Day 3 Post Op: Am I Normal?

[Kelsey Marie 49]

So I had surgery Thursday afternoon and everything went perfectly smooth! I planned on being out of there Friday by 2 (because that's when my surgeon makes his rounds to check on his patients). I had to have a scan of my GI track and drink this nasty liquid to make sure that there weren't any leaks (it really sucks that the first thing I drink tastes like trashcan punch) and it was fine. The doctor came in after that (closer to 4) and said that everything was fine, except my pulse was "constantly" over 100, usually in the 120 range, and he wanted to keep me until it went down, even if that meant another night! Luckily I had my Fitbit on, and I was able to show that it was normal all day, except when they would come to do the readings, because the readings always fell right after a breathing treatment or right after I'd done laps around the floor. Finally, at 8, I was discharged. So that first day really wasn't normal.

Yesterday, I kept it pretty simple. Made a nice little pallet on the couch, walked every now and then, but the thing that gets me is drinking. My doctor didn't really give me a range to aim for, but I know I'm no where close. Yesterday, throughout the day, I was able to drink about 5 oz of my Isopure Protein drink and about 8 oz of Water. The more the day goes on, the harder it feels to drink anything, even if it's been hours since I've had something.

I woke up today feeling more enthusiastic, I guess because when I woke up, it wasn't as terrible to sit up. Water today hasn't been as much as an issue, I've had about 10 oz. I'm currently nursing about 2 oz of chicken broth. But when I tried to drink my Isopure today, it was a joke. I got about 1 oz in before my stomach said "Nope." I would get the pain behind my breast bone, which my surgeon said usually means you're full.

I just don't know what to do, because I know that Protein will help with healing and weight loss, and I know I'm only 3 days out, but this is scary.

[_Kate_ 2,224]

Just take it a day at a time. You sound as if its all going well and every day that passes will be better. Have faith!

[James Marusek 5,244]

During the first few days after surgery, your body is in a major healing mode. It is common during that time to not meet the goals for fluids and Protein. It may take a couple weeks to get to that point. Keep trying.

I disliked all Protein shakes, especially the Isopure. But I did a lot of experimenting until I found one that worked for me.

[Threetimesacharm 1,400]

Try to make your Protein Shake very thin. Syntrax Nectar drinks are more like flavoured Water than a Protein Drink. Make sure that you are constantly sipping your water, like all day long!

[Kelsey Marie 49]

I've tried the nectar drinks, I had a horrible case of throwing up the Cherry one before surgery and now every time I look at the container, that's all I can think of.

[laguerr13 993]

Try to get some crushed ice, I was told 64-75oz per day, and the first week I hit maybe 45oz, but it will get a lot better, I would rely on my stomach more than what I'm told, I wouldn't like to hurt myself, colder the Water or drinks the better for me, almost 3 months post op and I get 70-90oz now.....hang in there

[frogftsh 37]

My nutritionist said not to worry about Protein the first week unless I wanted it. She said many people can only handle the Clear Liquids and even though Isopure is considered a clear she said that the protein could cause fullness/nausea. They advised that I get as close to 60oz/day or more. I wasn't able to hit more than 40 for the first several days (I'm 6 days post). I think it wasn't until yesterday that I got to close to 70 and the same again today. Maybe try just clears with no protein for a day or two?

[Kelsey Marie 49]

My nutritionist said not to worry about Protein the first week unless I wanted it. She said many people can only handle the Clear Liquids and even though Isopure is considered a clear she said that the protein could cause fullness/nausea. They advised that I get as close to 60oz/day or more. I wasn't able to hit more than 40 for the first several days (I'm 6 days post). I think it wasn't until yesterday that I got to close to 70 and the same again today. Maybe try just clears with no protein for a day or two?

Thank you so much! That makes me feel so much better! And it makes sense, Water and broth are the only things that haven't caused me to feel pain or anything. I'll work on that. Thank you!

[Spiceyfrog 269]

I was told Protein was a "goal" (for the first month) and Water was a must! My surgeon said to drink a minimum of 4 ounces per hour. I adheared to it pretty well because I had a fear of getting dehydrated and ending up back in the hospital.

In the next couple weeks continue trying protein(s) and you will find one you like. I went through about six before I settled on a brand called AMP that I like.

[Djmohr 6,965]

As the others have said the most important thing is to get your Water in so you don't get dehydrated. I was on a clear liquid diet for a week before I was even allowed to try Protein drinks.

In priority:

Water

Protein

Vitamins

The thing that honestly worked best for me to ensure I got my liquids was to literally hold that cup in my hand and take a sip every few minutes.

Good luck! You will do great!