Hydration Question

[jenneliza 257]

In the newly post op period does/did anyone else get completely full on just Clear Liquids? I can't advance to full liquids like shakes, pudding, or cream Soups bc I am just too full from clears. Even if I stop for 30 mins before I'm still so full. I did get down 2 servings so far of full liquids since yesterday and I was so full for like 6 hours after that I couldn't barely drink anything.

[jldeville 61]

In the newly post op period does/did anyone else get completely full on just clear liquids? I can't advance to full liquids like shakes' date=' pudding, or cream Soups bc I am just too full from clears. Even if I stop for 30 mins before I'm still so full. I did get down 2 servings so far of full liquids since yesterday and I was so full for like 6 hours after that I couldn't barely drink anything.[/quote']

I was allowed to do Protein shakes the day after surgery but for the 1st 3 or 4 days I only took in 1 ounce every 15 minutes.The hospital gave me a pack of 1ounce cups. My step mom set a timer to go off every 15 minutes and that helped space it out. After the 4th day I was able to get more down.

[bellepink77 44]

I still can't get down enough liquids or Protein

[DLCoggin 1,788]

In the newly post op period does/did anyone else get completely full on just clear liquids? I can't advance to full liquids like shakes, pudding, or cream Soups bc I am just too full from clears. Even if I stop for 30 mins before I'm still so full. I did get down 2 servings so far of full liquids since yesterday and I was so full for like 6 hours after that I couldn't barely drink anything.

Absolutely. The new pouch is only about 3 oz and there will be some swelling for several weeks which slows the movement from the pouch to the small intestine. Important as the liquids are, you probably want to keep in mind that Protein is right up there as well. Might be a good idea to mix and match as well as you can without ignoring either one. Protein is important for cell regeneration, protection from bacterial and viral infections, reducing hair loss, energy (in the absence of limited carbs), and preservation of lean muscle mass. And unlike fats or starches, you body cannot store protein so it needs to be replenished every day. Hang in there - it will get easier before you know it!

[jenneliza 257]

Thanks. I just get this feeling like swelling in my throat or a lump after anything but clear liquids and sometimes I get it with clears! I assume that's fullness. Still trying to get used to all these new body signals. Turns out what I thought was nausea earlier was pain (went away w pain meds!)

[Mel Delburne 11]

Hi. I'm new here. I am having the same issue. I'm 13 days post op and I can barely get my Protein in. Clear liquids go down a lot easier but it feels heavy and tight when I drink my Protein Drinks, pudding, oatmeal, etc. I even get some pain and tightening with clear liquids like Water, Jello, freezies, etc. I'm getting frustrated and I worry about getting my 66 grams of protein in a day.

[Sandy009 11]

Today is my first week post op and I have to start with the Protein Shake but I'm kinda scared since I have only been having liquids

[purpleamy 7]

Yes, yes, yes. I was so scared too. Jello hurt, fat free broth hurt. Everything hurt going down. I'm tw months out and I studies eating things. Please don't get discouraged. My doc told me last week "get you Water and Vitamins in, keep doing what your doing and at your sixth month mark this will all seem like a blur".

[theresa 13]

I'm 13 weeks post op and I am still struggling with Protein and Water amounts. I can not find protein supplements that taste good for more than 5 seconds....lol

[DLCoggin 1,788]

I'm 13 weeks post op and I am still struggling with Protein and Water amounts. I can not find Protein supplements that taste good for more than 5 seconds....lol

A while back I put together a list of high protein foods. A number of folks requested a copy of the file. Thanks to Dallas, it's been posted on the net and you can see it at...

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AquBbFV701VcdGZFc2p2Q29QTXIxc0tVU1lxMklBOHc

I'm assuming that you're on regular food at 13 weeks out. It's difficult to get all of your protein without some kind of supplement but hopefully you'll find some things here that will help!

You also might try getting some unflavored Protein powder. First thing in the morning, put a scoop of the powder in a small bowl. Depending on the powder, one scoop is 20g or more of protein. When you eat or drink something, put a pinch of the Protein Powder in. You can add it to almost anything and if it's just a pinch, you shouldn't notice the taste too much. By the end of the day you've eaten an additional 20g of protein, a pinch at a time.

Trying anything you can think of until you're getting all of your protein in every day is well worth the effort. Unlike fat or starches, you body cannot store protein and the nine "essential" amino acids must be obtained from food - the body cannot manufacture them. That means they need to be replenished every day. It's quite important for faster healing, increased energy, reducing hair loss, preserving lean muscle tissue and protection from bacterial and viral infections. You're gonna love the new you!!

[theresa 13]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[~Christi~ 54]

Hello everyone. I am 3 months out tomorrow. I had so much trouble in beginning with getting my liquids, Protein, and Vitamins in. I felt so full all the time that I did not want to try anything. The only thing that I can say is that I just kept trying every day to get what I could in. One day it will just happen. I am not sure that I did anything any different than any other day, I just kept trying. It is so hard in the beginning, but one day it will just happen. Try not to stress about it. Just work at getting all your numbers in and it will happen. Those three things: protein, Water, and vitamins are the three most important things for you right now. I had tons of Protein Shakes planned out for after surgery and could not drink any of them after surgery. You just have to keep trying to find something that works! You all can do it. You can't give up. You have to keep trying and it will work out. I spent a lot of money trying to find 1 shake that I could handle. This is a HUGE trial and error process. Learn to work with your "tool" (your pouch) and not try to work against it. It is an adjustment for the both of you! Learn to love it...even when it doesn't seem to love you in return! lmao. Hope this helps everyone.