Hey, I just saw a thread that's fairly new called "What Am I Doing Wrong?" and a whole bunch of people who've had surgery around our times comment there. Please, I am NOT saying you are doing anything wrong, but I think you might just want to jump in there and share what's up with you. That would be a great way to get more advice.

BillH

Hi! I know what worked for me, and I don't mind sharing it, but I DO know that everyone always says, no two people go thru this "wild ride" quite the same way. Losing thirty pounds already is pretty incredible, so congrats for that. And I'm glad you're taking less of meds for your diabetes. As ever, the smart thing is to chat extensively with your doctor, but after my surgery, I was on liquids for a week and a half. I used a lot of MuscleMilk Lite, which got me 20g. of protein for 8.5ozs. and I also used a lot of Medfast protein drinks. So you might want to go to fitforlife.com or medfast.com and get some of those protein supplements if you don't have them. Anyway, regarding the distaste you have for drinks--I hear after this crazy surgery, it's not uncommon for tastes to change. Have you tried any fatfree organic milk? That's something I never had before, having grown up on "regular" skim milk, but now I really enjoy it a lot. Here's what I have in my four weeks of stage two/pureed foods: I eat six times a day. No liquids 30mins. before or after a meal. Meals should not exceed 1/2Cup and it should take between 30-45 mins. to eat, which means eating incredibly SLOWWWWLY. (And don't forget, 1/2C=3 or 4 Tablespoons only)
Besides the 6 meals, I also must try and drink at least 48 ozs. of water or other liquids (I use a lot of vitarain which is flavored, zero calories) I also drink diluted apple juice, white grape juice, or white cranberry juice--although lately I really have to dilute them with a lot of water or they just seem way too sweet.
BREAKFAST:
1 T. dairy, meaning fatfree milk or yogurt
1 T. starch (Medfast oatmeal, which has protein, mushed/processed)
1 T. fruit (baby food fruit)
Then, about 2 hrs later, I have a snack which is 4 ozs. of protein shake....i sip it so it takes me close to 30 mins. to finish it!
For Lunch: 1 T. of pureed chicken that's been blended in the food processor with some low fat, low sodium chickn broth, 1 T. carrots done in the food processor, and 1 T. mashed potatoes, also "all gooy-ed up by my loving wife in the food processor. Mid afternoon, I have another 4 oz protein shake, and I try and take 30 mins. to drink it. Then, I repeat for dinner what I had for lunch. before I go to bed, I have another four ozs. of protein beverage. I have only been on this since Sunday, 4/27 and I keep doing it til 5/25, so obviously I won't always have pureed chicken, potatoes, and carrots as my "main lunch and dinner." In fact, the tough part is getting at least 48 ozs. of water and other fluids in during my day without drinking it 30 mins. before or not until 30 mins. after I eat. ALSO: I take some 'carafate' 4 times a day, that's a stomach coater. I also dissolve a prevacid in my mouth for my pouch when I wake up each morning. I take a chewable Multivitamin and a chewable B Complex vitamin in the morning. I also take Calcium Citrate-2 'wafers' (horse pills!)after my "dinner" meal and another two before I go to bed. My doctor also has me taking liquid Iron supplement (Ferretts) twice a day. (It tastes yucky). I have had sugarfree, fruit only popsicles as a special treat. ARE YOU WALKING AT LEAST TWICE A DAY FOR TEN OR MORE MINUTES???

I KNOW THIS IS LONG-WINDED, BUT THAT'S BEEN MY ROUTINE. I WAS SHOCKED TO HAVE LOST 13LBS IN FOUR DAYS! BUT EVERYBODY'S DIFFERENT, RIGHT. GOOD LUCK, HANG IN THERE.

Bill
Maybe you can help me since we are so close on our surgery date? I am pretty new to this forum and struggling alittle bit.

I am exactly 2 weeks post op. Surgery date 04/14/08 . Still diebetic but I used to take 6 pills now take one. I have lost approx. 30 lbs since surgery date but I am having two problems that I need help with .
1. I cant seem to get on a schedule. With meals, pills/vitamins, liguids, protien. I have also ran out of ideas. Can I get suggestions of other members meal plans at this particular time in surgery. Doctor said I can move on to other foods but to slowly go from puree to..... Some foods I can eat 2oz or so and others I can only eat maybe 1/2Tsp and I am full.No more can go down.Sometimes I just miss the meal. I wonder if this pouch swrinks if I can eat??? Do you have a menu plan I might be able to look at ?

2. Secondly, I cant seem to quench my thirst. My refrigerated is full of all sugar free drinks. It's just not working. I like em one day and hate it the next day. Even my favorite water taste yucky. I was never been a picky drinker or eater. This is so strange for me.

Any suggestions???????