Concerned About Total Food Intake

I am 3 weeks post op, during surgery I also had a hernia repair which was unexpected and extremely painful post op. Anyway, it has been extremely difficult to get any food down although i am just at the soft food (pureed) stage. However, suddenly last night I was finally able to get significantly more down. I could typically onmly get 3-4 teaspoons of food down but last night I was able to nearly triple that! This morning while having my routine protein shake I was able to drink 1/2 of the 11 oz. container which was impossible for me to get down a few sips prior to that. All that being said, I am actually nervous that I will not continue to lose at the rate which I have been since surgery. Did anyone else go through this overnight change? I was told that my VSG is a 40F bougie, which can only hold about 2 ounces...is it possible that it may have stretched already?

Hi Stephanie,

I think probably the swelling went down a little.  That did happen for me rather suddenly but at week 7.  Its a good sign that things are healing.  I don't think it has anything to do with stretching.

best wishes,

Carol

It is highly unlikely that you've stretched anything, especially since you're still having liquids and soft foods.  I actually think this is good--it means you are healing (yay) and are better able to give your body the nutrition it needs.

Focus on trying to meet the protein goals of your program and staying hydrated.  The weight will come off as long as you do that.  Nothing can match the first 3 months (usually), but you want to nourish your body so you keep your muscles and lose your fat.  Remember that your heart and lungs are muscles--without enough protein, your body will take what it needs from your muscles, and that can be dangerous.

Kudos to you for being so aware of your capacity and being concerned about how you proceed.  Keep that awareness and you'll do great!

This happened to me as well but I expected it. All of a sudden around three weeks or so I could eat nearly double. Your healing and the pureed food goes down and through easier now. I'm on regular foods now minus raw fruits & veggies, and nuts. Once you start on regular foods you will not be able to eat much.  Sometimes just 3-4 small bites of chicken breast is all I can eat and anything else is a bad idea.

You've already received excellent advice and BTDT in your thread.  All I can add is that I also have a 40 F, but since I've practiced undereating my sleeve for quite a while I don't worry about it.