Debbie, thank you for the validation. I'm also off work for 6 weeks and I'm so glad too. It's good to know that you felt the exhaustion too. It makes sense with the "hibernation syndrome". I was so cold forever and just plain exhausted. No other word to describe it. But, honestly, over the last few days, I feel like I've turned the corner. I have more energy, I'm not nearly as cold and I feel like I'm living some again. I'm on the upswing!!!
Jackie, the weight gain is very normal. I gained in the first week too. They flood you with IV fluids in the hospital and then your body goes in to a sort of shock and holds on to everything it has as a survival mode type thing. Then when you body realizes things are ok, it starts to let it go. As far as getting your fluids in, I took a water bottle to bed with me. I woke up already a lot because I was uncomfortable, so when I woke up, I would take a sip of water. It really helped get my fluids in. I constantly have some sort of beverage at my side. I'm even able to wait the time before and after meals to drink. Remember that your shakes count for fluid too. I will tell you that I use the app MyFitnessPal that keeps track of all my fluids, proteins, and everything. It has been such a helpful tool for me. Let me know if you need ANYTHING and I'd be happy to help! Stay strong, you made a very hard decision and you're through the hardest part. You can do this!!!!
