Normal Consumption...?

[jm726 27]

So, I'm one week out today and went in for my post-op appointment...and the provider I saw (who I usually see, not my surgeon) is totally giving me a complex! So I seriously just need some reassurance here, cause if not I'm gonna end up with more issues than I have... First off, I've been on a liquid diet for a month. At my last appointment before surgery, I weighed 305lbs. So, two weeks later at my first post-op appointment I weighed 291lbs. I thought I'd get some encouragement from this... Instead I got a little speech on how "it's not uncommon to not like that much the first week, because of IV Fluid ect..." I thought I had done OK, but they totally made me feel inferior...

My diet was also advanced & I was informed to start with an egg. However, "most patients don't finish the whole egg, and if I did, I would be the first one ever"...same song & dance from the NUT about the Protein shake.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm a sensitive person, but I think it can be quite detrimental to a person (especially one in my situation), when things come across more derogatory than positive.

So now I find myself criticizing everything I do... I ate half the egg, because I was scared if I ate or was able to eat the whole one it wouldn't be "normal". I drank a little less than half the Protein Shake, for fear I might drink the "whole" half and not be "full". Also, yesterday over about 15 minutes I was able to eat the pre-portioned SF jell-o serving, and didn't hurt...to which got me a look from the NUT.

So basically, here I am now. Typing and feelings hurt... I'm sticking to this to a "T", and am already worried I'm either not "normal" or have done something wrong... Anything you can offer is greatly appreciated... ????

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

Don't worry, there is no "normal". We are all different. Just stick to the plan as you are and it will come. Good luck!

[Mike4132 256]

I fought with those same type of feelings at first also. It will pass once you begin to realize the restriction isn't going to go away!

The best rule of thumb IMO is to eat slowly and stop as soon as you begin to feel restriction and that will be the right amount for you.

[liannatx 897]

Maybe they are tying to set realistic expectations. Most people I know cant finish an egg right off the bat. It is yummy an soft but so dense. Don't do it if it hurts, or do it slower! I saw this posted as a general rule:

week 1-4: 400 calories

week 4-6: 400-600 calories

week 6-8: 600-800 calories

Edited May 19, 2015 by liannatx

[hb.mambo 17]

No one is the same- if you really drilled into everyone's diet and what they are able to eat or not eat--completely different. This is your ride, and don't let anyone make you feel like you should be on their ride!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Perhaps I'm misunderstanding this but it sounds a bit like maybe you're being overly sensitive. It's not uncommon to be uncomfortable eating and drinking the first week. It's also not uncommon for people to not feel any restriction on liquids. However there are just as many who do. I don't think they (the doctors) were trying to be discouraging as much as advise you to be more cognizant of this.

Perhaps next time ask them for specific guidelines such as the ones @@liannatx listed. You don't want to over eat, but you do want to meet your Protein goals.

[jane13 2,256]

@@jm726 I agree with BLERDgirl

[jm726 27]

Thank you all SO much for your kind words & advice. It is greatly appreciated that you took time to read my drama and respond. Again, thank you.

[blondebomb 580]

I was months before I was able to an egg.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I was months before I was able to an egg.

I don't think OP eating an egg is a big deal. Different doctors progress their patients to real food at different rates. I had my first egg at 3 weeks post op. because my doctors protocol was 2 weeks full liquids, 2 weeks purees, 2 weeks soft food, then everything as tolerated. My hope is that OP find a way to communicate with her medical team.

[Band07 374]

I could eat a whole egg, and I could drink a whole shake, don't let them get in your head, a lot of patients don't feel a big difference till they are eating real foods that take up more room.

[blondebomb 580]

I was months before I was able to an egg.

I don't think OP eating an egg is a big deal. Different doctors progress their patients to real food at different rates. I had my first egg at 3 weeks post op. because my doctors protocol was 2 weeks full liquids, 2 weeks purees, 2 weeks soft food, then everything as tolerated. My hope is that OP find a way to communicate with her medical team.

I didn't mean that it wasn't on my plan I just literally couldn't take in but only a bite or 2..sorry for the confusion my bad..it was the heaviness my tummy wouldn't handle..some can tolerate it I like eggs I eat them all the time now..

[anikka 32]

The NUT and RN today both reinforced that everyone is different and everyone will have a different experience with food toleration. We were advised to not compare ourselves with others because we won't have an identical reaction. However, we can support one another through the ups and downs and we were encouraged to reach out anytime we got confused about our plan, etc.

I'm sorry the OP felt as though her regular doc was not encouraging. Based on what you've shared, losing any weight is awesome! Keep getting in that Protein and the liquids.

[Sharon1964 2,530]

Don't be afraid to tell your provider something like, "I do so much better with the focus on the positive side of thing instead of the negative. Can you focus on the positives please?"

And if/when they don't seem to know what you mean, you can say, "instead of saying, 'it's normal to ONLY lose a few pounds in the first week', can you say, 'awesome! you've lost weight!' ".

[jm726 27]

I was months before I was able to an egg.

I don't think OP eating an egg is a big deal. Different doctors progress their patients to real food at different rates. I had my first egg at 3 weeks post op. because my doctors protocol was 2 weeks full liquids, 2 weeks purees, 2 weeks soft food, then everything as tolerated. My hope is that OP find a way to communicate with her medical team.

I didn't mean that it wasn't on my plan I just literally couldn't take in but only a bite or 2..sorry for the confusion my bad..it was the heaviness my tummy wouldn't handle..some can tolerate it I like eggs I eat them all the time now..

No trouble, thank you for sharing your experience with me. It's all so new, and such a sensitive subject. I guess that I've been so used to criticism, that I tend to overthink things...