I'm feeling better every day, just working on stamina now. I've focused on getting as much sleep as possible this week to keep the healing moving along. Just like Vanessa over at Dinnerland , I still have intermittent left shoulder pain, and my port incision is sore particularly when I bend over or twist in certain ways. It also tends to hurt when my baby kicks it. Go figure.
I spent a lot of time yesterday reading Sally's blog, which is a FANTASTIC resource for anyone who wants a comprehensive view of a successful lap-band experience. (Thanks Cara for pointing me there.) There are so many great blogs from people who share their experiences, and Sally's is excellent.
Reading about everyone's experiences has been an important part of my recovery from surgery. When I am sooooo tired of broth or thin soup it's great to hear about the delicious meals everyone is enjoying. It helps me remember that the liquids phase isn't forever. I love hearing that banders often don't miss the foods they don't have anymore, it's comforting when I'm craving a burger even though I'm not physically hungry.
The scale continues to move in the right direction, for which I am grateful. Sally strongly recommended daily journaling, which is sort of what I've been using this blog for. But I haven't been using the journal as a food diary, so I guess I should get moving on that.
I start full liquids tomorrow, although truth be told I've had a few in the last few days. Protein shakes are more palatable to me than the clear Isopure drinks, and the nutritionist gave me the OK on those. Last night for dinner I had V8 roasted red pepper soup that I thinned out a bit with some chicken stock.
I'm in a decent routine now - I have a mug of decaf Twinings Lady Grey tea when I wake up, followed by a protein shake an hour or so later. Lunch is some kind of soup (yesterday it was the broth from matzo ball soup at a diner with my mom and all three kids), another protein shake midafternoon and soup for dinner. Then maybe some jello, and sips of water through the day.
My mom heads back to Florida in a few hours, and the hubs leaves later this afternoon for a business trip to San Francisco. I'll have some help here but it won't be the luxuriousness I had this week. Ah well, I enjoyed it while it lasted!
Tomorrow night I'm going to the hospital's bariatric support group. Hoping it'll be helpful, I'll let you know.
QUESTION FOR VETERANS: What was your favorite full liquid? And does Cream of Wheat count? I emailed my nutritionist but haven't heard back yet.
Hope you're all well!
Hi Kristin!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are feeling better:)I remember waking up Sunday after my surgery and thinking I feel more normal! yeah! It's all down hill from here I promise! I believe I was able to eat cream of wheat on full liquids, you need to make sure it's not thick. I love Butternut squash soup I made homemade which is yummy but I believe in the soup section it's in like a square box think it's made by V8 and I put a dallop of sour cream. or Low fat Brockie and cheese soup and Lobster bisque! Also yogurt on full liquids without the fruit!
Isn't a Mothers help the best? My Mom came and stayed with me as my hubby had to leave the day I got home from the hospital.
ReplyDeleteFull liquid fav... I think yogurt. I added it to my shakes too for some added flavor and thickness.
I find the support group to be helpful and makes you a little bit accountable. I hope you enjoy it!
Hi Kristin.. hang in there with residual aches and pains.. they will subside..I think the port area pain was the last to go for me.. as far as full liquids.. some folks have actually liquified a hamburger (I have not tried this but they have put a hamburger in the bullett with a little broth and liquified and drank it).. I tended to stay on soups, and added lentil and bean soup in., then yogurts.. then tuna salad.. you will find your own tastes as it gets easier to eat.. glad to see you are doing welll..
ReplyDeleteI get that you don't like the clear isopure, but have you tried the Alpine Punch flavored? I love it tastes like punch flavored gatorade
ReplyDeleteDo they have something called Up-n-go where you are? It's kind of a cereal drink - milk (low fat) and thin enough to drink while on the liquid phase but fills you up quick .. it comes in a little 200ml box (I think 200ml.. isn't much more than that, I'm positive) They did help me..
ReplyDeleteGlad you're on the mend. That first week is hard but you are doing amazingly.