Hey lady! So, are you on any kind of acid reducting medication? If your stomach is rumbling that is not head hunger. Head hunger is pretty much uncontrollable ( they can be controlled but hard to do! ) desire to eat.

Anyhow, having a lot of acid can mimic hunger pains. I use Prilosec and as long as I'm eating protein first I rarely feel hunger pains even this far out from surgery, and even when I do they are faint in comparison to pre surgery.

The pain while swallowing does go away, rest assured. It took me at least three weeks from what I remember.

*hugs* NO worries, you're doing excellent.

Thanks LMD! I started myself on prilosec and it has helped. Maybe I need to increase the dose to twice a day until I can get in to see my doctor.

How did you get your protein in your first couple of weeks? I think I may need to make myself a schedule. I'm trying to stick to the not drinking while "eating" but i'm just stressed about getting fluids in, i drink whatever I can.

I really appreciate help from the vets! I thought I'd read everything and was totally prepared, but nothing prepares you for it completely LOL!

Rhapsody, great questions! I am feeling much the same way on day 4. I tally my cups of protien and liquid and write down what times I take medicine/vitamins. It stresses me out though, as I have only been able to get down 7 oz (28 grams) of protein and about 28 oz of G2/water. I was told to get to 48 oz. of liquid plus 45 grams of protein.

I feel the same way with the pains and air as I take each sip. Walking around seems to help, but not enough.

Hang in there, you're not alone that's for sure!

hope2Bfitand40 thanks for the support! I know I'm not the only one but some days it sure feels like it!!

How do you measure your sips? do you use a small medicine cup or do you just estimate?

I have been using the medicine cup. Tried to estimate yesterday but totally lost count. Luckily I finished two 12 oz G2 bottles, so I knew I had at least 24 oz.

The medicine cup also helps the liquid to warm up, which goes down a little smoother for me. I usually sip three times out of each 1 oz. cup. Once I get a cup down, I make a tally mark.

Ridiculous, but I'm scared to be dehydrated. They had to stick me 4 times to get the IV in and I have three terrible bruises, I don't want to have to go in for an IV if I can help it.

4 days down, woohoo!

I know Rhapsody has had some pain when swallowing so not sure what the best method for you is. I am constantly sipping on something.

I have a 10 oz bottle and I drink everything out of it. If I am drinking liquid protein I put it in that bottle too and sometimes I pour half the liquid protein in and add water to make it thinner. I get my protein and my water. Also, that way I know my goal is to drink 6 of those a day minimum. If I go over that great.

I drink my broth very warm out of a teacup and that is extra if I finish my 6th bottle and if not it goes towards my goal of 60-64 oz of liquids.

You are doing a great job Rhapsody!! Keep taking those sips and create a method that makes it easier for you!

Thanks Liberated Sleeve!! I'm taking all advice right now! I'll try the dedicated cup tomorrow! How much can you drink at once now?

For those of you having issues getting protein early out, I'm not sure what your doctors plan is, but my doctor had me mix my shake in the following manner.

9 oz 1% or skim milk

2 scoops of carb free or super low carb protein powder

I would take my medicine cup and measure out 3 oz for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It would take my about a half hour to drink those three ounces the first two weeks. By the time I went back to work I could do it in 10 minutes, which was nice.

I also struggled A LOT with fluids up until about two weeks ago when I discovered Propel Zero. I love that stuff! I now drink at least 2 24oz bottles a day and usually a medium ice coffee from DD. I can now smile without my lip splitting!!

Keep up the great work guys, it is SO worth it!

Thanks LMD! I started myself on prilosec and it has helped. Maybe I need to increase the dose to twice a day until I can get in to see my doctor.How did you get your protein in your first couple of weeks? I think I may need to make myself a schedule. I'm trying to stick to the not drinking while "eating" but i'm just stressed about getting fluids in, i drink whatever I can.I really appreciate help from the vets! I thought I'd read everything and was totally prepared, but nothing prepares you for it completely LOL!

I believe you are still on liquids? If that's the case then any liquids you consume, even protein shakes can add to both your liquid count as well as your protein count. I even used to substitute a few meals per day with protein shakes to do my best to get everything in. I still rarely did, but I think the main thing is doing your best. Just remember, fluid intake is #1, then protein is #2. HTH