- I lost 2 pounds since surgery on the 19th. Dr didn't make any comment either way. I didn't ask either. I wasn't concerned with losing weight. I was only worried about healing. Campbells Broccoli Cheese Soup minus any "chunk" is my best friend.
- My port incision is much bigger than it looks. She explained its big underneath and that is why it still hurts when I get up and down, cough or sneeze, and even when I laugh. I guess that too shall pass. The stitches I have on the other incisions will eventually dissolve. Itching is normal.
- Thursday will be 2 weeks since surgery. I can start mushies. Super excited but scared to death to try anything other than liquid. I will start with some refried beans for dinner on Thursday. I don't think I remember what they really taste like but I miss them. Is that head hunger?
- Due to my constipation I need to sip, sip, sip. My IBS will eventually adjust (hopefully) and won't teeter back & forth between constipation & diahrrea.
- Yes, it is normal to be able to drink all day long with no restriction. Same for the soups I drink. As the Dr said "don't drink your calories". I can say that has never been my problem. She also said just because you can drink it doesn't mean you should.
- The scariest thing I learned today is I absolutely have to have an antacid daily for at least six months. My protonix copay went up to $60/month. She said I could take omperazole (generic Prilosec). I did not know that the band can erode and that is why an antacid is necessary. Here I was thinking "wow! I don't have heartburn anymore". I will take one tonight that is for sure.
- I will have an adjustment before I can start solids. At about the 6 week mark. So mushies it will be for a few more weeks. Then a fill. Then liquids for 2 days. Then I can start solids. Who would have thought solids would scare the heck out of me.
- Definitely have to work on no drinking 30 mins before a meal and an hour after a meal.
- I also need to remember to drink my soup slower. Especially once I start my mushies.
- I ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO INCREASE MY PROTEIN CONSUMPTION. Why is that the hardest thing to do?
Have a great day all!
It's hard because with liquids, most don't have a ton of protein in them. If you can find a good protein powder, it can really help. It's sad I'm so excited to have a protein shake tomorrow (I'm sooo hungry). Other mushies you could try that have decent protein are greek yogurt (20G/serving), the refried beans you mentioned (they're on my list too), scrambled eggs, flake tuna, any bean soup you can chop up in a blender!
ReplyDeleteIBS....UGH!! I have/had the all diarrhea kind. Some days I couldn't even leave the house (TMI? LOL) Since surgery I rarely, not even once a week, get diarrhea. Just for that alone it was all worth it :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite mushies are Cream of Wheat and Refried beans with salsa and melted cheese...I'm a sucker for mexican food :)
You're doing great!!
It will be much easier to get protein in on mushies.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried any protein shakes?
ReplyDeleteI'm 19 months out of surgery now, and I have to take an antacid pill twice a day. I think I'll ALWAYS have to take it.