Help, please......

Lulu · November 12, 2003

Old habits die hard. I was banded two weeks ago, and I'm supposed to be on full liquids for another 2-3 weeks. I'm so sad to admit this - but I've been eating some regular food......... nowhere near as much as before and chewing it really well, but now I'm starting to get concerned. I have no restriction and no problem with any kind of food going down. Is it possible to stretch out, or damage, the "new stomach" without knowing it? I don't want to be a failure - again.

:D

Alexandra · November 12, 2003

Hi Lulu,

As I'm sure you've heard, the first few weeks are for healing. There are so many different regimens among doctors and none of them are wrong. Many doctors allow some solid food at the point you're at. So I don't think small amounts of regular food at almost two weeks out are going to hurt you, but you do want to take it very slowly.

Remember, the whole point is to keep your stomach from moving around during this time, and that means very soft or liquidy foods that don't require any help to move through. Try to stick mostly to liquids and soft stuff at least until you really feel completely normal, or as long as your doctor told you to.

Take care of yourself!!

donali · November 12, 2003

Hi Lulu -

Perhaps you could try thicker purees to help with the hunger problem, and yet more or less conform to your Dr's regimen. You can puree anything, and that would ensure you are not relying on THINKING you are chewing really, really well. I think I'm chewing well all the time, but every once in a while I am reminded that's not true. lol

GeezerSue · November 12, 2003

Disclaimer:

We should all follow our own doctors' recommendations.

Now:

Many of the very, very experienced surgeons have far more liberal schedules about resuming eating. When I got my band, my surgeon had done over 1400 band placements and his diet was ABOUT a week (total) on clear then full liquids. Then progress little by little, to purees, then mushies then solids, over the next two to three weeks.

BUT...I don't think ANY surgeon would want you on solids, no matter how well you chew them, two weeks post-op.

This time is all about letting the band area heal with the band in place. (I'll do a separate, whiney post about how the surgeons undermine our efforts with unrealistic dietary restrictions.)

Good luck,

Sue