First, I am very sorry for your loss. This must be a difficult time for your family.
However, part of this is journey is learning how NOT to turn to food when life throws a curve-ball.
Since the first 4-6 weeks after surgery are supposed to be for optimal healing (even though it may not seem like it, your liver was lifted and some tissue was punched through to pop that band on there), please discuss advancing your diet with your doctor and/or the staff at your bariatric clinic before doing it yourself. If you are that hungry, I worry that you are not getting enough liquids. (My surgeon wants his patients to have Protein Drinks during the first couple weeks too. If your surgeon does too, are you getting the recommended amount of Protein? It helps keep you from being soooo hungry).
This is from the LAP-BAND® website:
"Liquid Diet (1–2 weeks post-procedure) The goal during this early post-procedural period is to protect the small stomach pouch. Only thin liquids can be tolerated at this time. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of Water. Other liquids recommended during this phase include:
clear broth or Soup (with no vegetables or meat, and not creamy)
skim milk
fruit juice
no-sugar-added popsicles
Pureed Foods (3–4 weeks post-procedure) During this phase you may start having slightly textured foods. Aim for the consistency of baby foods. This will help you transition to more solid foods later. Because protein is so important for maintaining muscle while you lose weight, eat protein-rich foods first, and then move on to fruits and vegetables. Foods in this stage may include:
pureed skinless chicken or fish
mashed potatoes
peas
low-fat yogurt or pudding
In the first few weeks you may be able to eat foods that might not be allowed in your diet later, as these foods may contain too many calories. It is more important in the first few weeks to let your stomach adjust to the LAP-BAND® System than it is to lose weight. Also, your timing and progression into each dietary phase may vary. In general, when it comes to nutrition, you should follow the advice of your physician and/or dietitian."
Maybe I'm being too cautious, but this was one of the biggest and longest thought out decisions of my life, and I suspect yours too. So please talk to your doc and be sure s/he blesses your choice before going any further with the change to your diet!
Hugs and warm wishes to you and your family!
