Give Me An Idea What Life Is Like At 1 Month Post Op --

[DanaInNewOrleans 513]

Hi,

Because of my insurance pre-op diet requirement I'm looking at late November for my surgery. My husband's family live in NYC and we are planning on going for a visit for Christimas. Do ya'll think that is doable? Will I be miserable trying to deal with shakes, Water, Protein and trying to figure out a ways to eat mushy stuff? I was praying that my insurance would not require it because I would be at whole different stage. Will I feel like crap? We always stay in a hotel so it won't be like I have a real kitchen to work in...

Thanks!

Dana

[kimmy*custis 276]

I was feeling great 1 month out but everyone is different. I was at the gym just walking the treadmill 3 1/2 weeks out. I had no problem with the food restrictions wherever I went, it isnt hard to do, just some planning involved. I went to a funeral 2 weeks out and have some very runny refried Beans ( I mixed some salsa in them) and had no problems.It was only a couple of spoons full but did ok. I dont think you will feel like crap but...Best of luck, you can do this!

[traceyinflorida 499]

We went on a college tour with my son when I was three weeks post op. It involved driving every day, packing and unpacking in a new hotel every day, and walking all over campuses and eating out for two weeks. In addition, we spent most of the summer going to baseball tournaments or football camps (he is an athlete who would like to play at the college level) so there were a lot of hotel stays. Was it easy? NO Was it doable? Yes, definitely. I think Christmas and all the food and drink that you are used to enjoying are going to be difficult psychologically no matter where you are. Why not at least enjoy it with family in NYC? Some prior planning will be required. I carried my smoothie maker (which also pureed food) with me as well as my Protein Powder and made myself a shake every morning. You can keep Snacks like string cheese, yogurt etc in your room in a cooler (or see if you can get a fridge in your room). If you eat out, order chili, Soup or fish with some type of sauce that you can mash up and eat. They carry a Protein shaker at Vitamin World that has a compartment for your protein powder in the bottom. Keep it with you in your purse. You can stop at any vendor or coffee shop and pick up milk or bottled Water to make a Protein Shake on the fly. If you have a supportive family, you can also solicit their help in having a few things on hand that you can eat.

[JenC 90]

Hi I'm on day 32 today! I've been feeling great and have been for that last 3 plus weeks. I just got home from being out to lunch, I had curry chicken salad (took half home with me if I had been traveling I would have left it on the plate.) It was delishish made with yogurt and curry, a few craisens and walnuts. I chewed until it was liquidfied!! Tomorrow night I will be out to dinner with friends and plan to have the crab cake appetizer as a meal. My doc's program post-op is up to day 6 clears, days 6-11 liquids including milk in protien drinks and cream Soups, 11-21 full liquids including thicker soups (no chucks) 21-30 mushies and soft foods including tofu, scrambled eggs ect. Day31 and beyond full diet with warnings regarding tough meats and adding things as tolerated. So yesterday and today I've adventured out a bit and tomorrow I will try something else and slowly add healthy solid foods as tolerated. I would not hestitate to travel at this point. I am still having 1 Isopure a day ( I like all the protien I get from it) and I think I will continue to drink my protien for Breakfast. It's fast and easy and nutritionally what I need and if I where traveling I would bring my shaker cup and individual travel packets. I have been to two cocktail parties in week 3 and no one noticed that I was sipping my lemon Water and enjoying the company. I can honestly say that I haven't felt hungry since surgery and when everyone else is snacking and having apps it just doesn't seem to bother me. Of course I'm so happy being out in clothes that are two sizes smaller than what I was wearing a month ago I'm in a happy place as everyone is noshing! Unless you have complications of some sort I would totally embrace a NYC trip at one month out, you'll feel good in your clothes and in control of your diet! Everyone is different of course, but with some planning you should be on track for travel

[lasuber 36]

How long did your stomach stay bloated? I am 4 weeks out and am still puffy.

[JenC 90]

My stomach was swollen for the first 6-7 days. And back to normal after that : )