Old threads are super helpful too! Especially for new post ops...

So in my downtime during my recovery I've been reading all of the old threads (literally started at the back and have gone through page by page) I have so much great info now book marked. I should probably spend some of my time organizing it for easy access later, I guess that's my next project

Anyway, I'm now 5 days out I was cleared for a "full liquid" diet as of yesterday and let's just say that didn't go well at all! I've been doing well with clear liquids and getting a good amount in everyday, so I thought piece of cake I'm moving on up. Wrong! I had some applesauce that I mixed protein powder into, it was going well. I have to say I definitely didn't realize how far apart my brain and my belly are at this point and who knows if they will ever be on the same page again. It went from good to bad in one bite! Needless to say I stuck to liquids and protein powder yesterday, I can tolerate the protein powder but barely at this point.

I decided this morning I would try again and before I did I came across an old thread talking about what a "sip" really means. Surely i knew what a sip was, I've been sipping for 5 days now, right?!? I read and although I thought I was doing well with my sips I figure I've got noting but time at this point I may as well put this theory to the test. Basically what it said was use a timer and a teaspoon (I happen to have a little medicine type cup I took from the hospital that I've been using) take 1 teaspoon full (or a sip) every minute. For food it's 1/2 teaspoon every minute.

Well I realized two things... First, it really helped me pace my eating and let me not eat too much. I ate a whole 1/4 cup of cream of wheat. Win! And second I was doing well with my fluids but my consistency and amount of fluid can definitely be increased! So, it is a little tedious and seems like its a lot but I found it very helpful to actually use the timer every minute to remind myself, and hopefully start to make it a habit. Best thing, realized I can take in more fluids than I thought! Win, Win!

So, I've been very lucky so far and haven't been nauseous or worse, and I hope my ramblings make sense and help others having similar issues or concerns. I know i was excited to come across this info and sorry it ended up being such a long post.

Good idea Kate on reading old posts, For some reson I cannot go very far back, they will not populate onmy computer and I can never book mark items.  It just not work for me so I cut an paste a lot.  I am about 5 weeks out and having pooping problems.  Not getting in 100 g ofprotein but plenty of liquids.  Maybe if I eat slower the soft foods it will sellte better.  I take all the help I can.  Even taking vits upsets me as I need so much water to get them down. Good luck

I agree completely. I spent a lot of time pre-op in the archives. Not quite as well as you. I wish I had stumbled on the "sips" entry you mentioned. I might have eliminated some distress the first couple of days where I think I ate too much too fast and got sick. Oh well at least I can learn from the mistakes. Better to learn from the others on the site though.

I also think I will be trying out the search function a little more to see if that helps with old answers to my new questions as they come up.

I'm glad I wasn't just rambling to myself! I figure why not use this down time and put it to good use. I'm sure I will have to learn many lessons the hard way but why not try and save myself some in the meantime.

Good luck to you both, we all seem to be heading in the right direction!

Very Helpful Tip.  Thanks!

Do not forget that full liquids means able to pour easily. Watered down apple sauce (if you write in it and it stays it is to thick)  and watered down cream of wheat. If it pours to slowly then it might be to much for your tummy too. I used cream of wheat with a lot of melted butter in it and no sweetener. It was really runny but had that butter taste mmmmm. V8 was really good as well. 

Thanks, great tips... I have some v8 in the fridge I should try for something different. Good news I think my sips are getting just a tad bit bigger today, that really makes a big difference!