I have been horribly dehydrated and it seems nothing I do get me "caught up" and feeling better.

Also, I have not had ONE solid BM since surgery... I only have wet/watery BMs. I thought it was bc I was still on full liquids, but even since starting eggs, tuna and so on it has not changed...

as far as being dehydrated I would go to the Dr, they might give you IV fluids to get you back up to where you should be.

for the BM's, I am still on full liquids and am experiencing the same as you so I don't have an answer there..

Hope you feel better soon

Sherri

I was having the same problem until I was on more solid foods (AKA soft foods). I am almost 5 weeks out now, and just started having more solid bm's. I went from one extreme to the other actually, if you catch my drift. I am starting to go back on more of the shakes, protein drinks. I think I've been trying to get too much food too fast so I could get in the protein, and I started not to loose weight. I was still eating the recommended amounts, and could only get about 2-4 oz of anything at once...still at that point, so I would eat all day to keep up with protein, and thus not getting all my fluids. You just have to find what works for you, as far as I can tell.

To be honest, it seems like at 20 days out and on soft foods you should be having some more solid BMs even if it's only every few days. Mine firmed up after a few days on softs.

It should be easier to get your fluids in also. I got dehydrated soon after coming home and I attribute it to nausea and pain from a hiatal hernia repair. Once my pain began to subside, I was able to take in enough fluids to hydrate myself.

Whether you're dealing with pain, nausea, or something else at 20 days out that is keeping you from drinking, this needs to be addressed by a doctor. I went back to my docs office the week after surgery because I felt like my body was shutting down. Once I realized that dehydration was my problem, I began forcing myself to drink and didn't focus as much on the food. It was still slow and painful at that time, but I had to do it to reydrate. I wasn't getting much Protein or nutrients in at that point, but I began to feel well enough in a few days to start focusing on that again. I would have gone back for IV fluids if the problem had continued.

Now I'm dealing with a sinus infection and once again stuggling with eating because of nausea from mucus. But the antibiotics are kicking in and I'm taking it day by day. This is definitely a PROCESS!

Let us know how you are doing...

If you are drinking protein shakes then add a tablespoon of Clear and Natural Metamucil. It has no taste and will help because of the fiber. As far as dehydration try improving the taste by adding a small package of Crystal Light. It adds no calories and really makes taking liquids easier.

fiber makes you go MORE....

I dont have much trouble taking in fluids, it is just that I cant get caught up. ya know? I don't have nausea or vomiting. I am just dizzy all. the. time

no fun

I haven't tried it BUT a lot of post-ops I have talked to about dehydration say that G2 Gatorade has been very useful to help them "catch-up" on achieving adequate hydration.