LJ

The aftertaste is almost unbearable. I tried lemonade, lemonade-green tea, blue raspberry, fruit punch and grape. Grape was the most bearable, but only could stomach half.

So I’m 39 days post-op, and I’m cleared for solids except for breads, pastas, etc. The problem is nothing tastes good. Even the smell of some foods I would normally eat grosses me out. This was a problem during my soft food phase, but i thought it would pass. Since it hasn’t, I’ve had to rely heavily on protein drinks. I’m worried that this is going to catch up with me. Is there anyone that more than a month post-op that still relies on protein drinks as their main source of nutrition?

No caffeine for 3-4 weeks, no alcohol for 1 year, no bread/rice/pasta for at least 3 months. Goal is 60 grams of protein per day and 64 ounces of water. I’ve avoided all the things I was told not to have. Working up to my fluid and protein goals—-39 Days post op.

My doctor wasn’t against a binder, but it wasn’t part of his protocol. I went home with Lortab or liquid Vicodin. The only time I would have to take is after showering and dressing. Bending down was like DEATH!

This is definitely going to be a journey! I advanced to soft food yesterday after my 1 week post-op appointment. It’s insane how SLOW you have to eat. I never thought eating would be a chore. However, I’m grateful because I’ve had absolutely no nausea or vomiting. I did the liquid diet for 7 days prior to surgery, so in 2 weeks I’ve lost 14 lbs. I kind of wished for more, but my doctor says the next month is where I’m going to see a big drop. I don’t think I’ve worked up to 64 ounces yet, still trying. I need to incorporate more activity but my right side still gives me a fit so my walks around the block have been at snails pace. If anyone out there who wants to share their experiences, I could use someone can relate.

7 lbs the first week is awesome. Are you measuring yourself too? Sometimes inch loss can be more of a victory than the numbers on the scale. I’m with you on slowing your expectations, as I feel like I have to do the same. I have a friend that has basically lost a pound a day since his surgery, so 3.5 months in he has lost over 100 lbs. i see results like that and tend to feel pressure, but it’s a marathon not a sprint. And I hear losing slowly helps prevent excess loose skin. How far are you post-op?

Thanks for the well wishes. This has been a definite life changer. Everything is so new. I have a lot of apprehension about being able to adjust to this new lifestyle. I highly recommend a food scale that measures in ounces and grams. Measuring our food is a must. My doctor sends you home with a stack of medicine cups so that you adjust to drinking no more than 1 ounce every 10 minutes. You can also use the cups to eat your soft foods out of. Never did I think I would be eating such a little amount. I’m excited for you, if you have any pre-op questions or tips on what to bring to the hospital let me know!

Thanks for the tips. My physician advances you 1 week post op but you remain on soft foods for about 6 weeks. I am still mostly doing liquids. I’m using a timer when I eat. And the Baritastic app has timers for 20 minute chews. I never feel hungry, and my abdomen feels full so it’s kind of hard just eating for what I feel like is no good reason.

I had surgery Wednesday and received a shot of heparin just prior to surgery and lovenox twice a day during my hospital stay. I did not have to go home on any anticoagulants though.