Re: I'm so glad we're talking about food!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/6/01 4:20:17 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< Hello all! I am almost 3 weeks post op and have lost 30 pounds so I

feel like I'm doing pretty well (probally because I can't eat without

feeling sick). But I miss my food sooooo much. Those comercials on

t.v. do me in. I feel like my best friend has just died! I really

really miss my cheeseburgers, pizza and soda! Please tell me this

goes away. Thanks.

>>

Leah: Chances are, you WILL be able to eat these things (and more) again!

THe first three weeks were the most difficult b/c I was on a modified

solid diet -- I couldn't eat most of the foods I can now... I started adding

such things (like chicken, other meats, etc.) right after my three week

checkup so you're right on the cusp of experimenting and adding new foods to

your menu (with the go ahead from your surgeon and nutritionist, of course...

surgeons may have different schedules regarding this). I was a little odd,

though because I didn't experience any nausea and was able to eat 4-6 oz for

a meal without incident. I'm really sorry to hear that you experience nausea

and such upon eating, but I can assure you from what I've read of others'

experience, this is a temporary side effect and should start dissipating

soon.

You may first just be able to eat the meat of a burger (I loved eating the

McD crispy chicken breasts! Yum! I couldn't eat the bun, though - too

much). I could eat a slice of cheese pizza at about 1 month out or so

(others who were present before a support group meeting said that they

weren't able to do this that early, though but could at a later time

post-op).

I tried to avoid soda but have a Coke every now and then. I do have diet

drinks mainly (trying to stay away from the carbonated stuff when I can,

drinking water, diet iced tea, etc.) because of the sugar content of sodas...

As a matter of fact, we're having Domino's thin crust pizza with pepperoni

tonight! ROFL

I wasn't a real 'fast food' eater as a pre=op nor did I really eat a lot of

fatty/greasy foods... but now when I do I'm not worried at all since fat

really is our 'friend' as post-ops. I can have all the fatty cheeses I

want, rich sauces, fried meats, etc. and I personally haven't experienced

bowel problems with these foods although I know that some people do.

You may have some difficulties as you introduce new foods into your diet.

This is normal, though. And, just because something doesn't sit well

initially doesn't mean that you will never be able to eat it again. Just

eliminate it for a few weeks and then, when you are further post-op, try it

again. Some people's tummies experience big adjustments and foods that were

familiar and comforting as a pre-op may initially be unpalatable for awhile.

After the first 6-9 months, most people even out and start experiencing the

wonders of the surgery, begin enjoying food again and enjoying life as

incredibly shrinking people!

Welcome to the list!

all the best,

Noverr-Chin

co-moderator, duodenalswitch

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

eight months post-op and still feelin' fabu!

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 213