Liz B.

Hi all,

I am just 2 months post-surgery and am about to go on a cross-country road trip. I'll officially be on solid foods, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for how to eat well when the only thing I'll have is a small cooler? I know I can do some lunch meat, cheese stick, etc. but I was also hoping for any advice on high Protein or healthy snacks/meals that won't require any type of refrigeration. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

On 4/4/2021 at 8:01 AM, Lillimint said:

This was THE most frightening thing about the first week or two after surgery. The math just didn’t work out! I had a lot of anxiety about dehydration, but every day became a little bit easier. I could take bigger sips, and the routine of continually drinking started to become less cumbersome. Now I’m 8 or 9 mo the post op, and I’ve got a good routine down. I can take several big gulps at once with no problem. It’s not as much as before, but it’s still very satisfying.

Definitely an usual feeling right now. I was a “chugger”. Drinking all day gives it that “chore” feeling. Glad to hear it gets easier

On 4/3/2021 at 10:37 PM, Arabesque said:

Yes, it is hard to reach your fluid goals to begin. My surgeon told me that. Same with meeting Protein goals. He said as long as I was making a real effort to get there it was ok & I would make it. One thing to remember is that all liquids count towards your Fluid goals so those two Protein Shakes are Fluid too. I used to dilute my shakes (added 1/2 as much Water again). They still tasted disgusting though! I also made very milky rolled oats for Breakfast. One serve lasted me for days but the milk added to my fluid goals.

Honestly, I was a big Water drinker before surgery but now I sometimes find it almost too heavy. I still struggle to take more than a big mouthful or two at a time. Two things I discovered was I find it easier to drink from a glass than a bottle & warm drinks are easier than cold.

I love my team, but was super surprised when my doc said “most people don’t count their Protein Shakes towards their goal” I was so discouraged. Glad to hear that’s not true for everyone.

On 4/3/2021 at 10:21 PM, Creekimp13 said:

It gets better, but I still miss being able to drink a whole glass of Water at one time. Three years out, I can take a couple of glups, but that's it.

On 4/3/2021 at 10:21 PM, Creekimp13 said:

It gets better, but I still miss being able to drink a whole glass of Water at one time. Three years out, I can take a couple of glups, but that's it.

I think my doctor didnt really believe me when I told him the only thing I drink is Water. It’s my one true love. Definitely tough.

Hello all,

I just needed to complain to someone! I'm calling bull on the whole "get adequate liquid" thing. I want to get adequate liquid! I crave a nice large ice-cold cup of Water. 64 oz pre-surgery? EASY. A dream. Now? pureed stage, 3 small meals a day. Plus 2 Protein Shakes. Wait half an hour before eating or drinking, half an hour to complete your meal, and then wait half an hour afterward. Let's do the math. 5 x 1.5 = 7.5. I'm supposed to dedicate 7.5 hours a day to consuming food/protein but still get 64 oz-in. It breaks my heart. Hands down the most difficult thing about this experience. I miss being able to consume water like normal. Sometimes I worry I'm stretching my stomach out too fast by taking bigger sips, but the little ones get me nowhere. Life's a real trip sometimes bebes.