My first week

I got to the hospital at about 6, they set me up with the gown, and sent a nurse in to start the IV, that HURT! The needle was big, they said for surgeries it has to be. about a half hour later they come in with my coctail, and wheel me out into another room and slide me over on a table that has the arms out of the sides and the doc started to put a mask on my face and I asked him what that was for, he said to put you to sleep and out I was. After I got out of surgery (Wed.), my friend that was with me said she saw me stop breathing while I was asleep. Oh Joy. Off to ICU with a breathing machine overnight and a CT. The next day (Thursday) they move me back to the normal floor, but w/a breathing machine. My Oxygen levels drop and rise, then they put me on just one of those tubes they run under your nose, I end up doing better and by Friday Im off of Oxygen and by that time off of the pain meds. Yuck, all they did was put me to sleep. I wasn't in much pain, just some from one of my drain lines. I have 2 because they also removed my gallbladder. The hospital was depressing, it reminded me of a cheap motel room and the nurses werent always on top of the meds schedule. I wasnt allowed to drink anything until my leak test, I didnt care, I wasnt hungry or thirsty. So on Friday they send me down for the leak test. just thinking about it makes my cheeks tingle YUCK! The stuff looked like thick apple juice but tasted like alcohol. ICK. And I was informed that the stuff they use causes diarreah, oh boy cant wait for that to kick in. Passed the leak test so they removed the massive IV in my hand, and the catheter Saturday they shipped me home Ive been trying unsuccessfully to get in all of my fluids and protein daily. I purchased Unjury unflavored and I cant stand it, so Ive been drinking Boost high protein and thats the extent of my protein intake. I think I'll do better once I graduate to puree and soft foods though. And the water...sheesh I just cant do it all, not even half of whats recommended. I stocked up on generic Cristal Light and I dont even like that, it seems too wattery, gotta add less water next time I guess. I think I just need time to adjust.

I am two weeks post op and yes you definitely need to adjust. A few words of advice for you though-- Boost is too high in sugar content. (As well as Ensure). Try EAS AdvantEdge HP (High Protein) It is a powder and you can purchase it at Walmart. Put it in the blender with skim milk and a few ice cubes. Oh, and don't forget to put a few packets of Equal or Nutrasweet to sweeten the taste. It tastes pretty good that way. Try Carb Options drinks, they come in cannisters just like Crystal Light, only they are blue. I like the decaf iced tea with lemon. Very good and sweet. P.s. That drink they gave me in the hospital never did kick in and give me diarhea. Also, what hospital did you go to? Joy Lap RNY 8/31/04 391/365.5/150

Cant do milk or fruit. My diet is clear liquid for 2 weeks. I've exausted my resources when it comes to purchasing things to try. Wasted so much money on nasty protein powders. I'll manage once i graduate to puree or soft foods. I went to Alexian Bros. I had Dr. Rantis.