Home from mondays surgery

Hi there :)  Yeah my gas is slowly getting better although I still have to burp every time I take a drink or bite of food.  The nurse moved me to purees/mushies yesterday to help my blood sugar.  I'm taking it really slow though.  I'm going out shortly to get some kind of protein bullet or shake to help with my intake because yesterday I might have gotten 15 grams in if that.  I'm also fighting to get these fluids in, but I know ultimately it's the most important thing right now.  I woke up feeling incredibly dizzy again...then in the shower i almost passed out.  So now I'm just sitting trying to get hydrated.


All in all though I would already do it again in a heartbeat :)

Send me a message and let me know how you are doing so we can keep in touch.  it's nice to compare notes because sometime I feel a little lost lol.

-Jennifer

Jennifer,

I had someone give me samples of liquid protein that you can add to water.  It tastes like melted grape popsicle.  I have been using that to help with protein intake.  You can mix it with 8 or more ounces and get 20 grams of protein from that alone.  I have heard others at the support meetings talk about getting something like it at a GNC or Vitamin Shoppe.  Haven't ventured for those yet, still have a couple of samples.

I also use Carnation Instant Breakfast (in Blue box with no sugar added).  By making it with 1 % milk and adding a 1/3 cup of powdered milk - it equals 21 grams of protein.  (mix = 5, milk = 8, and 1/3 cup powdered milk =8),  I take the mixture and divide it in two 4 ounce containers - put them in the freezer.  Later I have two servings of at least 10 grams each that you can chip away at.  It lasts and you can enjoy a frozen treat.

Those all all my "tips" right now.  Look for others on-line here.  Search on getting in protein during full liquid stage.  I can't wait to move to puree, but I am taking it slow like you.  I was also told if something doesn't work, back off back to the stage before and then try again.

I really think you will feel better with more protein, more fluid and LESS gas.  I know I do.

Good luck and I would love to keep in touch and share experiences and ideas.

Kathy

 

Thanks a bunch for the tips.  I had my husband run out today to get me some protein powder...think it was GNC's Pro performance 100% Whey Protein.  I tried a little made with water but I think I will use skim milk next time.  I will pick up some carnation and powdered milk in the next day or so to make the mixture you suggested.  

I'm a little nervous about my meal plan.  Basically they told me 1 week of clear liquids and then on to fork mashed or purees for a month.  The nut at the hospital told me I could basically have ANYTHING except bread, rice, steak, and melted cheeses.  She said even hamburger.  Just to cook it soft and mu**** up and chew well.  I'm kind of scared to be that adventerous for some reason..although everything I have tried so far seems to go down fine.  The nurse had moved me up to the next stage a few days early because of my dizziness issues.  So I'm only 6 days out from surgery and can basically try eating anything except those few things..a little scary to me.

I had well blended tuna this morning with a touch of mayo and it tasted so good going down..maybe an ounce and a half.  Sounds gross from breakfast but I'm going for high protein things the best I can.  I was full, but not too full.  It did keep me full feeling almost all day though...had a hard time drinking a lot because of it.  Maybe I should only do 1 ounce, but then I"m barely getting in enough protein you know..

Ok..rambling now.  You have to tell how it goes when you start purees..

-Jennifer

Your tuna sounds good.  That will be next week on puree.  Your doctor seems to allow you to be adventurous just a bit sooner.  I think it is all a matter of opinion and MOST importantly, what works for you.

I do have another tip on your protein powder.  Definitely add with milk to get the better taste and extra protein.  Also, if you are struggling, you can always use the Double Strength method that my surgery center suggests with the added powder milk.  OK  I haven't tried this myself, yet, but everyone at the support meeting raves about it.  They use Sugar Free Flavor Syrups made by DeVinci that you can buy near the grind your own coffee section at any Wegman's.  I bought chocolate and vanilla - but there are a lot of flavors.  A bottle is $5.99 here and it is pretty big.  Even the protein counter at the Synergy Center uses them in the protein shakes they sell for you to drink while you excersize.

Do you have a support group in your area?  I have found them very informative and supportive.  If you don't, I don't mind passing on all the info I get to you.  Variety will be our success.

As for the hamburger,  I have heard people tolerating chili very well when they get to that stage.  I would just puree very well now to allow your pouch to heal.  The Center here just had a social that was a Chili Cookoff.

OK>  I could go on and on.  It is late and I am still not sleeping well.  Didn't nap at all today, but still can't seem to sleep the whole night through.  Hope you are doing good on that point.....

Kathy