LizzieP

Eating now is good. I still have chilli and bolognese some days - as I like them, but also have small pieces of steak, or tonight I had some roast chicken; but I was 2 months out from surgery before I attempted chicken. I still struggle with fish a bit; whereas I know some people can tolerate that from early on. So we are all different. I have had a couple of "dumping-like" situations - one was from having a glass of cranberry juice; I didn't realise how much sugar was in it. I guess my advice is not to worry; just get as much Protein as you can. I ate lots of natural Greek low fat yoghurt (worth comparing to see which has the highest protein level), I ate lots of eggs - a couple a day, and the low fat soft cheese triangles (called Dairylea in UK, and Laughing Cow here in NZ). Strangely enough I also tolerated crispbreads from week 4-5 onwards. They just seemed to crumble to dust in my month with minimal chewing - so I put protein on these (egg mayo; low fat mayo, cottage cheese, Phili soft cheese). Just remember to chew, chew, chew. Lastly - don't worry about lack of appetite; I had that too. From about 2 months on I learnt to recognise a mild tummy ache as my body telling me i needed to eat. I hope this helps. Keep in touch

Hi - I had MGB surgery in Feb. At 1 month out I was still eating really sloppy soft food - chilli, bolognese, soft boiled eggs, soups etc. My advice is to proceed at your own pace; if something doesn't go down well then just avoid it, and try again in a few weeks. Good luck!

Well done - your weightloss is fantastic. You must feel great. Nerves are natural but I've found the surgery fantastic. No hunger, and best of all I view food as fuel, not something I eat to bring me pleasure. It's great not to feel tempted by things I shouldn't eat. Tonight my husband had a takeaway pizza for tea - previously I wouldn't have been able to hold myself back --- but he ate it infront of me and I wasn't bothered at all. He did offer to go in another room to eat it; he's not that naughty, but I said it didn't bother me. Weightloss and maintenance has got to be easier when you aren't tempted by all the things you shouldn't eat. Hope your slippers are comfy; as they will have you walking the corridors as soon as you can stand up. How long are you in hospital for? Keep up your great pre-op work. Lizzie P

Hi Marie. Thanks for your supportive email yesterday - I think I was just feeling a bit overwhelmed by the massive amount I have to lose. Strangely enough the weight I've lost so far has all come from my back, and I want my tummy to go :-). I know it will though. Strangely enough I retried the Optifast shakes yesterday and they tasted fine. So lesson learnt - retry things as tastes change after the op. Tonight's dinner delight was puréed spaghetti bolognese (minus the spaghetti) - and blimey it tasted divine. Keep up your great work on your pre-op diet --- are you going to tell me how much you've lost? Bet it's impressive. Just remember it's all worth it. Lizzie P

Hi Marie. I'm doing ok. Recovered from the operation really well and no hic-cups along the way. I don't get hungry at all. But I am totally struggling to get enough protein; I'm no where near getting enough. I just can't tolerate the Optifast now, and I've bought loads of different protein powders trying to find something that I could cope with. But still no joy. Today I bought some egg white liquid, and have a smoothie recipe for it - so will try that later. On the up side tonight I puréed some of my husbands chilli meal, and it was gorgeous. Weight-wise I've lost 3kg in 2 weeks, and to be honest I'm a bit disappointed with that. But perhaps the lack of protein has been slowing me down. Less than 2 weeks and it will be you - if it helps I don't regret it at all. Keep in touch Lizzie

Hi Marie. Just got home after the operation. All went well, absolutely no pain post-op, just mild discomfort. It's hard keeping the fluid levels up but I'm working on it. It seems I can take 3 sips, then need to wait a few minutes before I take any more. But no hunger whatsoever. Hope your pre-op diet is still going well. It will be worth it. Cheers. Lizzie

Thanks Marie - I'll let you know how it goes.

Yeah I agree the Optifast chocolate bar was not that great - but the Cappuccino one I thought was pretty good. I was quite tired Mon and Tues but better now. Evenings are hardest as that was my snacking-time! I know it will be worth it, and I'm feeling lighter already - but won't get on scales until I've done a full week. Cheers Lizzie

Hi Marie How are you doing of your pre-op diet? I'm not finding it too bad, and the protein shakes are keeping the hunger away. Thinking of you Lizzie

I'm having surgery in a couple of weeks and just interested to hear other peoples experience with energy levels during the honeymoon phase where weight drops off you. Do you feel exhausted, or we're you ok as long as you reached your protein quota? Not sure what to expect really. Any thoughts??

Thanks for all your responses -- I shall re-set my expectations! Think I was being a bit optimistic. Will done on all your weight loses; it's inspirational to see your progress. Cheers

Hi Marie Yep, I'm starting my pre-op diet as well tomorrow. I only have 2 weeks of it, and my MGB is booked for 16 Feb. I've been like a bear with a sore head today as I just don't know how I will go with the Protein shakes. You never know they may taste gorgeous!! Let's hope so. It's good to know someone else is in the same boat. Good luck.