12-weeks post-op

I can't believe that it's been 12-weeks since my surgery!

WEIGHT LOSS:

40lbs

EATING:

I find that it is extremely difficult for me to eat solid (or even soft) food before noon.  So, I've been relying on yogurt and my homemade protein smoothies for my AM nutrition.  Lunch is usually some cottage cheese & fruit.  By dinner-time, I'm generally ready for "real" food and will have a small portion of whatever I am making for my husband--most often, a simple protein & some steamed or sautéed green veggie.

NAUSEA:

I have experienced quite a few episodes of nausea & vomiting.  It is a learning process for sure!  The NUT warned me that I would discover foods that I just can't tolerate under any circumstance.  And, boy was she right!!!  I have to be very careful with anything high fat--which produces almost instantaneous nausea and often violent vomiting even when eating the the tiniest amount.  

Not chewing properly cal also be counted on to produce episodes of vomiting--usually NOT accompanied by nausea.  It's nothing like the PB's associated with the band, either.  This is so much more painful (for me, anyway) as the un-chewed pieces of food are rather forcefully ejected from the stomach/esophagus.

PORTIONS:

I am still learning about my portions.  I have learned that I can eat larger portions for dinner than I can at breakfast.  For dinner, I serve myself about 2-3 oz of protein and about 1/4-cup of vegetable.  Sometimes I am able to eat all of it, but usually I have at least 2-3 bites left over.  Lunch and breakfast usually come in around 1/2 cup each.  Snacks are usually about 1/4-cup (lately I've been snacking on grapes and other soft fruits)

CHANGE IN TASTE:

As I was warned, my tastes have most definitely changed!  I am still very sensitive to sugar...although it no longer triggers my gag reflex.  I am happy to report that just two small bites of pumpkin pie was enough to satisfy me on Thanksgiving Day!

I still find artificial sweeteners to be bitter in most things.  The only exception is the one Splenda packet that I use in my morning coffee or hot tea.

I no longer have a love affair with cheese. :(

I have a new love affair with ginger snaps.

HOT TEA:

Let's just say that I am starting to believe hot tea cures everything!  I drink it when I'm feeling nauseated and it helps.  I drink it if I'm hungry (but can't/shouldn't eat for whatever reason) and it helps.  I drink it when I'm cold and it helps.  My coffee habit is down to one cup a day but I seem to have replaced it with a 2-3 cup a day hot tea habit.  I also have started drinking a cup of chamomile every evening after dinner.

FRUIT POPS:

I eat a fruit pop (or two) almost every day!  It's a great treat; it takes care of any sweet craving I might be having; it is only 40-50 calories; it counts as a serving of fruit.

Cheers!