Advice needed! Clear Liquid diet.

[brookealison2001 0]

Help please. I had my surgery this past Wednesday, June 24th, 2015, I was discharged Thursday afternoon. Diet is Stage 1, clear liquid, 4 ounces per hour, 16 ounces of Protein Shake per day.

So, yesterday AM i from 6-10 I had approx 6ox of H2O and 2 ounces of Protein shake, took a short walk and fell asleep. When I woke up I had such terrible chest pain I called the surgeon office in a panic, thinking I had a PE. After speaking with the nurse, she suspected that the protein shake was "stuck". She told me to stick with ice chips and italian ice, things that will fource me to take small sips. I ate a little Jello last evening with no issues, I had a cup of tea with no issues this AM, my question: When should I retry my protein shake? I'm afraid to drink it again, but I know I need the protein...

Any advice is appreciated.

Thank You!!

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

Whatever you are mixing with your Protein shake, Water or milk product, you can use more to thin it out. The issue I had was the thickness of it with the tightness of my sleeve after surgery. I would try again when you can. The most important thing initially is to stay as hydrated as possible and the Protein will come as you heal. It is very difficult for most, as it was for me, for me to get those Fluid levels they want you to attain initially. Good luck and just try a small amount to start!

[CloserToFine 172]

I agree with @ShrinkingPeach. Focus on the liquid first. I'm curious about your Protein shake; they're not all create equal. My Optimimum Nutrition powder mixes invisibly so that the consistency is literally the same as Water. I'd try to find a powder that is as easy to mix.

Good luck and hang in there!

[CloserToFine 172]

Oops -- "Optimum," not "Optimimum." That's post-surgery brainfog for you!!

[wascott 395]

Same opinion here. Get your clear fluids in before you worry about your Protein. My first protein was an Isopure clear Protein Drink on day 4. Day 5 I did an isopure and later in the day a Premier Protein shake. Take very small sips and wait before taking another sip. You need to learn how your new stomach is going to feel. If you feel full or stuck then it's time to stop. You still have a lot of swelling. It will get better.

Also...bubbles are bad. Try not to swallow bubbles. The bubbles can be difficult to burp out with all that swelling and can cause some pain and or discomfort.

[BizzyB 119]

I had clear liquid only for the first two days post op. I bought a clear liquid Protein powder from the weight loss clinic that I could put in Water to be able to get my protein... but my focus for those two days was the Water because I was crazy thirsty. I didn't start my Protein shakes until my third day at home, they went down fine at that point. I use Premier Protein shakes. I was also only allowed 1 oz per hour for the first two days of clear liquid. Surgeon instructions can all be so different!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I would say keep trying but make sure you are taking small sips. liquids are critical but so is Protein. It sounds like you just drank too fast. I wouldn't wait too long until you try again. You should be literally sipping some Fluid all day long at this stage.

[seesuzyshrink 52]

I agree with the others on keeping the Protein shakes thin. I pour mine over ice and as the ice melts the shake thins out nicely. And remember...sip, sip, sip! Sometimes I forget and I take a big old slurp and and sure do pay for it afterward! Patience has never been my virtue but I sure have learned to use restraint in these past 12 days. Good luck!