I guys. I had my surgery on the 31st of March but my insides are aching like crazy. I had the drain removed yesterday and the hole is still open and weird feeling.

Is it supposed to be this painful? And I can't really take the protein shakes, I feel like vomiting so I stop. I bought premier different tastes but they all taste like chalk. I am just frustrated with this feeling of weakness and I keep having shortness of breath. I also haven't had a BMW after surgery. Is that normal?

I need some encouragement.

Did your surgeon prescribe painkillers for you? If so, use them if you aren't! If not, or if they are not working for you, get in touch and get a prescription (or a better prescription). Pain is absolutely normal after surgery -- but so are painkillers that are supposed to take care of it! That said, there are some kinds of nerve pain that most painkillers are just not going to touch, and that can happen if, for example, your drain tube was jammed in to a nerve for a while. It took a couple of weeks for my pain associated with the drain site to resolve, even with painkillers.

Try different kinds of protein shakes. Did you stock up on samples before surgery? If not, this is the time to try. Go to Nashua Nutrition or Vitalady and get different brands and flavors. You might also have better luck with hot/warm forms of protein, such as the protein soups, hot chocolate, or cappuccino -- all available at Nashua Nutrition. Or get some samples of the Unjury Chicken Soup protein (unjury.com). Their Chocolate Splendor protein powder makes a drink that is a lot lighter and more palatable than Premier IMO. You can also do things like add a half scoop of unflavored protein to warm chicken, beef, or miso broth.

Also, have you tried the Syntrax Nectar protein powders? They mix up with ice water and are definitely lighter in texture and taste. A lot of people find they do better with them than with the thick, chalky, milk-type shakes, particularly the RTD ones.

Keep trying on the protein but definitely get all your fluids in as your first priority. Yes it is normal to feel weak and tired after surgery -- give it a few weeks at least!

With respect to the BM - you may want to contact your surgeon and see what is permitted to get things moving . . . lots of people use Miralax or Milk of Magnesia. While you don't have a whole lot of food going in right now, you don't want to let things get too backed up.

Did your surgeon prescribe painkillers for you? If so, use them if you aren't! If not, or if they are not working for you, get in touch and get a prescription (or a better prescription). Pain is absolutely normal after surgery -- but so are painkillers that are supposed to take care of it! That said, there are some kinds of nerve pain that most painkillers are just not going to touch, and that can happen if, for example, your drain tube was jammed in to a nerve for a while. It took a couple of weeks for my pain associated with the drain site to resolve, even with painkillers. Try different kinds of Protein shakes. Did you stock up on samples before surgery? If not, this is the time to try. Go to Nashua Nutrition or Vitalady and get different brands and flavors. You might also have better luck with hot/warm forms of protein, such as the protein soups, hot chocolate, or cappuccino -- all available at Nashua Nutrition. Or get some samples of the unjury chicken Soup protein (unjury.com). Their Chocolate Splendor protein powder makes a drink that is a lot lighter and more palatable than Premier IMO. You can also do things like add a half scoop of unflavored protein to warm chicken, beef, or miso broth. Also, have you tried the Syntrax nectar protein powders? They mix up with ice Water and are definitely lighter in texture and taste. A lot of people find they do better with them than with the thick, chalky, milk-type shakes, particularly the RTD ones. Keep trying on the protein but definitely get all your fluids in as your first priority. Yes it is normal to feel weak and tired after surgery -- give it a few weeks at least! With respect to the BM - you may want to contact your surgeon and see what is permitted to get things moving . . . lots of people use Miralax or Milk of Magnesia. While you don't have a whole lot of food going in right now, you don't want to let things get too backed up.

Thank u so much. This really helps me. I will look into the Protein Shakes n soups and will call my doc as soon as he gets in.

I do have great pain killers I just hate the sleepy grogginess that comes with it. I started taking Tylenol extra strength. It helps. I was just a little worried that I'm the only one that's taking it so hard and I'm usually the type to just walk off any pain or sickness.

your answer really helped me thank u.

The surgery is a little nerve wracking because we are not sure how we are going to be affected. I remember being a little afraid something would happen to me or my husband. Take it easy, rest, make sure you do get the fluids in so you won't get dehydrated (now that is scary). Good luck. The best is yet to be!