I am 4 days out and not sure how to continue. First, I was unaware of the amount of fluid in pounds I'd retain after surgery so I still have 7 to lose before I'm at surgery weight. I realize that I don't know how to sip either. I am constantly feeling full. I was told to sip, sip all day. But I can't do it! Can someone tell me how long until the surgery and IV fluid was gone and exactly how much they drank per hour, or ate per day. I love Greek yogurt so I'd like to incorporate that and include like a scoop of protein to get up to like 23 g per meal. Thank you!

I sipped all day long using little medicine cups. One every 15 minutes. Its what my surgeon does and I could not go home until I was off IV and sipping enough fluids all day long. It is hard for sure but you can do this!!

You look great!!

What exactly were you sipping? Is that what you did for two weeks?

I gained 11 pounds from the IV! It was gone in about a week.

Molly 10/2/13

I gained 12lbs, it was gone in a week. It was hard learning to juggle liquid, protein, and vitamins. In the beginning the only thing I had success with was vitamins - everything else fell way short. Liquid is the most important to avoid dehydration but it's hard to get what you need at first. The protein happens gradually over time. Take it slow. Drink, make everything you eat count, get vitamins on a schedule that works for you. Walk as often as you can. Give yourself time - the liquid and protein will gradually increase as you heal. :-)

I was feelng really bad for the week post-op. My only goal was to get in enough fluids. I figured my body had stored enough fat to last me a looooooooooooooong time, so I wasn't worried about eating.

But I kept a 20oz glass on my desk and just sipped and sipped. A sip was only enough to wet my tongue, anything bigger and Frankensleeve would roar at me. :-p It took at least a week before I could saftely swallow more that a teaspoon full of Water.

Okay. This is very helpful. It's a lot to comprehend let alone change. I'm getting there. Thanks everyone!

Try using a Camelback water bottle and take the straw out (so your not sucking in air). It only lets you take small sips at a time

It's my understanding that the camelback valve system prevents you from getting air, so no need to change anything. I bought one pre-op because of that (but didn't use it so I returned it).

It's my understanding that the camelback valve system prevents you from getting air' date=' so no need to change anything. I bought one pre-op because of that (but didn't use it so I returned it).[/quote']

Actually I bought the backpack type. Maybe bottle don't have the valve system. :-)