Day 6 almost...

Hi gang. Tomorrow is my 6th day since surgery and I feel so sluggish. I am getting only about 35 oz. of fluid, am taking my flinstone vitamins, and on clear liquids until Monday. Do you think it could be from the lack of protein? I know it's major surgery and each day is getting better. I feel a little pressure when I drink and nauseated in between meals. When should I expect to feel better? Maybe someone 2-3 weeks out could give me a time table of when they started to feel more like normal.  Thanks all.  Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, Hang in there it does get better.  You really need to get more fluids, that could be part of the sluggishness.  Do you like unsweetened decaf tea, crystal lite, even sf kool-aid?  Don't forget you can use splenda! Are you doing the sf jello?  You say you feel pressure and nausea in between meals, your just one week out, you should be sipping all day long, no scheduled meal times.  Also, you may have started on the vitamins too soon, that should not come until after your 1st pre-op visit, when is that? I'll be 2 weeks on Tuesday the 10th, feeling pretty good, looking forward to some mushy food next week.  Please feel free to contact me if you feel like talking. Mary Pat

Hi Jennifer, I felt sluggish for 6 - 8 weeks after surgery.  I went back to work after 4 and thought I was going to die from fatigue.  But I found the more I did physically, the more my energy came back.  Alot of that is from healing, anesthesia, and your body adjusting to the new regimine of eating.  As difficult as it may seem, walk walk walk.  It will help tremendously!  And all the water you can tolerate.  Please know I am praying for your healing and strength this morning! Blessings, Diane

Hi Jennifer, Please take what I have to say in light of my ignorance and lack of experience.  I know every surgeon's protocol is different, but I find it very surprising to hear that your surgeon has you on clear liquids only for the first week since they stress the need for protein in the healing process post-op.  My surgeon will have me on clear fluids for one to two days post-op, then full liquids, including pureed foods and protein supplements, after that for 2 weeks, then soft foods for 6 weeks.  It would seem to me that the lack of protein would definitely make you sluggish.  I would touch bases with my surgeon on this. JMHO and good luck! Suzanne

I know what you guys are saying. It is quite crazy how every doctor is so different. Mine has me on clear liquids, but also protein and my vitamins. I see where Mary Pat could not have vitamins, Jennifer no proteins, and Suzanne will have puured foods. It is wild how each differs. I am day 6 also like Jennifer and feel better this morning. The only problem I am having is sleeping. :( I am looking forwar to when I can lay on my dside or on my tummy. Right now, I can only get comfortable in the recliner and that is only for a few hours and then I wake. Anyhow, this all shall pass.

Lisa

I guess I considered my broth as a meal. I try to sip on water all day but I start to feel blah and the broth does help. Dr. Moran said the vitamins might give me a little energy.  How about some food? That might give me energy,lol. I go see him tomorrow and he said I'd go on full liquids to include protein. Thanks for the input.  Jennifer