Back home...doing better

I had my surgery on 7/31. I had to stay until Thursday because I have been passing blood clots anally (2 much info., but the truth) and they thought I might need a blood transfusion or the doctor might have to go back in. Thank God that did not happen. They gave me some meds. to increase my blood platelets (sp?) and the doctor decided the blood was old blood that I was passing out of my bowels and I should be okay since I was walking around a lot and seemd to feel good (Thanks for the many people who advised me to walk as much as possible- it really does help). I also had problems with them finding my veins. I was stuck as many as six times before they even found one and the last night before I was released my IV was no longer doing well because the vein was blown. I was so glad they did not have to put in another one because the doctor said I could go home! However, I am having trouble getting in fluids - after I consume 3 oz. I start to feel that chest pain.....it really sucks because I don't want to be dehydrated.....and today I only got in about 20 oz. Any advice on ways to get in more water and protein is greatly appreciated. Monique D.

Hi Monique, I too had my surgery on 7/31 and was not released until Thursday. Still really sore and now I have a wonderful yeast infection on top of everything else! Anyway, I'm having trouble drinking enough too. I wish I knew the answer. I'll be checking this site in hopes that somebody will guide us in the right direction. Are you still on a full liquid diet? HOw long did your doctor recommend? He has limited me to sf jellos, low-sodium broths, sf ice pops, diluted apple juice and water. Tomorrow I can add carnation sf instant breakfast, sf puddings, skim milk plus, and yougurts for a week. Maryellen wishing us both a super speedy recovery as well as all our others 7/31sters!

I am on liquids and purees. I can have sf pops, sf jello, milk, yogurt (I puree it more in the blender so it's smoother becasue I had a little rumbling from eating it straight out of the container), cream soups, broths, protein drinks, pureed veggies (haven't tried yet), baby food fruits and even baby food meats (haven't tried). Some of it seems 2 soon 2 me so I have held off because they gave me a list of foods for weeks 1 to 4, but I feel like some of them I need to wait to eat closer to week 4! I also used someone else's suggestion about blending yogurt, skim milk, and a little ice. It was delicious! It also went down very smoothly! Yesterday I did try a suggestion from my gastric bypass book. I filled a water bottle with ice, then water, then let it freeze. Then I sipped on it all day as it melted. I got in the whole bottle (32 oz.) and probably 12 other oz. (44 oz. in all) which was a lot better than my previous day of about 20 - 25 oz. Anyway keep in touch and let me know if you find any interesting things to eat or ways to sneak in more protein or water! Monique D.

if you need help getting water in you could divide up how much you need over the course of the day and then set a timer or reminder to tell you to sip. I could only drink one ounce at a time. If you set the timer to go off every 10 minutes or so and drink an ounce or ounce and a half you'll have 64oz down and no chest pains. The 10 minute interval should be ample time for your pouch to drain. I know it is annoying but it is short term. Eventually you can self regulate and drink even more at a time. Good luck!

Thanks! That's a good idea! Do you have any suggestions for when I am out for long periods of time? I am trying to remember to take a water bottle with me......I am healing pretty well and trying to walk by going to stores, the mall, etc. I tried some fruit 2 o today and that seemed to go down better than plain water.....maybe I'm just getting tired of so much plain water and should try more crystal light, etc. What kind of stuff do you drink during the day? Thanks, Monique

Just make sure to always have it with you. I got a 22oz nice looking water bottle thing. Looks like it is for coffee. I just make sure to at least have a bottle in the car so i can fill it up with something if i forget to bring it from home. I know that if i drink 4 bottles full (of the 22oz), i am ok on my water intake. If i drink 5, even better. As for changing up the water, i use wyler's pink lemonade packets, crystal light peach tea or regular lemonade. I also got Isopure protein drinks (gatorade type flavor). The flavor is a bit strange but i add a pink lemonade pack and it is fine. 20oz of liquid, 40grams of protein. I like water though and i live in the middle of california where it is freaking hot so it is easier to ge****er in. There are also really good drinks called 'talking rain'. I have seen them at target. I let them go flat since they are lightly carbonated. The first post op thing i did was go to a discount store that had groceries (at least drinks) and bought one of every weird sugar free drink without caffeine. I found some cool things and went back and bought them out. They are cheap and you can usually get singles. Anyway. Happy you are doing well. Those blood clots sound like a pain in the butt Get that liquid in!

Thank you so much for the info. I think I will try some of them, especially the one that includes using the Isopure for protein. Monique D.