Post surgery concerns

[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

I am going for the sleeve and I have two concerns:

The first is that the nutritionist has told me that for six days after surgery, I can only have Clear liquids such as Water and Decaf tea, no 'clear' Protein Drinks. All of my life, my body has had a strong need for Protein. If I don't have enough protein, I become very weak, cold profuse sweating and sometimes pass out. Six days with no protein sounds un-doable.

My second question is in regards to liquid intake. My body has also always required more liquid than alot of people that I know. I need to drink 12-24 oz. per hour, in order to not have a sudden crash feeling in which I need to lay down or sleep. I am told that I won't be able to drink more that 6 oz. per hour, less than half of what I need.

I have had MANY (1hr-5hr) glucose tolerance tests, since the symptoms resemble hypoglycemia. During the tests I have had severe symptoms, but my glucose levels are normal. I also get symptoms similar to hypoglycemia after eating sugar or drinking juice on an empty stomach, so since childhood, I only have protein for Breakfast. Protein will sometimes stop the reaction after it has started. There have also been times that I have not recently eaten, when I feel a pain in my stomach (like I need to move my bowels) then quickly become soaked with sweat, dizzy and weak for about 10-15 minutes.

Both of these have been happening for at least 35 years.

Has anyone had these symptoms before/after sleeve gastrectomy?

How can I get through 6 days of no protein?

Will I adjust to less liquid?

I want the sleeve VERY badly and don't want anything to get in the way, so any advice would help.

[MeMeMEEE 206]

Have you asked your Dr what his guidelines are? Sometimes the NUT and Dr differ in thought. Also, ask him about this - is he flexible? My program has us on Protein Shakes on day 3. liquids are hard to get in the beginning. The symptoms you describe - being sleepy, tired, needing to lay down? You will feel that way after surgery no matter what!

[grannyk 58]

From day 4 to day 10 when I was on Clear Liquids, I mixed GNC 100% whey Protein Powder in Water and I did just fine. I was able to keep up my Protein intake even though on liquids. I think this would be fine. Check with your doctor, but you body needs the protein to heal from the surgery. We don't have to everything everybody tells us if it is going to be really detrimental to our health. Use your common sense and what you body tells you to make this journey. Good luck, Kathe (I am 6.5 months out from surgery)

[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

to GrannyK, I'm going to ask about adding Protein powder to clear liquids or drinking clear protein drinks. I'm sure there is a reason that they don't want me to have those for the first six days, so I need to weigh their reasons against mine. I don't know if it is too hard to digest, and that's why they say to avoid those things. I don't want to do anything to affect the surgery results or my health.

[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

Hi MeMeMEEE, my reactions are more than just sleepy, they are debilitating. Profuse cold sweats and dizziness being the worst. I have an appointment on Friday and will also discuss, then. At a support group last night, one woman who was 6 years post op, described how she experiences dumping syndrome, and that also sounded similar, except I've had it all my life.

[Shae 44]

Efery doctor has a different opinion about when to eat (drink) what. It seems as though it will be up to you to discern what is best for you. I, too, am a protein-aholic. I thought I would have severe problems after the surgery because my NUT told me basically the same thing. However, on day two in the late evening, my doctor ordered a Boost splash that had 8 grams of Protein in it. Once I was home, I started Protein Shakes on day 4. Your body will tell you if you cannot tolerate it by getting rid of it. My philosophy was to read as much as possible about the recommended time frames for each stage as well as what people actually did. You will be surprised at the range of information you will find. That is why I say you will figure out what is right for you, not the NUT.

[Sleevie WonderLand 41]

Try powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken broth. It's considered a clear liquid and it's loaded with Protein. I think you should be in touch with your doc and nut regarding your concerns.

Unjury also has an "unflavored" Protein Powder that you can add to liquids to up your Protein intake.

[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

nut said even 'clear' Protein drinks are thicker. But doc says that I can have 'clear' protein drinks around day two. With the doc being aware of the situation he's going to watch for a problem, so I should be fine.