Satchel

I am a fan of Clinique Moisture Surge on my face and neck. Expensive, but a little goes a long way.

What are "protein shots?"

Is there a particular brand of yogurt that you like?

What meds are you taking that help with the reflux? I, too, just eat to suffice my stomach pains, but really am sick of the same foods, chicken, banana or apple with Peanut Butter, cottage cheese, Soup, greek yogurt, string cheese . . . any suggestions?

Miralax is a laxative, as well, correct? It says it dissolves in 4-8 oz of Water or any liquid. I would imagine if mixing in only 4 oz of water, it would be thicker to drink, so can you sip it slowly and take awhile to drink the whole thing? Crazy questions, I know, but I get nervous about drinking stuff that may be thick.

How many do you have to chew a day?

Is this Equate fiber supplement in capsule or powder form? How much Water do you have to drink with it? Does it expand in your stomach? Who makes Equate? I have a lot of questions about this because I have a real problem with constipation. I need a laxative every 3 or 4 days and am afraid I have become dependent on them. I get so many different answers from pharmacists. (I have spoken to my surgeon who told me to contact my pharmacist.)

I was not much of a pop/soda drinker, but now that I cannot have a diet coke or diet vernors, I am so missing it. Watching my husband guzzle down a diet coke kills me. So, what alternatives to refreshing drinks do you like, even with small sips. And are small sips a "forever" thing?

Thanks for the replies. What are your thoughts on vitaminwaters?

Let me first say that I am not a cook, and even being 7 weeks out from surgery, I am a bit behind in where I should be with regards to meals. I am really at a loss for breakfast ideas. My stomach wakes me each morning with stomach pangs, but nothing ever sounds good and so far can only take a few bites. What do you find keeps you sustained until the next meal? Thanks so much.

Does the toast or Kashi Go Lean ball up in your stomach at all? These are all great suggestions. Thanks.

I have always been a coffee drinker, however, even after 7 weeks out, my taste buds are still not back to normal. I have not had a desire for coffee, and have had probably a half cup twice since surgery. I do hope my taste buds come back soon. :-) It may be a blessing in disguise, since I still have a difficult time getting my fluids down each day, so coffee would not help. Think I will put the coffee pot away for awhile, and buy a new one down the road.....

I also found strained Cream of Mushroom soup very satisfying. Made with milk, of course.

When you say that you order a sandwich, are you able to eat the bread? I am worried about bread, crackers, pasta, rice, as I was told they "expand" in your stomach.

I still go through that, 7 weeks out, dreaming of a Jimmy Johns sandwich or a Little Ceasar's pizza. My first weeks after surgery, I watched the Food Network Channel, no lie! But, my stomach could not "stomach" it, so it was easy to get over it. When you are able to start to clean out your closet, because you are dropping in sizes, that is when you realize that that few minutes of cravings is not worth it. It does get better.

That is funny that you mention that, Richard! I went shopping today and found the diet Green Tea Citrus and the Crystal Light Green Tea Peach Mango. Bought both! Thanks!

One correction . . . scrap the Citrus Lipton Green Iced Tea. I had taken a few sips from mine and it tasted really good, however, I did not realize it has 13g of sugar. Yikes! I will continue to look for a less sugar content of iced green tea. Can always make it myself, as well. Propel flavored waters are good, too.

I keep a pitcher or Water jug measured with water and pour out a few ounces at a time (to keep it cold). I try to sip on it often and keep adding more water throughout the day. Pop sickles help, too. I like Kroger brand better than name brand. Seems like more "water/ice" in them than flavoring. Lipton Green Tea Citrus is good, as well.

Doesn't the bread (wrap) make your sleeve swell? I thought bread, rice, Pasta were "no-nos?" What is your trick for getting in all your fluids?

I have the same exact difficulty. Sleeved on January 11th. Have no desire to eat or drink. Nothing tastes right. Be very careful not to get dehydrated. I ended up back in the hospital for dehydration for four days! My worst issue now, as well, is the stomach acid, having to constantly remove the foamy stuff from my mouth. Yuck! I guess that is what it is. They say it gets better, and I trust that it will.

No undies, and written surgery instructions were not to shave. I think they did that for us.

I was sleeved on January 11th, so this is the end of my 6th week out. 1. I am still getting constant foamy stuff in my mouth (sorry to gross you out). I am constantly having to spit it out. Is the foamy substance considered regurgitation, or something else? It makes it difficult to get all my liquids in, and it is annoying to say the least, and embarrassing. How long does that last? And what can I do to make it stop? 2. One of the food items listed for soft foods is Peanut Butter. Other than putting peanut butter in a shake, how else can peanut butter be eaten, since crackers and bread are forbidden? I was thinking of spreading it on a banana. 3. Does having to chew 35 times and waiting minutes between each bite last forever, or at some point will I be able to eat normally? Thanks for your help.

You definitely do not want to get dehydrated! I just returned home from a four day hospital stay for dehydration. Not fun! However, they hydrated me to the max, where I now have to take a water pill for a few days to relieve the swelling in my legs, ankles, and feet! Go figure!

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Yes, and how many times do you have to re-heat pureed or soft foods during the 30 minutes of eating? And then you are so looking forward to being able to drink something 30 minutes later! I still am trying to figure out how to get all the water in when you can't drink at certain times and you can only sip! LOL! Definitely a learning process.