What's most important?

OK so I have been able to eat my 2 oz meals with no problem. However I am having trouble getting in all my water and protein. I made the protein mixture St. V's recommends and I only drank about an ounce before I started feeling awful. Guessing it is lactose intolerence. I keep taking naps and feel guilty because then I am losing sipping time. I guess I don't know what is most important for my body right now...liquids, protein, or rest? I have walked over a mile so far today but not sure if I will get out to do another one. BLAH I feel so crummy after that protein. I felt great all day (minus the gas pains****il I tried that. I guess I'll try the Isopure tomorrow. Sam

Sam, Here is what I tried for my protein drink. I bought chocolate carb countdown milk (wal-mart) and 1% white milk. I mixed 2 cups chocolate, with 2 cups white and then added 1 cup powdered in the blender. It came out DELICIOUS! tastes like a milkshake and no overdone milk flavor. You must rememer to sip it...and do not drink it all at one time as your body may throw fits! this recipe will last all day and will give you about 64 grams of protein. I tried it at first with all carb countdown milk but my taste buds were so sensitive that it was way too much flavor so that is why I used the 1% to dilute it. I still get the carb milk and drink 12 oz each morning first thing and try to get another 12 oz before bed. I worried in the beginning about not getting everything in....I think we all do Just give it your best shot and when you are drinking milk you are getting protein and fluids at the same time. You might try some string cheese too...it is awesome and was a life saver for me. Just chew it till it is watery then swallow. Sugar free popsicles are great for extra fluid too and I always thought they helped calm my pouch. I was a firm believer that when I felt I needed a nap I took it....your body knows when it needs sleep. I found early on I got real tired of sipping and would easily forget and then be wayyyyyyy behind. I hated sipping with a passion but it was necessary. I got so I never let myself sit my sippy cup down if I was watching tv as the cold cup in my hand reminded me to keep sipping! You will do fine sweetie just keep plugging away. It was months before I was up to my full fluids. I remember in the beginning I thought it seemed that all I was doing was either eating or drinking all the time...lol and taking the pills took most of my morning...lol now I simply just fly thru my routine and it is no biggie! You will be fine! Hugs! Marianne

Thanks Marianne! I'll have to try the Carb Countdown stuff. Perhaps if I take lactaid before I'll feel better. I just woke up from a nap and it appears my tummy has calmed down. I think I will be able to get all my water and medicines in today. The protein is what is lacking. Glad to know getting all the fluids and protein in isn't wasy for everyone. I am going to finish this water bottle and then have a popsicle I believe. Thanks again!! Sam

I felt icky when I drink st st v's stuff too. I wasnt lactose intollerant- my pouch just didn't like them.... or isopure... or protein powder (i tried about 8 different ones). I did probably 3-4 popcicles a day (which i was told was fine, SF of course), water, and I finally had to settle for milk with sugar free nesquik for protein. I was never a big milk drinker though. I will tell you this, the nutritionalst told me that at 6 weeks out I could have been eating protein bars, and they didn't mention it until my 3 MONTH appt. She said that the should have less than 5g sugar and at least 20ish gramsof protein. obviously we can't eat these all in one sitting. she suggested to me that i break it into 1 oz pieces and just snack on it during the day. but make sure you ask at your 6 week appt before you try. the south beach meal replacmment bars are what they suggested and i use for that. so now i just grab a piece of a protein bar a few times a day if I don't drink any milk. Also, beans and cheese were where i got more protein, and also she says is why i have regular bowel movements vs diahrrea. If youre tired and need a nap,m then by all means take it. when youre awake and able, sip sip sip, but rest when you need it- you just had major surgery after all!

Thanks Darrah. The meal replacement bars sound pretty good. Kind of like a fake candy bar. I think I am just going to have to rely on Lactaid before I try any protein. I am going to try my Isopure tomorrow and see how that goes. I think I did pretty good for my first full day. Hopefully tomorrow will be better!! Refried beans sure sound good right now ha ha! Sam

Hey Sam, Sounds like everything is going pretty well except the protein. I found out I am lactose intolerant after surgery. I switched to Dean's Lactose free skim milk, it's not bad. I have some other shake mix if you would like to try it. When you can eat them I love the South Beach meal replacement bars, I have one almost every day. I love the chocolate ones and I think the other ones I like are caramel peanut or something like that. When they say you can have those be sure to get the meal replacement bars not the snack bars. They are usually in the pharmacy area of Walmart, kind of expensive almost 7.00 for 6, but I used to spend way more than that for a meal in the fast food drive thrus. Call me on my cell phone if you need any help or have any questions, if you don't have my number let me know and i'll pm it to you.

Sam, The protein does get better...well, as you find what works for you. LOL! What kind of 'flavoring' are you trying with St. V's mix? I couldn't stand the CIB at all. I used 1/2 envelope of sf jello...lemon or lime. When you mix a protein drink as early out as you are, it's recommended that you stir, not shake (or blend) because shakeing or blending puts air into the drink..and air doesn't work too well with the new pouch. So...if you shake or use a blender, be sure you allow it to settle for quite awhile (at least an hour). Of course there are going to be exceptions that have no problem with the air, but enough people has so that the dieticians will advise people not to do this. I did it a few times...and I did have problems if I didn't allow the air to settle out first. Sherri

It's all important. Try to get most of your fluids so that you don't dehydrate. There will be days when you just can't finish the protein drink. I remember having days when I just couldn't stand another sip of it. It would pass and it would taste fine to me the next day. I did the milk, powdered milk, and a few spoons SF Nesquik- you'll find something that works for you. Just remeber those haunting words "the more of it you get in... the more you'll lose!" It's true, and helps it go down a little easier. My sister didn't get along with milk so well. She liked the Isopure with a little grape juice in it. You'll do great I'm sure! .... and if you haven't gotten your drain out yet, you'll feel sooo much better instantly when that happens!