I'm 16 day post op and still not meeting my protein intake goals or liquid goals. I called my doctor and left a message, currently waiting for them to call back. Is this unusual? I'm starting to get headaches at this point.

I met both of mine pretty much right away, but I know a lot of people struggle with this the first three or four weeks. Getting your liquid goals are the more important of the two since being dehydrated can land you back in the hospital. One thing I've done for a long time is to drink 16 oz of water every morning as soon as I get out of bed - before I eat breakfast, drink coffee, or whatever. Even doing 8 oz right off the bat might help..

Lots of us struggle with drinking. Its the easiest thing in the world to do pre surgery but we have to almost relearn how to sip. I assure you, you will get there but it does take a monumental effort on your part. Then you will feel so much better. I think it took me 6 weeks to master. One day soon you will gulp a drink by mistake and it will not hurt.

Never put your drink down, its so easy to forget if you do. Some use little ounce cups and set timers but that was way too regimented for the lazy side of me.

Take a drink to bed with you, having Fibromyalgia has me always on the move, so if I turn over, I still drink.

i didn't reach my water goals until about 3 weeks post op.

protein goals i did not reach until sometime after 3 months..and even after that i reached protein goals maybe 80% of the time

i did get headaches weeks during the low water weeks but i slept alot. water def helps with headaches...if it's particularly bad, i've read some folks on here go to doc to administer fluids.

i also had a bout of orthostatic hypotension before AND after meeting my water goals (dizzy/fainty from getting up or moving too fast due to low blood pressure)...my doc told me to yep, drink more water, increase my salt intake and exercise, among other things.

you are right to speak to your doc, they will advise u properly.

good luck! ❤️

Thank you all, I've already been to the ER for dehydration. Trying to avoid going back.