12 days post op--vegetarianism and exercise

[TES 858]

This is my first post but I have been reading the forum for a few weeks and it has been very helpful! Many thanks to everyone who has shared their stories and advice.

I had VSG on Feb. 5th. I didn't have to do a formal liquid pre-op diet but was on a calorie-controlled diet for 6 months beforehand. I lost about 16 pounds during that time (partly from Fluid loss from a steroid regimen right before I started). While in the hospital, I gained 18 lbs (!!) in Fluid. That came off within a few days post op and I've lost another 10 pounds since then. So my 12-day post op loss is 10 pounds, which seems a little slower than others I have seen (even though I shouldn't compare, it's difficult not to), especially because I have a higher BMI. But honestly, I'm very happy with that rate given how long it took to lose pre-surgery. I also am hypothyroid, which can affect the rate of weight loss.

My surgeon requires 2 weeks post op of full liquids (Protein shakes, broth and liquids only--no refried Beans or yogurt like some other full liquid diets), then four days of "thin puree" (thinned out/blenderized oatmeal with peaches--consistency of applesauce, for example), and then purees. So I will be on purees in a week and am looking forward to that. The full liquid stage hasn't been bad though. I've been getting in most of my Protein with Protein powder mixed into diet hot chocolate bc it is a bit easier to drink warmer temp beverages. I've been doing Water, diluted G2, hot tea, diluted crystal lite, an occasional SF popsicle, and veggie broth for liquids. I haven't had any issues with severe nausea or vomiting.

Once I got through the very uncomfortable second day after surgery (my surgeon doesn't allow any liquid until after the leak test, so you feel pretty awful and dehydrated that day--I understand why he does it though), my pain/discomfort has been pretty manageable. I started taking pain meds at night only after about day 4, and then I was completely off of them within 6 or 7 days. I had incisional pain around days four to six, but it quickly passed. Haven't been bending over a lot, but I noticed today that's a little easier.

I started working (I have a desk job) within about five days of my surgery. I found that I was fine to sit at my computer and type, but I just didn't have the mental focus for complex mental tasks. Although I haven't had physical hunger, I had that weak/difficult to concentrate/easily frustrated feeling you get when you skip meals or have low blood sugar. I seem to have overcome that as of yesterday and feel as if I can handle close to my normal workload. I'm assuming this is normal? Maybe this is why surgeons usually recommend you wait at least 2 to 3 weeks to go back to work even for sedentary jobs (plus getting used to the supplement/fluid routine--etc.).

I have a few questions and would appreciate any insights that anyone has:

* I have been a vegetarian most of my adult life (20+ years) and plan to continue with that now. Are there any resources for ideas for pureed food, mushies, or any other stages? I have been thinking about pureeing bean or lentil Soups and adding some unflavored Protein Powder, pureeing homemade or Morninstar veggie chili, maybe the insides of a tofu pot pie? I have eggface's ricotta bake on my list too. I relied a lot on Morningstar "patties" (vegetarian Breakfast sausage-like patties) for low-carb protein pre-op, and I had just discovered the veggie hot dogs too. I don't want to eat a ton of processed foods but these two seem to do well with my body. Do I have to wait until I'm on a full diet (6 weeks) to eat these?

* At what stage can you usually start eating string cheese and Laughing Cow type soft cheese? (I will double-check with my nutritionist but curious about others).

* Will check with PA/exercise physiologist, but when did others go back to swimming or Water aerobics? What about the exercise bike? (I use the regular, not the recumbent).

* If you had an abdominal binder, how long did you wear it? I am still wearing mine. Not sure if I still need it, but I think it's giving me a psychological sense of security.

* My surgeon says that the amount of protein that you take in during the first 2 weeks affects whether you will have a lot of hair loss a few months later. Has anyone else heard this before? I've been doing pretty well, getting 40 to 60 g of protein a day plus about 64 oz of fluid. One day when I was catching up on rest I didn't get in enough fluid, and I paid for it that day and night with severe foot cramps. Learned my lesson quickly.

Apologies that this intro post ended up being so long, and thank you if you have read this far!

Many thanks,

-TES

[starfish108 15]

Hi TES,

Thanks for your post. I am on day 8 post op and am also a vegetarian. I have taken off 2 weeks from work and I see why it's needed. Like you say, I don't have total mental focus just yet. I am still struggling with abdominal pain and am taking Lortab liquid just at night, otherwise getting out of bed and movin is very painful.

After leaving the hospital we are on Stage 2 of the diet, which is purée and soft foods. I admit getting Protein has been hard. I like all your veggie suggestions though. I usually have a shake (which counts as 2 meals) and then 2oz Soup with a laughing cow wedge, maybe 2 tbs Greek yogurt, and maybe 2 tbs soft Indian kitcheri (like Dahl n rice). Legumes and Beans also count as Protein but if your still being careful to only consume liquid maybe you can purée them. Protein is a challenge, but I am doing my best. I haven't heard about its being related to rapid hair loss if you don't have enough the first two weeks. The other thing I am gonna try soon is getting egg whites and making a soft scramble.

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[pottergirl 261]

Hi...vegetarian also. i was no where near getting in my Protein and fluids the first week..i i was very swollen. i did two weeks of fluids which included yogurt soups...did lentil Soup and Greek yogurt. third week was pureed...i had friendship cottage cheese...it packs 14 g p a half cup. i do a medifast shake every morning. i add a of over the moon milk which has more than most brands..11 g p which gives me 25 g p shake. soybeans have 30 g p in a cup....i add then to veggie chili...i also eat tofurky delislices.....13g p an oz!

[pottergirl 261]

i am a carb addict...to avoid my trigger foods...pizza Pasta Chinese did i say pizza!!!!!

[TES 858]

Thank you for the advice, Starfish and Pottergirl! I am very lucky that my nutritionist is a vegetarian and understands a lot about it plus has creative ideas. Once I start on solid foods, I'll post ideas here that she gives me or ones that I come up with. Right now I am drinking a lot of hot chocolate made with diet Swiss Miss and 1.5 to 2 scoops of whey Protein powder (20+ grams/protein and 100 calories). Plus I make it with soy milk for a bit more Protein. So excited to move to thin purees tomorrow!

My doctor recommends that you go off of Protein shakes once you move to full solids (6 weeks post-op for me), but as a vegetarian, I have a feeling I'll be taking at least 1 to 2 shakes a day indefinitely.

[pottergirl 261]

let's keep in touch and share ideas...as i type i am eating 2 oz of curry tofu with amaranth and quinoa ..i doctored it upwith some jarred madras sauce...8 g p 80 cal...it's dense tofu... take awhile

[TES 858]

let's keep in touch and share ideas...as i type i am eating 2 oz of curry tofu with amaranth and quinoa ..i doctored it upwith some jarred madras sauce...8 g p 80 cal...it's dense tofu... take awhile

That sounds so good, Pottergirl!

[starfish108 15]

Hi...vegetarian also. i was no where near getting in my Protein and fluids the first week..i i was very swollen. i did two weeks of fluids which included yogurt soups...did lentil Soup and Greek yogurt. third week was pureed...i had friendship cottage cheese...it packs 14 g p a half cup. i do a medifast shake every morning. i add a of over the moon milk which has more than most brands..11 g p which gives me 25 g p shake. soybeans have 30 g p in a cup....i add then to veggie chili...i also eat tofurky delislices.....13g p an oz!

Thanks for your tips. Tofurkey slices are a good idea.

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