How do you eat after?!

[Aranks 94]

Good afternoon,

I had surgery on the 28th, was in the hospital two nights and released Sunday afternoon. Was sleeved and had my gallbladder removed.

I had my post op appointment yesterday and today was my first day back at work. I kind of go scolded. I am trying to eat but my body is not cooperating. Each day I'm trying to increase my intake slightly. Yesterday I had about 8oz of Water a 10oz Protein Drink and a cup of pudding. Thus far today I've had a yogurt a Protein shake and about 8oz of water. Being there is still daylight left I'm hoping to get some more nutrients down this evening. I feel completely stuffed. I sip throughout the day if its not water it's a Protein Shake. But I just fill up so much my stomach gets crazed with unrest and I feel like it's creeping up. Plus my burping is crazy! Every sip I burp. Did anybody else go through this? Any recommendations?! I'm so flustered because I'm trying to be such a good little patient and despite my efforts I'm falling short.

Thank you!

[BeagleLover 1,020]

The first few days, I needed to sip the Isopure (40 grams of Protein in a bottle) drinks very slowly, all day, or I didn't get in enough Protein. After 4 days I was given the go ahead to eat whatever I could tolerate (advised me not to start with steak). As long as I took tiny bites and paused between each one, I could stop on a dime and stop eating before feeling overly full.

It's also important not to eat and drink at the same meal. Wait at least 1/2 hour after eating before drinking.

[sweatpants 7]

You should definitely be trying to get your fluids in firsf, then Protein these first 2 weeks. Clear fluids for that period, then pureed foods for 2 more. I was sleeved 9/17 and it was hard for me too. I mainly had chicken broth, sugar free Jello, yogurt and pudding. I added Protein Powder, unflavored, to what I could. I also drank those six star Protein Shakes. I got it at Wal-Mart, and skim milk. 2% was ok too. I added Peanut Butter to the triple chocolate flavor. I also got nauseous after I found something I liked then I didn't like it. Lol. It's frustrating but it'll pass too.

[Aranks 94]

I HATE Isopure lol I drink Pure Protein or Premiere one has 23g and the other 32g and are only 10oz as opposed to Iospure's 20oz. I am waiting 15 minutes before transitioning from Water to food and 30 minutes after eating before drinking. But I can barely get anything down. My Protein Drink this afternoon took nearly 4 hours to finish 10oz. If I drink faster though I feel like it will soon be coming back for a second appearance.

The first few days, I needed to sip the ISOPURE (40 grams of Protein in a bottle) drinks very slowly, all day, or I didn't get in enough protein. After 4 days I was given the go ahead to eat whatever I could tolerate (advised me not to start with steak). As long as I took tiny bites and paused between each one, I could stop on a dime and stop eating before feeling overly full.

It's also important not to eat and drink at the same meal. Wait at least 1/2 hour after eating before drinking.

[RedDirtRoads 64]

I think it is possible your stomach is still swollen at this point . . . I was about 12 days out before I could get fluids in "normally". In the beginning it was taking me 2 days to drink one 32 oz Powerade zero.

[Aranks 94]

I got moved to Stage 2 of my diet as of yesterday so I can have full liquids, including pudding and yogurt (super exciting for me!). I'm on this stage for 2 weeks, then move to pureed in stage 3 for a week than start a regular soft diet December 25th. That's a great idea adding the Protein powder! What did you find worked best for that?? I really enjoy my Protein shakes, but I just feel so full! It gets to the point where I just burp feel a little something starting to creep and have to stop. It takes me hours to just finish a protein shake, four hours today. Even having a yogurt or pudding takes me about an hour and a half to two hours. I just don't get it!

You should definitely be trying to get your fluids in firsf, then protein these first 2 weeks. Clear fluids for that period, then pureed foods for 2 more. I was sleeved 9/17 and it was hard for me too. I mainly had chicken broth, sugar free Jello, yogurt and pudding. I added protein powder, unflavored, to what I could. I also drank those six star Protein Shakes. I got it at Wal-Mart, and skim milk. 2% was ok too. I added Peanut Butter to the triple chocolate flavor. I also got nauseous after I found something I liked then I didn't like it. Lol. It's frustrating but it'll pass too.

[Aranks 94]

Thank you! That's what I was kind of thinking but I felt taken back when the nutritionist and doctor looked totally discouraged with me (probably in my head they're all super pleasant). But they just told me I really have to work on getting my intake up. It's just so difficult!

I think it is possible your stomach is still swollen at this point . . . I was about 12 days out before I could get fluids in "normally". In the beginning it was taking me 2 days to drink one 32 oz Powerade zero.

[sweatpants 7]

Also, get some baby spoons. Eating with those will help you control what amount of food you take in. I ate a lot of Soups too. I would recommend you don't eat any bread. Try the low carb tortillas. I found them at Food Lion ,a local grocery store. Never saw them at Wal-Mart.

[sweatpants 7]

I user the Unjury unflavored Protein powder. I added it to homemade ice cream, Soups, and gravy. It took me awhile to get up to 90g of protein and 48 ounces of Water. Once you get used to sipping on water and Protein Shakes it'll be easier. Vary your menu too. Make fruit smoothies with frozen fruit, protein powder and yogurt. Use ice or milk.

[sweatpants 7]

Don't get too discouraged. This will pass soon. Especially when you see the weight coming off. I got really upset with my inability to get my nutrients in and having absolutely no taste bud consistency. Tastes good, then I'm sick of it. That happened so many times. But after 4 weeks out of work being bored , it finally leveled out. It's worth it. I have so much energy. By the way. Remember to walk every day. You'll drop the weight so much faster. I lost like 30 lbs in 3 weeks.

[vincereautmori 323]

One more thing to remember is to eat or drink slowly, you're still healing and its going to take time. I got so tired of the Protein drinks that once I got on regular foods, it was definitely easier. Best of luck.