I just found this forum & I am hoping that it will be helpful. I am 4 days post op & I am extremely overwhelmed. I thought that I was prepared for this change. I don't know that anything could have prepared me for this. Just coming out of surgery I couldn't believe how much pain I was in. I was able to go home the following day. I have now been on water only for 6 days. I tried some clear chicken broth and also crystal light, but both made me nauseous. I am due to add protein shakes tomorrow. I knew that my eating habits were going to be permanently altered for the good, but I didn't anticipate such a drastic change. I am just wondering how other people felt when they first started out? Does this get easier? Thanks in advance.

Hang in there! I thought I was ready for life post op as well. Boy did I realized I was wrong lol! It was a learning experience and the people on this were a great help to me. At first I was only able to handle small sips of my Water, a bit or so of my Jello, and the smell of broth made me sick. My favorite Protein shake pre op, made me gag post op. It is a change.

But you will learn new ways to eat, what works and what does not. You will adjust and build a new routine. Six months ago I didn't think so, but now I can honestly say: it does get easier!!

Newbie, I too am only 5 days post-op. It is difficult. You need to be purposeful in following the diet given. To the best of your ability. There will be changes that have to be made as you go along. Be flexible and know that. I bought a 5lb jar of protein powder that tasted delicious to me before surg. Now..makes me gag. I will be trying something else tomorrow when I can get out to the stores. Did you try strained cream of wheat? Try making your own broth. I made a vegetable broth (small container) before surg. Glad I did. I could not tolerate the chicken or beef broth that was served in the hosp. Today I bought Pho' soup for the broth and it is delicious! I had to strain it first, let it cool then strain again to remove the fat but it is good stuff! Keep trying different stuff, and DON'T give up! You can do this! Good luck.

I'm also 5 days post op, still on fluids and looking forward to moving to mushy food by end of the week, I'm struggling with water and shakes (both were great prior to surgery). Hang in there, my mum made me chicken soup, lamb stew (strained), and I'm adding a little lemon to the water, so going okay. It's a huge change, but I know it will be worth it.

This will only last a few weeks and soon you will feel much better. I am only 10 weeks out and I am totally normal minus 43 pounds, I can eat pretty much anything in moderation. But in the first few days I was going nuts wondering if chicken broth and flavored water was my new life. It isn't. Hang in there!

I think virtually everyone feels the same way .... now 1 month post op and feel great

Thanks for the info. I am 5 days post op and not getting anywhere near the required protein. Doing the best that I can. Actually having some yogurt that I didn't thin with milk because my stomach feels so hungry! Trying to sip all day long but it's difficult. I keep saying to myself that this too shall pass:)

I felt the same way! Very sore, tired, nauses..but every day was better for sure. Id say by week 3 you should feel really good. Although i had a drain, & some ppl didnt. Just keep moving and sipping water all day. Stick to drs orders!! You will feel better soon;)