Miriam

The main reason she gave me was that she didn't want patients to get too used to liquids and get into the habit of not eating real food. I tried to explain to her that I'm already eating soft foods with great enjoyment and have no intention of going back to liquids - I like food too much for that! I just want it as a supplement so I can get it more protein. And believe me that I'm not getting in anywhere near enough calories at this point, so that's certainly not an issue. Unfortunately, she was more interested in her own agenda than in listening to me... I'm not the type to just ignore directions but in this case, I think it's justified. Anyway, thanks very much for your input - much appreciated!

Thanks very much - my question was not so much as whether it's counted as a liquid as to whether I can't drink before and after a protein shake (like food) or whether I can just drink shakes whenever I want. Thanks again for the replies!

I had plenty of regrets while still in the hospital - no surprise as I was weak, in pain, and absolutely HATE hospitals - but thanks to this board knew that that was quite normal so kept telling myself that the feeling would pass soon (which it has, despite the other issues that have since cropped up - all normal issues but still issues that have to be dealt with). My roommate, who had undergone gastric bypass, was in worse shape than me and so clearly regretting it so I was able to reassure her as well that it was a normal part of the process. Just tell yourself that you're undergoing the worst part of the whole surgery now, that it WILL get better, and just focus on yourself and your health.

I lost about 20 lbs. in the first week, and 5.5 the second. (Ideally, I'd like to lose around 115 lbs., although I have no idea if I'll make it that far.) Now in my third week post-op, so no idea what will happen next...

Wow, 1/4 cup of food at a time? I'd love to know if you actually manage to do that. I've also just started my 3rd week post-op, and I can barely eat 1 tablespoon at a time (and sometimes not even that much). My surgeon's office recommended starting off with 1-2 tablespoons at a time, 5-6 times a day (this is for 2nd week post-op when I started mushy foods) but I just can't do it. The most I can do is 4 times a day, and as I said, about 1 tablespoon at a time. Any more and I get the most awful feeling which usually lets up only when I throw up... not pleasant. I must admit that as much as I prepared myself for this surgery and read up about it, I didn't realize I'd be eating THIS little. I've always been a really, really high-volume eater so this is the weirdest experience for me.