My surgery isn't for another 2 days but I've already been given my marching orders as far as maintaining hydration and the progression of my post-op diet. It was emphasized over and over that I MUST take in 64 ounces of water a day or risk dehydration. That includes any combination of  plain water and decaf or herbal teas, SF Jell-O, SF Popsicles, low-sodium broth or bouillon, etc. I can also use Special K Protein Water packs to get some protein but my doctor is more concerned about me staying hydrated than getting enough protein the first few days. I was even cautioned about taking a shower the first 3-4 days I'll be home because, if I were dehydrated, the warm water could cause me to pass out due to vaso-dilation. The nurse that I had the pre-op counseling session with told me that most re-admissions the week following bariatric surgery were due to dehydration.

I'm to stay on the clear liquid diet above for 2 days after I get home before I move to a full liquid diet. That's when I can start protein shakes and chewable multivitamins. I stay on the full liquid diet for 7 days and then move to the baby food/pureed stage. After a week at that stage I will move to soft foods and gradually introduce solid food.

Every surgeon has a different plan for both pre- and post-surgery diets so you should follow your own doctor's advice and schedule of stages. All of them, though, stress the importance of staying hydrated. I was also told to not be shy about calling the practice if I was having problems at any stage. They want me to be successful and not suffer unnecessarily.

Hi All.  I am two weeks post op RNY tomorrow.  I am having such a hard time eating.  I cannot eat anything or drink portein shakes without feeling sick.  The only thing I can eat is SF popsicles.  Is this normal, will it get better?  I am concered b/c I am not getting any protein.

Thanks so much!!!! Quick tip: getsomething to pick up stuff with- I bought b-b-q tongs. Another tip: be really nice to your nurses. I got a private room for three days (bless you Nurse Arabella) just handed to me. ((((:HUGS)))) to you for your surgery. Take it slow and you'll do great!

  i was supposed to have my surgery this upcoming thursday. i believe the only thing i needed was labwork but i was cleared from every angle. i went to call dr. baptiste and the calling center answered. i called every day for almost 2 weeks and they answered every single time. where is he? i am leaving a management position because they wouldn't give me my two weeks off for the surgery. i'm going to try again on thrusday but i feel let down. he is a great doctor, i just wish i could find him.

I am dumping the fluid like crazy since I last wrote this - I have lost all of the 16 lbs I gained plus 8 more.  I am now 8 lbs less than the day of surgery!

One of the girls in my support group lost all her IV fluids plus some before she went home.

It just goes to show you that we are all different.  Knowing that it was a temporary issue actually had me joking about it when I called work and asked them if they knew of anyone going into the hospital for WLS and gaining 16 lbs in one day.....we laughed like lunatics over that one.