4 Days Post Op...need some HELP!

[TieraLeone 17]

So im 4 days post op surgery date was Dec 3rd. I was released from the hospital after two nights. I am still having a lot of pain, I actually went back to the ER the other night b/c the pain was more than I could bare. I have stronger meds now and I'm doing some what better.

I am 25 and childless so I think I was not prepared at all for the pain.

I am doing okay on my liquid diet I am really having a hard time drinking the NASTY Premier Protein drinks. I am mostly drinking Water, crystal light, sugar free Jello, and unsweetened applesauce.

Im noticing that i have to really slow down when consuming anything. I am trying to walk as much as I can but it hurts my stomach to move around too much.

I do hsve a few questions some my be a little TMI.. sorry

1. I am supposed to be consuming 60 grams of Protein a day I'm getting about half that due to the fact I really hate the premier shakes and when I drink them my chest hurts. Any high concentrated shakes anyone can recommend? (Btw I hate chocolate anything and anything milk tasting)

2. I have not had a bowel movement since dec 2nd the night before my surgery so 6 days should I be concerned?

3. I quit smoking cigarettes before the surgery, ever since leaving the hospital I have been having extreme urges... what would happen if i have just one?

4. My stomach, beasts, and sides are really itchy especially around the incision areas. Is that normal?

5. How long should I wait for sex I am still quite sore but I just want to make sure its all in working order lol.

I know this is a looong post God Bless you if you have time to skim it and help a chick out!

Thanks in adavnced

-Tiera

[beautysleeve559 69]

Hello..my name is Daja and I am 25 also. I had surgery September 15th so I'm almost 3 months post op. After surgery I had trouble with the Protein as well. Premier was not my favorite. I also was not a fan of chocolate either so everything I got was vanilla. For my protein I chose a brand called NECTAR..it has 23 grams of protein and everything else was 0. The calories were 50 per scoop. But it worked for me. Also 6 days no bowel movement in my opinion is normal. It took me 2 weeks to have a bowel movement my surgeon told me it's because we are barely getting any food or liquids in at the beginning and because your body is getting used to all the trauma we put it in. So I think it's normal. As far as the cigarettes go I'm not too sure because I'm not a smoker..lol..and the incisions will itch...mine itched a lot especially during the healing process...so yes it's normal. .and sex..I waited for a week..lol..my surgeon said it's fine as long as your not in any pain...if it doesn't hurt them go for it..lol..any who I hope I was helpful..good luck to you on your journey

[Elode 8,093]

1) your probably not going to get all the required Protein in first thing. Try some Isopure ready made clear drinks if you can find them they have 40grams per bottle and aren't milky.

2) try some Mirlax

3)Don't! Just NO! I'm virtually smacking your hand -

4)It probably itches because it's healing.

5)Wait until your comfortable with the idea, if you think your stomach hurts now lord have mercy! And you CANT have a cigarette So really what's the point??! J.j lol!!!

[BitterSweet* 835]

Good Lawd girl!! Do whatever you feel up to except the smoking. Smoking delays wound healing substantially, and depriving healing tissues of needed oxygen is the last thing that would be on my list. Have sex instead and then go to sleep. Skip the cigarrette(s).

Itching is a sign of healing, just as Elode indicated. As long as it's just itching without a rash or blisters, you're good. Don't scratch though!

Smooth Moves tea can help with the BM issue and smaller sips of whatever should help with the chest discomfort. The clear Protein drinks may work better for you than the shakes right now. Congratulations on your surgery!

[TieraLeone 17]

Thanks soo much ladies!! I am do thankful fir this forum of support! I promise not cigarettes and I will givebyhr sex a few more days. I going to Walmart tomorrow to get some different shake options. My follow-up appt is Thursday Im sure they will help to. THANKS SO MUCH AGAIN good luvk yo you all! Im feeling inspired and a lot less anxious

[SnohoGal98296 371]

For Protein shakes - I also highly recommend the Syntrax nectar Powdered Protein drinks - they have them in fruit flavors and lemonade, you can buy sample packs from Amazon or "MyBariatricPantry"

For the bathroom question - During these first few weeks you will not poo as much as you used to - it is definitely due to the liquid diet, once you move to more dense foods it will be more normal, I am 6 months out and I still sometimes go every three days or so. And I am eating normal foods and tend to eat high Fiber.

For the smoking - just don't, take this time as the time to not go back. think about the steps you are taking to take back your health - and how the man is taking all of your money all the while knowing they are slowly killing you.... About the weird cravings - I had weird cravings, even in my dreams. It is like your brain is screaming "Why aren't you eating??" and since the diet isn't changing your brain tries to trick you. It gets better, I promise it does, and when you are 6 months out and 80 lbs down like I am, you dance every time your clothes are too big and you just keep shrinking :-D

For the incisions, the healing itches, it gets better too - try bio oil after the tape falls off - I can barely see most of my incisions now.

For the sex - if you feel like it, go for it, maybe go slow until you know you aren't overdoing it, it is good exercise too!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

There are a zillion other ways to get your Protein. You can try Liquid Protein, unflavored powders that you can mix into Soups, or Protein waters. My advice is to buy a bunch of single serving until you find a few you like. I did a variety in order to be able to switch up. In addition to Walmart, try Rite Aid/CVS, Vitamin Shoppe or GNC, even Amazon will have several varieties. Online their is Isopure and Prosource no carb. Just make sure whatever you get is high protein, low carb, and low sugar.

Oh yeah NO SMOKING!!! It's not good for you to begin with and could impede your healing.

Edited December 9, 2014 by BLERDgirl

[sunflowerchild 146]

Definitely get some unflavored Protein. I couldn't stand any flavored protein for the first couple weeks after surgery so unflavored was a life savor. If you want some flavored not chocolate /milk protein try Isopure RTD or syntax nectar. I've heard a bunch of people recommend these.

[TieraLeone 17]

***UPDATE I got the nectar whey Protein Powder!!! I found it at Vitamin Shoppe, I love that it has many different flavors. It does. Kt taste horrible either it just needs to be ice cold. Thanks for all your help!