ResaRae14

Hi, Everyone! I'm ResaRae14 on MFP and I love having new friends. Add me!

I have been on a soft foods diet for one week and my nutritionist told me that I should take at least 20 minutes to eat, taking small bites and chewing thoroughly. She also said to take no longer than 30 minutes to eat. She said if I get to 30 minutes and I have not finished my portion, I should stop. I measure everything and my meals are supposed to be 2 - 4 oz right now. The heavier foods (like meatballs) I find that I eat less of, but lighter stuff (like tuna salad) I can eat 4 oz. I rarely feel hungry, but if I do and it's not time to eat, I drink some water. I was told to aim for 5 - 6 meals a day eating every 3 to 4 hours and I was also told to stop drinking 30 minutes before and after eating. Following these rules has worked for me, but as this site shows...every one is different! I hope you find the balance that works for you!

Are you supposed to drink the whole thing at one time? I am 6 days post op and I am still on a 2 ounces at a time diet. I don't know what your surgeon prefers, but mine put me on a 2 ounces every 15 minutes. Protein at the top of the hour and hydration fluid (water, broth, popsicle...) every 15 minutes after that. Repeat for as long as I'm awake. I haven't tried to drink an entire shake at once, but I'm sure that is hard for your freshly operated on stomach! I have also switched from Atkins shakes (which I LOVE) to Protein Advantage (which are still good, just not as good as Atkins) simply because the Premier Protein has 30g of protein per 11 ounces where as Atkins only has 15g. I would try modifying the amount you are drinking at a time and see if you tolerate it better...Good Luck!!!