes me uncomfortable. I sometimes feel like I'm under a microscope when I do eat, but the truth is I dd this for "me" and all the spectators/naysayers can eat their hearts out when the new me emerges!! Best wishes to you!!!

I am following my physicians plan to the letter- full liquids for 2 weeks, pureed for 1 week, soft foods for a week or so, then introduce (very slowly) regular foods, plus lots of protein & water daily. Medicine isn't an exact science so a physician/nutritionist can only advocate what they are taught and are comfortable with. I am a RN and know from experience that the majority of patients don't follow what they are told to do by their doctor perfectly, maybe some docs prolong the fluid only recommendation a little longer so their patients will hang in just a little longer than they would otherwise. It's tough to set an industry standard to treat anything, let alone a lifestyle change such as what we're all going through, but we've taken the first step by having the surgery, we have to trust that our docs a well versed on the procedure and play by their rules. The one thing that seems to be agreed on by everyone is the importance of water and exercise

I had surgery on 3-16-11 and continue the mourning phase. I lost my father 2 years ago and felt the raw emotion again after surgery, but for food this time around. I am happy to report that yesterday I made chili and pureed 1/2 cup of it and ate it!! I feel more content and for the 1st time since surgery, I'm "happy" that I did this. Today I went to Taco Bell and had refried beans for lunch!! Not the most healthy choice, but I needed a little splurge after 2 weeks of all the liquids I've gagged down. This gives me some hope for the future!!

I started the pureed stage yesterday. I boiled some eggs and put them in the food chopper added a little Miracle Whip, did the same thing with deli shaved ham (though it may not work for me- doesn't look very tasty). Last night I made chili and put 1/2 cup in the chopper and added a little extra broth, ate it with a little Fage 2%. Looked pretty nasty but tasted just like the real thing!! Putting a roast in the crockpot today, tonight I'll pureed my serving. Luckily next Wednesday I move on from pureed to mushies!!!

You and I must have had our sleeves the same day!! I started protein about 24 hours after surgery. I use Unjury unflavored protein to make sugar free pudding and I use Unjury Strawberry Sorbet to mix with Lemonade Crystal Light- these seem to go down alright though I have to make myself get in 60gms of protein a day. Water is very important too!! The only compaint I have right now is the JP drain in the right upper quad of my abd.- that thing is so annoying. I have asked myself many times why did I do this- then I think about my achy joints and how fatigued I get and remember that I got a lot to do and this extra weight is holdin' me back.