I am 3 days post-op and today is my first day of full liquids. As I was reading the pamphlet my surgeon gave me, it said I should have a bowel movement by post-op day 3 but I have yet to have one. Should I take milk of mag to induce it it wait it out? Also, it's taking me 90+ minutes to finish a shake because it fills me so quickly, since each shake is 25g of protein would I be okay with 2 1/2 shakes a day? Before surgery I just barely took in 64oz, I'm finding it hard to get it FL in during the day and I'm wondering if I'd be okay with a little less. Since I'm on full liquids I thought I'd try sugar free sherbet since it's my favorite, hoping that will help get my fluid intake up a bit. Any advice and suggestions welcome!

I found the first two weeks to be the most difficult to get in all my fluids and protein. (Sleeve date 5/25). When I saw my Dr at a week out I explained this to him and he wasn't concerned. Your stomach is still healing. You still have a lot of swelling. Sugar free popsicles were good for me. And just remember to sip. Your protein drinks count towards your fluid intake too! Good luck to you. I felt miserable at about 4-5 days out but then it did get better. I still have bad days every now and then but overall I am so happy with my decision! I hope you are too!

I'm 5 weeks out and it still takes me an hour or more to finish a Protein Shake. I wouldn't worry so much about the bowel movement, yet. You are not taking much in, so you probably don't have much to put out.

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Thank you both for giving me a little relief, I guess I'm just thinking too much and it's causing me to worry. The past 3 days have been crappy but I've heard from many people that it gets better so I'm trying to stay positive. I'm so used to turning to food for comfort and something to do when I'm bored that I don't know what to do. Watching my family eat is torture, I know it's not forever but I want those foods now. Unfortunately I'm not lucky enough to be one of the people who doesn't have any food cravings.

Your mind does play with you. I am 16 days post op and not physically hungry but definitely mentally hungry.

It takes me about 90 min to drink a Protein Drink. At your stage, I was just getting in small sips. Most doctors will tell you to not worry so much about Protein the first week but focus on fluids in general to stay hydrated.

You might want to take the Milk of Mag or Colace to prevent constipation.

It will get easier everyday. You have given yourself a BIG gift and are doing GREAT! Just take it easy and get lots of rest!

Thank you soccermom for the encouragement it's refreshing to know that I'm not the only one experiencing these things.

I am 2 weeks post open and have found it takes me 3 sittings to get through an 11 oz protein shake. The book I got from the Dr suggested 4 oz shake for breakfast, popsicle for morning snack, broth for lunch, 4 oz shake for pm snack, jello for dinner then more shake before bed. That is the only way I have been able to get 11 oz shake in a day. Good luck sounds like you are doing great

That's actually a great idea, thank you!

I am 2 weeks post open and have found it takes me 3 sittings to get through an 11 oz Protein shake. The book I got from the Dr suggested 4 oz shake for breakfast' date=' popsicle for morning snack, broth for lunch, 4 oz shake for pm snack, Jello for dinner then more shake before bed. That is the only way I have been able to get 11 oz shake in a day. Good luck sounds like you are doing great[/quote']

Did you go to Dr Alvarez?