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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Aug 18, 2014 18:12:37 GMT -5
Hello,
I thought I was having a great day, didn't need any pain medication at all today (thank you for encouraging that vets). But then I started experiencing my problems eating over 2 ounces (this is not new.)
I started out with my 40 gram Isopure protein drink. Then I had tuna for lunch. Two hours later I had some Baby Swiss Cheese but could only eat an ounce as I was still full from the tuna which was 2.5 ounces. Two hours later I had cooked for the first time since surgery (my husband is a gem) and made delicious boneless, skinless, chicken thighs with very light BBQ sauce. I put 4 ounces on my plate with a miniature potato. I ate two ounces and was so full, one more bite would have made me sick. I gave my husband my lone potato and wrapped up the other two ounces of chicken to try in two hours.
I know I'm supposed to be trying to eat more but I really don't want to vomit! I'm hoping this is because I'm 6 weeks out and fairly new to this game. My sweetheart said I should be happy because I'm not overeating but I'm nervous because the advice I'm taking in says eat that animal protein! As of now, I have 75 protein in, 17 carbs and 16 fat. Should I add another 40 gram protein drink or am I okay for 42 days out?
My husband said stop worrying and ask the experts online. As always, your advice is appreciated!
Kelly
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Post by illinids2 on Aug 18, 2014 18:48:26 GMT -5
Kelly - I don't know where you are getting the idea that you have to eat more than 2 oz at a time. You are not even a full 6 weeks out from surgery. The DS requires eating small amounts throughout the day like every hour or two at most (keeps nausea at bay and the only way to get in the protein, that i know of). The best way for your to get protein in at your stage, or at least it was for me, was munching on things like pistachios, cashews and sunflower seeds. Evening meals were always the hardest for me so without the salty nut snacks throughout the day that also helped me drink because it made me thirsty, I would have gotten very little protein. As NYB told you yesterday, protein isn't the big need now, it is liquids. Your goal needs to be a minimum of 64 oz of liquid daily, and if you want another protein drink that is great because you get liquid and protein. Remember the 30/60/90 targets .....30 grams protein at 30 days, 60 grams of protein at 60 days, and 90 and 90 days. Get your liquids in and if you are hitting these protein targets it is great. You are not going to be able to eat in volume like your once did so quit worrying about eating a bunch at one time. Our anatomy is not set up to do that now. Small and frequent meals....snack, snack, snack or nuts, yogurt, cheese, meat... Also, I don't know why some think we need to count fat grams. In my opinion we don't, we just don't need to avoid fat....but no need to seek it out (unless you are constipated and then it can help, but early on too much fat can cause system distress). The only two things you really need to be tracking right now are liquid and protein intake....carbs will take care of itself because you just don't have enough room to get in many carbs if you are getting in your protein. You are doing just fine so take it easy on yourself......and before I forget, of course hubs is right, we are husbands are always right.
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Post by west4thavenue on Aug 18, 2014 19:06:45 GMT -5
Kelly, I second everything Scott just said. I'm 5 months out and still can't eat a entire plate full. And I didn't meet the 30/60/90 targets in 30/60/90 days, TBH. Not enough real estate in my tummy for that!
Relax. You are doing VERY well. School starts next week, right? Get your fluids in and eat as you are able to eat, focusing on protein first. Please no stressing!
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Aug 18, 2014 20:13:55 GMT -5
Scott and Monica,
Not sure why I thought I should be eating more. I must have misinterpreted more frequent eating for more eating. I love ice water and exceed 64 ounces everyday. My husband and I check with each other to make sure we get in our water. He's so happy he's lost about 19 pounds so far! He got a kick out of your husbands are always right comment. School starts in Jersey in September but I work all 12 months as an administrator. That's usually, I had off 7 weeks for surgery this summer.
Thanks for the reassurances, Kelly
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Post by illinids2 on Aug 18, 2014 20:21:48 GMT -5
It can get frustrating and overwhelming, especially early on but you are doing well Kelly.
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Post by bboop on Aug 19, 2014 0:14:34 GMT -5
You sound like you are doing it right...protein and liquids. Eating every hour to two hours is perfect. Don't worry about how much you eat...just make sure it's protein.
Relax and try to enjoy your new eating habits. Once school starts, just be sure to take a ton of snacks with you. Getting an empty stomach is not good. I usually get nauseated if I do that...even to this day. Nuts, cheese, salami, deli meats and so forth are great for snacks...I'm sure you can find a place to refrigerate them, if not put them in a bag that's designed for cold foods - get an ice block to put in there. Just nibble all day and evening.
And again, relax you are doing great.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Aug 19, 2014 7:02:26 GMT -5
Thanks, bboop, good advice about school and the snacks! Enjoy your day!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2014 7:07:31 GMT -5
You probably won't be able to get more than 2-3 oz of food in until about the 5th month, so like everyone here has said, eat more often, in small quantities, even if only an ounce.
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Post by Joanne on Aug 19, 2014 7:27:39 GMT -5
Sounds normal to me. Don't worry, you still are healing, and it will continue to expand quite a bit. I called my surgeon with the same concern somewhere around month 2-3. His response was "lots of people call about this time worried they cant eat enough. Trust me, many of the same people call back in a year worried they can eat TOO much". This is pretty much true Take it easy. Sounds like you're doing pretty well. Dont push it, and certainly don't make yourself sick. At your stage, one extra bite can be all the difference between being full, and being sick. In time you will be able to eat plenty more, I promise.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Aug 19, 2014 7:57:53 GMT -5
Joanne, thanks so much, that really makes me feel much better. It's always nice to know others have gone through this and experienced the same concerns. I appreciate your responding and making me feel better! Enjoy your day, Kelly
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Post by jpcello on Aug 19, 2014 11:32:35 GMT -5
I started out with my 40 gram Isopure protein drink. Then I had tuna for lunch. Two hours later I had some Baby Swiss Cheese but could only eat an ounce as I was still full from the tuna which was 2.5 ounces. Two hours later I had cooked for the first time since surgery (my husband is a gem) and made delicious boneless, skinless, chicken thighs with very light BBQ sauce. I put 4 ounces on my plate with a miniature potato. I ate two ounces and was so full, one more bite would have made me sick. I gave my husband my lone potato and wrapped up the other two ounces of chicken to try in two hours. I know I'm supposed to be trying to eat more but I really don't want to vomit! I'm hoping this is because I'm 6 weeks out and fairly new to this game. My sweetheart said I should be happy because I'm not overeating but I'm nervous because the advice I'm taking in says eat that animal protein! As of now, I have 75 protein in, 17 carbs and 16 fat. Should I add another 40 gram protein drink or am I okay for 42 days out? This marathon that you're on takes patience and pacing. Remember 30 grams of protein by 30 days post-op, 60 grams of protein by 60 days post-op, and 90 grams of protein by 90 days post-op. You really need to slow down and stop worrying. I would not add another protein shake. If you want to eat something ever couple of hours, that's fine. But don't eat just for the sake of eating something. If you're hungry have a few nuts, some yogurt, a hard boiled egg, or a slice of cheese. Trying to eat 4 ounces of protein at one sitting at 6 weeks post-op is just too much at this point. Start with a couple of ounces of protein. Eat slowly, take small bites. Use a small plate and small fork/spoon. Slow down.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Aug 19, 2014 14:04:16 GMT -5
Thanks, Jpcello, I really appreciate the reassurance and reinforcement. All these responses are definitely giving my confidence back. I'm definitely in it for the marathon!
Enjoy your day!
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Post by Joanne on Aug 19, 2014 15:54:55 GMT -5
Kelly
I was trying to find something to relate to, a day I could remember when I was only a few months out. It dawned on me. My brother had his DS 3 1/2 months after me. I went to the hospital with him and his wife, and stayed all day while he was in surgery, and got settled in his room.
Here's what I remember about that day. I had string cheese and protein bars with me. I remember not even being able to eat one string cheese in a single setting. I remember eating half string cheeses, and half protein bars throughout the day. I remember going to the cafeteria with his wife and getting a yogurt and taking forever to eat it.
That was at 3-4 months out.
Today (granted, 5th year going here) - I could eat several of those string cheeses, a few protein bars, a yogurt and wash it down with a protein shake in one seating. It changes, it just takes a long time.
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Post by illinids2 on Aug 19, 2014 16:16:51 GMT -5
Kelly I was trying to find something to relate to, a day I could remember when I was only a few months out. It dawned on me. My brother had his DS 3 1/2 months after me. I went to the hospital with him and his wife, and stayed all day while he was in surgery, and got settled in his room. Here's what I remember about that day. I had string cheese and protein bars with me. I remember not even being able to eat one string cheese in a single setting. I remember eating half string cheeses, and half protein bars throughout the day. I remember going to the cafeteria with his wife and getting a yogurt and taking forever to eat it. That was at 3-4 months out. Today (granted, 5th year going here) - I could eat several of those string cheeses, a few protein bars, a yogurt and wash it down with a protein shake in one seating. It changes, it just takes a long time. Very similar for me....I thought I would never eat "normally" again. Now I can eat just about anything other than breading still bothers me if I do more than a little and still can't do raw tomato...and can't really drink anything carbonated including beer (sad face)....and the quantity I can eat now versus 2 months out, wow
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Post by Joanne on Aug 19, 2014 16:45:54 GMT -5
I still can't drink anything carbonated. Maybe half a glass at the most, and there'd be plenty of burping to follow.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Aug 19, 2014 16:54:58 GMT -5
Thanks, Joanne, that's great to know. I appreciate your coming up with something I can compare it to! Five years, lucky you, you've got this DS down, I'm sure. Thanks again, Scott, as usual, spot on!,
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Post by newyorkbitch on Aug 19, 2014 20:46:31 GMT -5
…we are all so different. I can drink lots of carbonated stuff with no problem, and it's been that way for years. There is so much change, so much trial and error, so much variation...
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Post by illinids2 on Aug 20, 2014 1:16:25 GMT -5
…we are all so different. I can drink lots of carbonated stuff with no problem, and it's been that way for years. There is so much change, so much trial and error, so much variation... The only way I can drink soda is if I get a ton of ice and stir until flat. I am hoping that changes over time because I miss having a good beer.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2014 7:29:28 GMT -5
My Advice, Start drinking the carbonation.. one of two things will happen. You'll get used to the feeling and it becomes no big deal, or the feeling goes away to an extent, making it comfortable to drink it. I still prefer non-carbonated drink, but I drink my fair share of beer and diet sodas too. I probably didn't really get back into beer until about 15 months out. Now, I can drink beer (as long as it's really cold, keeps the foam down) with near reckless abandon. (Not that I would do that or anything, LOL) I haven't found a type of beer that works better or worse than others, so for me, truly, the brand, type, or brew, does not matter to my stomach. With that said, I DO NOT drink the sugary sweet cocktail drinks, mai tai, margarita's, daquiri's, or any of the wine cooler type stuff. The sugar in those kills everyone around me LOL
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Post by illinids2 on Aug 20, 2014 9:26:34 GMT -5
Marc - I don't stay away from carbonation just because of the DS, but mainly because of my esophageal discomfort and desire not to do anymore damage to my esophagus. There is no need for me to force anything so if it gets better in the future I will drink carbonated beverages but in the meantime pushing it is not wise for me.
FYI - I have had a margarita with no gastrointestinal issues but it is too acidic for my esophagus so I don't do oftrn. The one time I did have a beer (after a bucket of whisky & flat ginger ale) it sent me running to the bathroom. Not sure it was the beer or that was just the straw that broke the back.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2014 9:48:52 GMT -5
Marc - I don't stay away from carbonation just because of the DS, but mainly because of my esophageal discomfort and desire not to do anymore damage to my esophagus. There is no need for me to force anything so if it gets better in the future I will drink carbonated beverages but in the meantime pushing it is not wise for me. FYI - I have had a margarita with no gastrointestinal issues but it is too acidic for my esophagus so I don't do oftrn. The one time I did have a beer (after a bucket of whisky & flat ginger ale) it sent me running to the bathroom. Not sure it was the beer or that was just the straw that broke the back. Well, hopefully the flat ginger ale was diet!! The sugar would have done it to you as well..
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Post by illinids2 on Aug 20, 2014 10:45:51 GMT -5
Marc - I don't stay away from carbonation just because of the DS, but mainly because of my esophageal discomfort and desire not to do anymore damage to my esophagus. There is no need for me to force anything so if it gets better in the future I will drink carbonated beverages but in the meantime pushing it is not wise for me. FYI - I have had a margarita with no gastrointestinal issues but it is too acidic for my esophagus so I don't do oftrn. The one time I did have a beer (after a bucket of whisky & flat ginger ale) it sent me running to the bathroom. Not sure it was the beer or that was just the straw that broke the back. Well, hopefully the flat ginger ale was diet!! The sugar would have done it to you as well.. Yep diet.....but in general sugar doesn't do that to me. I can eat a piece of cheese cake or pie with no bathroom issues
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2014 11:20:29 GMT -5
Well, hopefully the flat ginger ale was diet!! The sugar would have done it to you as well.. Yep diet.....but in general sugar doesn't do that to me. I can eat a piece of cheese cake or pie with no bathroom issues Cheese cake - good, chocolate pie - good, Fruit Pie - BAD BAD.. BAD BAD BAD...... sleep outside BAD.....
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Post by jpcello on Aug 20, 2014 11:33:55 GMT -5
…we are all so different. I can drink lots of carbonated stuff with no problem, and it's been that way for years. There is so much change, so much trial and error, so much variation... Everything continues to change over the years. I know that most of you are only one or two years post-op or less, but please remember that it takes time for things to return to "normal". You will be able to eat and drink normally but, and here's the kicker, it takes time. We as human beings are not patient people. We want instant gratification. You can't eat 60+ grams of protein at 6 weeks post-op. It's just not physically possible. Eventually you will eat 100 grams of protein, but it takes time. I'm posting this because I want to share my most recent vacation. I just got off a cruise to the Caribbean. I took my vitamins every day, I drank my water every day, I ate my protein every day. But other than that I was just like the other passengers. I drank many cocktails (Bloody mary before noon, wine with dinner, and then my new favorite pomagranite cosmo in the evenings). I ate dessert if it interested me. I snacked between meals. The only "food" I brought with me were some nuts (and I only ate one bag the entire week). Best part - I lost 3 pounds!! Yes I'm almost 12 years post-op but it will get better - I promise.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Aug 20, 2014 14:24:39 GMT -5
Oh my gosh, jpcello, are you serious! You actually lost 3 pounds, that's great. I have no doubt even if I was almost 12 years out like you that would never happen for me! I'm actually laughing, I'm so happy for you and what the DS has done for you. Way to go!
I get in good protein, but 40 comes from my Isopure protein drink right now. The other 30-50 comes from food. You're right, I couldn't eat 60 grams of protein at 6 1/2 weeks. I won't even think of carbonation for another 12-18 months.
Thanks for sharing such a great cruise story, Kelly
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Post by nursemelanie on Aug 20, 2014 19:37:00 GMT -5
Oh my gosh, jpcello, are you serious! You actually lost 3 pounds, that's great. I have no doubt even if I was almost 12 years out like you that would never happen for me! I'm actually laughing, I'm so happy for you and what the DS has done for you. Way to go! I get in good protein, but 40 comes from my Isopure protein drink right now. The other 30-50 comes from food. You're right, I couldn't eat 60 grams of protein at 6 1/2 weeks. I won't even think of carbonation for another 12-18 months. Thanks for sharing such a great cruise story, Kelly I'm 7 wks out and other than removing adhesions attached to my sleeve, my stomach was not altered/made smaller....and even I, with a four year old sleeve can't eat more than 2ozs (MAYBE 3 on a really good day). My evening meal is the biggest struggle. Over 40 ozs of water is a struggle. And since surgery, protein shakes are not my friend. Just wanted you to know you're not alone. I'm just taking one day at a time. I've had to accept my weightloss is slower because I'm not a virgin DS. But I totally trust this ds process. It's not gonna break. As long as we follow some basic rules, we will be successful.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Aug 20, 2014 20:11:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the insight, nursemelanie! I had to switch to Isopure ready to drink because my Pure Protein did not agree with me after surgery. I'm getting in my water pretty good now but really appreciated the feedback on the food intake question because I was worried.
I'm also doing one day at a time, though I'm feeling pretty good lately!
Thanks again for sharing, Kelly
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PeteA
Full Member
Posts: 221
Surgery Date: 4/15/13
Surgeon: Dr. Phillip Schauer
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Post by PeteA on Aug 21, 2014 9:32:21 GMT -5
I just wanted to add that it took me 3 months to be comfortable with 3 oz meals and another month or so to get to 4oz. I stayed at 4 oz for a while before moving to 6oz and that is no longer my limit but it is a comfort zone. Take time. Even at 2 oz per meal you can get in quite a bit of protein for the day. I think you are doing great.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Aug 21, 2014 10:25:07 GMT -5
Thanks so much for the reassurance, PeteA!
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Post by nursemelanie on Aug 21, 2014 17:48:15 GMT -5
Thanks for the insight, nursemelanie! I had to switch to Isopure ready to drink because my Pure Protein did not agree with me after surgery. I'm getting in my water pretty good now but really appreciated the feedback on the food intake question because I was worried. I'm also doing one day at a time, though I'm feeling pretty good lately! Thanks again for sharing, Kelly Pure Protein was great preop, but made me TERRIBLY sick and bloated for days postop.
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