New to surgery - few questions/advice needed.

I think I'm starting to have that questioning phase...about if I did the right thing.  I know this is normal and in the end I'll be happy - I have no DOUBTS about that.

I have a few questions/concerns that some of you can probably answer.

My first concern is I feel like I can drink way more than I'm supposed to be able to.  Is this because my band isn't restricted yet?  I'm still only drinking sips (around 2 oz if a protein shake) at a time to get into the habit.

I'm also struggling with the fact that I'm supposed to get in 50-60 grams of protein a day with 60 ounces of fluid.  I mean my food is liquid...so it's kind of hard to continue to drink, drink, drink.  Any advice that can help me deal with this?  I'm having to force myself to eat and drink.  I have no hunger pains that make me get up to get food - I'm strictly doing it because I know I have too.

Also, what is everyone using for protein?  I'm drinking Akin's shakes because it's the best one I've found so far.  I can't stomach the Slim Fast.  I've been giving some consideration into ordering some BeneProtein but the reviews are kind of mixed.

Any thoughts, advice, suggestion are more than welcomed! 

Thanks!

Hi, there.
Hopefully someone with a band will chime in, but I would think there would be little restriction (other than some swelling) this early out, until you get your first fill. It sounds like you're doing well, though, with being conscious of sipping. That will help you later on, for sure.
I know what you mean, when you don't feel hungry, it's hard to eat or drink. I remember feeling like it was a full-time job, getting in what I was supposed to get in, even if it was just 64 oz. of water. It does get better, easier. Hang in there.
Dr. Walton wants us to get in protein via food, rather than protein shakes, but in the early weeks, if feeling weak, one could drink a protein shake. I have detested all protein shakes, but I ordered 3 different samples from www.bariatricfusion.com and I actually like them. I recommend trying samples, just so you don't spend $35 for a big tub of something you can't use. Also, if you attend a support group, ask if other members would be willing to share a scoop of their favorite protein powder (in a ziploc bag, marked with all pertinent info.), and you could do the same. It would be a nice, easy way to try new shake flavors and companies. Whatever shakes you're using now, just check the carb and sugars content, as well as the protein grams. You just want to get the best nutrition you can, and too many carbs will cause hunger later on, probably.
How are you doing with getting in your vitamins and supplements? How about your water? Not to pry, just wanting to make sure you're doing well. :)
Blessings,
Mary

Hey!  I'm 4 months out and I am having more trouble now getting in all my 64oz per day than right after my surgery.  It does feel like a job but I've had trouble with dehydration with it being so hot and me not getting enough fluids, so I recommend keep up the sipping.  My problem is I get busy in the day and I don't remember to drink enough until it's time to go to bed. 

As for the protein, I do recommend the Atkins Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla.  Those were the only 2 I could tolerate.  The only others I tried were Special K protein water and Slim Fast.  blech.  I only did the protein shakes during the liquid phase and then it was protein from food.

I wish you all the best and you did the right thing...it's not the easy thing, but I do not have a single regret!

Jen

Thanks for the replies.

Like I said I have no doubt that I did the right thing.  It's just frustrating because it seems like your entire day is on a timeline (drink, eat, vitamins, drink, drink, etc).

I'm not doing very well with getting my 64 ounces of fluid in.  I'm getting 64 ounces in but it isn't in addition to the fluid I'm drinking for my 'food' (protein shakes, etc).  I would LOVE to be able to get all my protein in through food but I'm on a liquid diet for 2 weeks and then I can start having the soft food. 

I bought some fruit that I'm going to try mixing with the Carnation Instant Breakfast shakes to see if that helps me.  I used to eat protein shakes with fruit mixed in and did fine.  I'm just hoping I can get it thin enough.  I'm going to set a timer on my phone to go off every so often to remind me to drink - eventually I'll get the hang of it.  I've never been a sipper so it's going to take me some time to learn and I was told that by the dieticia

Oh and to answer Mary's question.  I'm doing okay on my vitamins and supplements.  I'm using Bariatric Advantage for my vitamins and B-50.  I forgot to pick up any Calcium when we left the hospital so I'll need to pick that up on Monday.

All your liquids count toward the 64 ounces (water, protein shakes, SF jello, SFpopsicles, decaffeinated tea). Good job. :)
For your calcium, make sure you get calcium citrate, not calcium carbonate. A lap bander can take calcium carbonate, as there is no malabsorption, but from what I've read calcium citrate is still preferable. :)
You're doing great!