Transitioning from full liquids to solids... Encouragement?

[epiphani 28]

I am 3 weeks out and struggling a little with the whole pureed food thing. I sailed through surgery and the immediate post-op phase feeling exceptionally good. I was so excited to get to the solid food stage after weeks of liquids. But man! It's amazing how heavy a few tiny bites of solids can feel. I eat a few bites with spoon down in between and then have to just sit as waves of discomfort or heaviness flow past. Then it feels better and I can eat a few more bites. After some meals, I'm exhausted and feel like all I can do is sit and digest.

And of course, there is the whole issue of trying to down supplements and meds at Breakfast time. I have begun to dread breakfasts.

The good news is that Protein shakes with frozen berries and milk always go down smoothly.

Intellectually I know that this is just an adjustment period for my new pouch. It will eventually pass. I sure could use some reassurance, though, from those of you that have been here!

Will it pass? How long did the adjustment take? Did you focus more on what worked well at the time or trying to meet your nutritional requirements.

[Jonathan Blue 311]

Epiphany,

It will pass. I promise. You are very correct that it is a transitioning problem. One thing to help you out is to eat a little slower. I know this is easier said than done. Try eating with a baby spoon. I know it seems silly, but it will keep you from eating too much at a given time which is what causes the discomfort a lot in the first place.

When you are trying to take your Vitamins in the morning try maybe doing the Protein shake first and then the Vitamins. That way your stomach has time to "wake up" in the morning and pehaps it wont be so rough. I agree with you that I hated breakfasts and for the longest time eating in general was such a chore. I really hated eating and food in general. It took about three months for that to full pass. Just focus on what will go down. At this stage in the game, it is less about you getting all of the nutritionally diverse food and more about just getting food in general. Let the vitamins do what they are supposed to do for now. Your doctor should be closely monitoring your Vitamin levels for the next several months and will be able to tell you if you need to start worrying about tweeking things. Your body is an amazing machine. It can go for a long period of time before the results of vitmain deficiency become severe.

Just keep up the great work. It really sounds like you are on track. This will be the most amazing year of your life and I am so excited for you. If you have any additional questions or I can help in any way, please let me know. I will do what I can. You can reach me at the links below.

[Djmohr 6,965]

Well you both make me feel better. I too am 3 weeks post op. I have learned to wait a couple o hours before even trying to put anything in my tummy in the a.m.

I feel great until late afternoon and then I get really behind and cannot keep up with everything they want me to eat and drink. I am having a very hard time with the texture of puréed meats. I just have not been able tolerate any of them. They sit in my tummy forever.

I have lost 28 lbs in 3 weeks so that feels good but I am hoping I can do a better job of getting my Protein in. I also am have learned that I cannot tolerate lactose and we finally found a Protein Shake and lactose free milk that is working for me. And, it tastes good too!

[Tgarden 76]

This does all pass, so have no fear!! The first 3 or 4 months are constant realignment times for your body. And, even some after that! Just think about everything your insides have been through! Your body has to re-learn what it takes to process different foods, so just be careful and listen to it. My challenge early on was Water. I felt like if I was going to be able to get in as much Fluid as I needed, then i was constantly sipping all day long! Then to try to time it where I wasn't drinking for awhile before or after meals, it was just difficult to schedule. Protein is super important as well, but it doesn't have to all be from solid foods. If you are having discomfort from pureed Proteins, find a good Protein shake, or protein Water, that you can have during the day to help with your protein requirements.

Also keep in mind that "pureed" means many different things to different doctors. My doctor said that a pureed food could still easily be pushed through a strainer with no chunks to chew. I went to a local deli and bought several of my favorite Soups, put them through a blender with a little added broth, and they were heavenly!! I would just take small sips, or use a spoon if it was a little thicker. Your body might not be ready for anything heavier just quite yet. Take things very slow, and you will be happy with your continued feelings of success!!

[epiphani 28]

Thank you so much! This encouragement was exactly what I needed. Love the shared wisdom we find here!

[Psu1ab 1]

I am three weeks out from surgery today and I have started to eat soft solids. I am trying to eat scrambled eggs this morning and I have major discomfort. I have eaten very slowly and still have pain. It feels like the food is backing up in my throat. Will this pass or am I doing something wrong?

Edited October 23, 2014 by Psu1ab

[Larly109 19]

I am three weeks out from surgery today and I have started to eat soft solids. I am trying to eat scrambled eggs this morning and I have major discomfort. I have eaten very slowly and still have pain. It feels like the food is backing up in my throat. Will this pass or am I doing something wrong?

A lot of people struggle with eggs early on - especially scrambled. Try one cooked over easy with a tiny amount of nonstick spray or try poached. I also like to cook mine in the microwave - I scramble one egg in a microwave safe bowl and cook for 60 seconds. Sometimes I add a little cheese. If eggs are really bothering you, take a break from them for a couple of weeks then try again.

[Larly109 19]

I am 3 weeks out and struggling a little with the whole pureed food thing. I sailed through surgery and the immediate post-op phase feeling exceptionally good. I was so excited to get to the solid food stage after weeks of liquids. But man! It's amazing how heavy a few tiny bites of solids can feel. I eat a few bites with spoon down in between and then have to just sit as waves of discomfort or heaviness flow past. Then it feels better and I can eat a few more bites. After some meals, I'm exhausted and feel like all I can do is sit and digest.

And of course, there is the whole issue of trying to down supplements and meds at Breakfast time. I have begun to dread breakfasts.

The good news is that Protein shakes with frozen berries and milk always go down smoothly.

Intellectually I know that this is just an adjustment period for my new pouch. It will eventually pass. I sure could use some reassurance, though, from those of you that have been here!

Will it pass? How long did the adjustment take? Did you focus more on what worked well at the time or trying to meet your nutritional requirements.

You might try a little bit of warm Water or tea before you eat - I have read that WLS patients sometimes get mucus build up overnight and the warm liquid helps to break it up (just make sure it's not too hot!). I was having similar issues but they are a lot better now.

I find that if I take my meds one at a time with a tiny sip of Water about halfway through my breakfast I have a lot less discomfort than if I try to take them at the beginning of my meal.

Work up to your nutrional requirements - it will take time for your body to heal! Be sure and stay hydrated and work on getting your Protein in - the rest will fall into place slowly.

[belllopez 1]

I need help I'm 11 days after surgery in the pureed solid stage but I jst wanna make sure I'm eating right on my orders it says I can have any meats all types all blenderized or chop is this right