Do you feel it harder to eat when you do not have your liquids in?

As most of you know, I have been having quite the time with my WLS.  I have been eating and drinking now for about 3 weeks or so, more or less.  I was still getting abour 1,000 calories a day with the TPN up until Tuesday.  That is when they stopped the TPN and my antibiotics.  I have been struggling to get my fluids in (I know, I know...) but now it is getting hard to even eat very much without getting very full quickly and generally feeling miserable for about a half an hour or so.  I don't want to go downhill again but I am not sure what to do.  Today, I have focused soley on getting my liquids in and I'm about halfway there.  I'm frustrated because I keep thinking it should be easier than this to get back up to speed but it's not.  I can't get the protein shakes down so I'm also afraid of not getting enough nutrition.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sweetie,
I understand your problem I went through the same thing after my first hernia surgery. I broke down and went and spoke to my nutritionisnist andf even spoke to my doc about it. My solution was I started looking at food as medicine. I would set my phone to go off every 2 hours and I would sip on a protein shake. it meant me getting up and hour and a half earlier but I was able to get my fluids and protein in. I did this for like 3 months till my body got use to it and now I dont have a problem...just somethings dont like me...it chocolate protein shakes....

Hi, Kim.
It sounds like your tummy wants you to start over, just as if you had your WLS yesterday. For the first week, it felt like a full-time job, getting in my fluids. Not so much, after that. I took a sip every 5 minutes, setting a timer. I had to, or it wouldn't happen. Even though I've always prefered ice cold water, I found, most days, that I needed something at room temperature. Hot decaf. tea was a nice change. It was helpful, too, that broth, sugar-free jello, and sugar-free popsicles counted toward the fluid goal. I don't go to bed, until I've met the 64 oz. of fluid per day. I tend toward UTIs, and I know how important it is to get in the fluid. If you get in your fluid and you're taking at least your 2 multivitamins per day (or whatever the doctor has you taking), you should be fine, nutrition wise. Remember, it's like you're starting over. Be patient with your tummy, but keep pushing yourself with the fluids. You can do this!
Blessings,
Mary

YES~ especially since you have to go so long before and after meals without liquid!!!! Super hard!  Hang in there though it gets better. and its so good to see you posting regularly again as i am sure you are happy you can do more.

Kim,
I'm happy to see you are on the mend.  You might try finding a protein drink that you like that isn't the milky kind.  I don't know if you have tried the fruity kind.  There is Cowboy's famous Nectar Caribbean Cooler and Isopure.  Those are just the ones I know of.  I'm sure there are MANY more.  I'm interested in the unflavored protein.  Its my understanding that you can mix it in your broth.  I'm just thinking that if you can mix your protein in your liquids and get them at the same time you would be all good.  Eventually you will be able to work in your food.  Your baby tummy is learning to have food again! 
I'm still new to all of this and I'm not even on the bench yet.  This is just my "thinking".  I hope it helps!  If you find out I'm full of crap and don't know what the heck I'm talking about...Please go ahead and tell me....Remember I'm gonna need all the help I can get soon too!  LOL!
Hugs to you!
Kim

Kim, I rely on protein shakes anytime I'm ill because that's the only way I'm going to get any type of nutrition....then I begin to slowly add back solids-just like right after surgery.  It's easier to eat one solid meal a day than try to get in three when you don't feel well.  Ok, two, I've never been able to successfully incorporate a solid breakfast, so I just drink my breakfast, get the nutrition and worry about habits on the other two meals.

My strategy has always been nutrition first, then texture.  ( a common band problem is soft food syndrome where people "can't" eat solids...to avoid that, I select good nutrition no matter what the texture-after a few days of shakes-viola, I can eat chicken again....in part because there is no reward (junk food) for not eating solids). 

When I'm tight and liquids are a problem, I pull out the old dixie cup or a shot glass, and pour my protein in that-THEN I don't have to drink the 8 0z-just the two.....and when that's gone, I pour another.  It's kind of silly, but fun too. 

I use the fuzzy navel from Nectar the same company as Cowboy! Kind of tastes like a creamyish Tang. Each scoop has 23 grams of Protien. I use the Chike meal replacement in the morning 28 grams of protien and lots of vitamins then I mix up 18-20 ounces of the Nectar for 46 grams and sip on it constantly all morning then I have all but 6 grams of MY required protien in and can concentrate of getting the flids in by sip sip sipping all day.

I'm here to tell you....  I am a rule breaker.... (I know..i know...SHOCKING and stuff)

I do drink a lot like...100+ oz in a day...but it took time to get to that point....AND here's the bad thing... I drink with EVERY meal....yes...I eat smaller portions and Istill drink... why?  dunno....  I cna't seem to break it...but if I gorge on water before a meal like some of us do, then I can't eat anything or I feel full...so i subrogate the rules (break em) to fit my need....

I found that first thing in the mornings I get in as much as I can handle, then I drink small amounts though the day and YES it gets WAAAAY easier by month 2.....so hang in there kiddo...

Time is your friend...as am I...

T.

I agree with what everyone has said.  This is like week one when you just had your sleeve surgery  You are starting all over again and you will eat just a few bites and be way full for an hour.  You will probably have to focus hard on liquids for another week or so before it becomes natural for you.

Thanks everyone.  I will try your suggestions.  I think I may have figured out why my nausea has increased.  My nurse just called me this morning and my stupid bacterial infection is back after only 3 days off of antibiotics.  I just knew they were going to make me go back in the hospital but the infection doctor said he is going to order me some more IV antibiotics and then I have to see them on Monday.  Man, I don't think I'm ever going to get a break.  Please keep me in your prayers cause here I go again.