Getting in fluids

I'm having trouble getting 64oz of fluid in. Today is the first day I met my protein total, and I've managed to get more in each day, but any tips to help make this goal easier? I've also only had a very small BM despite 3 doses of miralax.

You need more fluid, it's more important than protein right now. Fluid first, protein second at the beginning, you must stay hydrated or you can get yourself into a bad situation.

Also remember, your protein shakes count toward your fluid total. So if you are drinking three 11 oz protein shakes a day, that's half your fluid right there! Other things that count toward it are any SF drinks, SF jello, SF popsicles, and broth.

Sip constantly, always have something with you. Set a reminder to take a drink every 5 minutes if you have to, but you need to try to get as much of that 64oz in as you can.

My surgeon said protein first and that it counts toward your total fluid, but to get protein first

Yes, the protein is definitely important, but if you don't get enough fluids, you'll get dehydrated, and all the protein in the world won't help you if you end up in the ER having to get IV fluids. You MUST get your fluids in, even if it means getting in less protein right at the very beginning. The veterans here have said this over and over. I'm just telling you what I've learned since I've been on OH. I'm sure the vets will tell you the same thing when they see your post.

There are few times I will flat out say a surgeon is wrong, but this is one of them.

Yes, all fluid counts. However, dehydration can kill you. Being a bit low on your protein can't.

Try lots of different fluids - hot, cold, room temp, plain water, crystal light. Find a virtually no calorie option that works for you, sip all day, and get at least 64 ounces.

Oftentimes "protein first" means to focus on protein before fat or carbs - are you sure your surgeon didn't mean it that way versus "protein is more important than hydration?"

His instructions were to get 80g of protein in, count those fluids toward the 64oz, and whatever wasn't met after your protein intake you get through the approved fluid list. So if I drank 40oz to get my protein then I needed to drink 24 more oz to reach the 64.

Right - that's a standard instruction :) The part that doesn't make sense is that he thinks it's more important to get 80g of protein than to get 64oz of fluid.

That is so funny- my surgeon said he didn't care about my protein it was the fluids that were important. So weird how they all contradict themselves!

I think I've only hit 65 oz of water etc once or twice so far- I usually hover in the 40's. -setting a timer really did help!

good luck!

Yea it's funny how they're all different. I manage to be close to 50oz of water and have only hit the protein goal once.