Monday morning Share and tell... struggles, successes...

Hi,

I just had my surgery on 2/7 and things afre going ok. I can get in 24 oz od protien but the other fluids have been a problem . A positive note is that the gas is finally moving and the pain is getting better.

Congratulations on your recent surgery and on getting in 24 ounces of protein!

I had my surgery at Duke as well and while I'm not a medical professional and wouldn't want to give you any medical advice, I do know that it's very, very important for you to get your fluids in. My Dr told me that they wanted me to get in all of my fluids, protein and supplements, that it was most important that I got in the fluids, then the protein and then the supplements. He said that the main reason people are readmitted to the hospital after being discharged is because they become dehydrated and that getting in the fluids was really important. The good news is that you are probably getting in at least 24 ounces of fluid a day because you are getting in that much protein and with the program at Duke all you can ingest is fluid forms of protein. I found that I didn't like plain water very much, but I was able to tolerate water with Crystal Lite in it pretty well, so you might try different types of things to drink. 

I'm glad to hear you are feeling better and look forward to hearing more about your journey.

Barbara, I am trying but I can get all of my protein in but not my water either. I am trying to do it. I'm probably getting 1/2 of it, including Popsicles and crystal light.

Koko,

Just keep trying and pushing. You will be surprised that you will be able to get in more and more, day by day. Also remember that during the first few days, weeks and even months, your main job is to be 'eating' constantly. You need to always have a water bottle with you that your sipping, sipping, sipping... if you have it marked off so that you can see how many ounces you are consuming and set a timer ever 30 mins to an hour to make sure you are getting in your 2 ounces of protein and 6 ounces of other liquid.

Hang in there... while it does take work, especially in the beginning, it does get easier and easier.

Thanks Barbara, I looked at the list last night and am trying other liquids to mix it up instead of water and crystal light only. I have a bottle that holds 32 ounces of water. I'm going to try to get that all in and then the other 32 ounces in broth, crystal light, etc.