I'm 4 days post op. I've been having the most difficult time getting the liquids and protein in - I'm trying so hard. I just went into the bathroom and realized how pale I am. I'm do scared I'm messing this up. Can anyone give me any tips? Help!!

I really had a hard time the first couple of weeks after surgery too. You just have to make sure you're getting your liquids in so you don't get dehydrated. I would sip on EAS protein shakes all day long and supplement that with water. Any liquid you take in counts toward your 64 oz per day. Measure everything so you know how much you are getting in. Remember 8 oz = 1 cup. Hang in there. It gets better really fast. I'm only 2 1/2 months post op and things are pretty much normal now. I have adapted to the changes and things are pretty easy considering.

You are going through the hardest time right now. The first 2 weeks for me were the worst. Concentrate on keeping hydrated as you don't want to end up back in the hospital on an IV. Just know it will get better, hang in there.

I liked and still like the Premier pre-made Protein shakes. They are thinner and not as heavy as some other Protein Shakes and have 30 grams of protein in 160 calories. Also they have less sugar, which for us too much sugar makes us nauseated.

Good luck, it will get better.

dont worry you will be ok before the end of one week

but keep on drinking juice and water

when ever you can

wake up at night and drink

drink , drink dont be afraid

Yep, drinking is just the most important thing you can do. OH, and walking!! That really helps how you feel. I was still on clear liquids at four days, and some people are on clears for as long as two weeks. (yuck) Try to get started on your chewable multivitamins ASAP.

Stacy,

I am 4 days post op also. I am having second thoughts, as you are. I am so scared!! I am having difficulty getting the fluids in. Anyone got any more help for both of us? My surgery was on March 13th.

I see posts on here stating people are walking a mile the day after surgery - is that even possible??? I couldn't even shower myself! I have refused most of the pain meds bc I don't like how it feels and the morphine made me vomit in the hospital.

It's very scary....I'm 6 weeks out (tomorrow). I was like what did I do to myself, but it does get easier. I didn't walk a mile but i would take 10-15 minute walks in my neighborhood. As for drinking.......it's still hard for me....i started gettting dehydrated and actually used the timer on my phone....every 5 minutes I would take a sip, it would hurt sometimes because you can feel the liquid go down and the gas come up. Just take it slow. As for protein, I like the Nectar brand...I'm still having a hard time getting all my protein in.....try not to be discouraged, remember what you have already gone through....and the good things to come....GOOD LUCK!!!! You can do it!!!!

I see posts on here stating people are walking a mile the day after surgery - is that even possible??? I couldn't even shower myself! I have refused most of the pain meds bc I don't like how it feels and the morphine made me vomit in the hospital.

Pain meds help with the ability to get up and walk around if you need them. If it is the pain that is keeping your from doing other things then take the meds. Walking helps with the gas and over all healing. Water intake also helps with the healing process. If you become dehydrated then you become weak and will end up back in the hospital. Take small sips and do it all the time.

Hope you feel better soon!

I am one of those that have liquids for 3 weeks and it's not so bad really. I do still smell food and I didn't lose my taste buds in surgery but I am not hungry so I have to tell my brain that in time I will taste some of those good smelling things again.

dont be scared

no need for pain medication

try to walk around to let gas go out

go from room to room

you can showet your self but you are only

scared

drink alittle then you will love drinking

sip and drink have the well and drink dont scare

I used pain meds for almost a week, I had liquid Lortab...it helped me when I went walking and at bedtime.

I can't do most of the pain meds since they're narcotics and make me vomit.

I can shower myself now, but not the day after surgery.

I'm drinking as much as I can - sometimes its just downright painful.

And the Vitamins to take? They're all overwhelming me!

My Drs. group said we have plenty of nutrients and protien stored in our body and we will be fine for the weeks when we are on fluids. Don't worry you will be fine. I am 9 weeks it is stressful at first we are use to thinking I NEED to eat you will eat again... only less. Just remember always be sipping.

Today is my 3 week mark! I can now start pured diet and I'm excited! I tried drinkin some powerade or gatorade, and when I got nauseous I sucked on a sugarless lollypop. Also, if they are really cold it helps, it doesn't hurt to drink and you can drink more. Or try frozen pops, (sugarless) they count towards your liquids and just suck a little bit a time! I 2 had second thoughts after the surgery, especially the first week, but I feel a lot better now. Just remember ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!

I wouldn't sweat the vitamins or proteins right now. Just find some sugarless Popsicles that you like and stick with those if drinking is a challenge. I found it hard to swallow much for the first 2 weeks but then it got a lot better. Good luck and don't freak out!

Congrats! It does get better! You are doing great and try to get in as much fluids and protein as possible. You won't be able to meet the maximum amount but will work up to it. Welcome to the BIG LOSER'S CLUB! Enjoy your journey!