I'm about 3 weeks out and I'm totally exhausted all day. I know I'm dehydrated because I can't drink much at all especially water. No matter the temperature of the water it makes my stomach cramp. I'm no where near getting 60gms of protein in. Nothing taste good especially protein drinks. UGH!!!

I'm 2 months & a few days out and still not getting in enough protein. Hang in there.

You are tired because you're not getting all of your essentials in. Don't give up - find alternative ways to get in the fluids. If 'water' is too bland, do something to spice it up! I added Syntrax's "Apple Ecstacy" to my morning nalgene bottle of Water along with some powdered Wylers lemonade drink mix for a sweet and tart drink that is refreshing - definitely add LOTS of ice and shake it up! I couldn't do the shakes without gagging, but found other ways because all of us here on these boards are determined!!!

Also, chew on ice chips, use sugar-free ice pops from teh grocery store, if you don't make them yourself. Another way to get Protein is to make the chocolate Protein Shakes and freeze them into FUDGCICLES!!! You're getting fluids and Proteins, then. TRY EVERYTHING and ANYTHING!

I agree, I feel like crap all the time. Trying though, keep trying. That's all you can do. I can't even think straight I feel so drained. Popsicles and ice are my saving Grace. Protein powder is disgusting.

New Life Started 07/24/12

I'm four weeks post op and feel terrible too. You aren't alone. My stomach cramps at anything I put in. I hate food. Nothing tastes good or satisfying. I'm supposed to get in 66 g of Protein a day and most days I'm not even half that.

I'm tired all the time. I sleep for 10-13 hours. When I don't sleep that long I take frequent naps. I'm told it gets better but that must be months away. I hope to look back at this and laugh.

You might try getting some unflavored Protein powder. First thing in the morning, put a scoop of the powder in a small bowl. Depending on the powder, one scoop is 20g or more of protein. When you eat or drink something, put a pinch of the Protein Powder in. You can add it to almost anything and if it's just a pinch, you shouldn't notice the taste too much. By the end of the day you've eaten an additional 20g of protein, a pinch at a time.

I sometimes wonder if doctors and others do a good job of helping folks understand the importance of protein. Unlike fats or starches, your body cannot store protein. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and the nine "essential amino acids" must be obtained from food - they are essential because your body cannot manufacture them. That means they have to be replenished. Every day. Carbs are king when it comes to energy but when you're on a low carb diet, your body will use protein for energy instead. Every cell in your body contains protein. Remove all of the Water in your body and 75% of what's left is - protein. Protein is critically important in the healing process following surgery. Protein is a key player in helping the body fight off bacterial and viral infections. Protein will help minimize muscle loss during rapid weight loss and will also help reduce hair loss to a minimum. Try anything you can think of until you're getting ALL of your protein in, every day.

Perhaps Winston Churchill said it best - "It is of no use saying that 'we are doing the best we can'. Success, means doing what is necessary."

Those of you that are dehydrated, have you been to the E.R.?

Thanks DLCoggin.

As for my earlier post. Today is the first day I have used the Protein powder. I mixed it with my morning Protein shake. BAD idea. It was like drinking chocolate flavored glue. Will not be doing that again. I am determined to get my protein in come hell or high Water though. I want to lose the weight but not my muscles.

I was overwhelmed and disheartened this morning. I'm usually not such a quitter.

New Life Started 07/24/12

Did u mix extra powder into a premixed shake? That never seems to work. I hope u find something that works for you soon;)

Those of you that are dehydrated' date=' have you been to the E.R.?[/quote']

No. I won't go until I'm not able to move or stand. Would love to get an iv but dont want to spend 8 hours in the ED. Nurses are the worst patients!

No. I won't go until I'm not able to move or stand. Would love to get an iv but dont want to spend 8 hours in the ED. Nurses are the worst patients!

Lol, same here. Nurses do make the worst patients. I so wish I could walk in & say give me a bolus of D5.5 w/ LR & be done with it. Such as it is, I'm not going in till, like you said, I can't move. I'm a rusty nurse but still a nurse.

New Life Started 07/24/12

Lol' date=' same here. Nurses do make the worst patients. I so wish I could walk in & say give me a bolus of D5.5 w/ LR & be done with it. Such as it is, I'm not going in till, like you said, I can't move. I'm a rusty nurse but still a nurse.

New Life Started 07/24/12[/quote']

Exactly. I would love to say give me two bags and send me home! Don't think that would go over too well! I wish they did ivs at urgent care...

No. I won't go until I'm not able to move or stand. Would love to get an iv but dont want to spend 8 hours in the ED. Nurses are the worst patients!

Lol. I forgot you were a nurse. I'm not a nurse, but when I went to the e.r. I told them what was wrong.

I got a little desperate last night bc of feeling so crappy. Even though I've got about 8 kinds of protein at home -most of which I can't tolerate anymore- I went to get some Nectar. I just tried the Fuzzy Navel for breakfast and it's defnitely doable. Can hopefully get more liquids and protein in with it.

The Vitamin Shoppe sells it and they told me if you don't like the flavor, it can be exchanged for a different one. Plan B would be to try the Lemonade Flavor.