Day 9 post-op

I'm day nine post of from lap DS. My surgery went well although it was 8 hours long. I've been on the couch the whole time sitting up as I can't lay down yet. I've been in tremendous amount of pain since I got home and the pain meds help to curb that just enough. I'm getting plenty of water and just yesterday started incorporating my protein shakes. This is a very hard thing for me as my stomach just gets too full. I'm miserable by the time I have finished drinking it. I walk every 2-3 hours. Any advice on the healing process from anybody would be great. Will I feel more like a human being anytime soon? How do you handle to "super full" feeling after the shake?

Getting in some of your protein is great but if it makes you that miserable I would cut back a bit and stick with more water instead of the filling protein. It will get better with time.

Walk as much as you possible can. it will really help make you feel better. Moving really helps so much.

Hang in there!

I agree with Herman, don't push yourself to the point of misery!  As everyone is stating, hydration is much more important than protein intake at this stage of the game.  It will be a few months before you can suck back enough protein to keep your surgeon happy.  Definitely don't make yourself sick or in pain!

I sympathize with your pain.  It took me a week before I braved lying down without prop-pillows.  Have you tried it?  I was able to lie down *gently* and shift from side to side VERY gently.  I found that lying on my side was preferable to lying flat on my back.

Stay on top of those pain meds!  Getting a couple of hours behind the dosing schedule led to a world of discomfort for me.

Don't worry, you'll feel better quickly!  I'm a bit over two months out, have no pain anymore, can eat a variety of foods and a respectable portion size (still small, but respectable!).  With my supplements I feel pretty human, but I do get tired sometimes.

Worry about hydration, not protein.  How about some popsicles?

I am 7 weeks out.  I know what you mean by the super full feeling.  Concentrate on liquids.  I found some delicious SF popsicles at Wal Mart.  Maybe walking more frequently would help.

I am 4 weeks out. The first 10 days were painful and I slept much of the time. After that I started gradually improving each day and felt almost human again at 2 weeks. I'm still not myself, but I'm slowly getting my energy back. I can go to the store or out for a walk without any issues. Today I actually rode a bicycle for 6 blocks. I'm still battling the exhaustion and nap once a day. Try adding Tylenol. It did help with my pain.

 At two weeks I ate mostly egg drop soup, creamy broccoli soup and enjoyed those SF Walmart Popsicles.

Hang in there. I promise that it will get better soon.

It sounds like your doing well. How fast are you drinking your protein shake? Try either slower or half a shake at a time. At 9 days you don't need to be too concerned about protein but it's good to try. If your not ready your not ready, at this point no big deal. It will get easier day by day. 

First, Congrats on taking this step! The first 3-4 weeks suck, but you will get through it.  The best advice for healing is plenty of rest and don't push yourself this is not a race.  The most uncomfortable feeling is not feeling yourself and pain, in addition to the restrictive diet.  When you turn the corner and start feeling better it will out of the blue.  Slow down on your protein shakes and stay hydrated (I was put back in the hospital 3 weeks out for dehydration and it sucks).  ((HUGS))

It took me about 3 weeks to even remotely start to feel better. I spent almost 24 hours a day in my recliner, in and out of sleep. Only had enough energy to hit the restroom, and get small drinks. As everyone has stated, the sugar free popsicles will help a lot, and so does the sugar free pudding. I would just eat one or two bites at a time to help settle the stomach a bit. You really should not be drinking protein shakes yet, in my opinion, as they are a bit strong. If you do drink the shakes, just have a small drink or two. A 12 oz protein drink would last me about 3 days, at that time period. No need to force it. That stage will come in a few more weeks down the road. Also, unsweetened applesauce works well if you get that hunger feeling. Just take very small bites and eat really slow. You will see major changes in the 4-6 week range. And try to take small sips of water, as best you can.

Thank you everyone for you advice. It's nice to know their are other people that have experienced the same thing as me. My last post all people said was how I shouldn't be in pain and should be feeling better so I was getting very depressed. Today, day 10, I'm feeling a little more like a human being. I drink water all day long as well as the sugar free popsicles. I'm not going to focus on the protein drinks since you all tell me not to worry so much about it. Looking forward to slowly getting back to being myself. I hope others are able to read this and know they are not alone if they are feeling like I was. Thanks again for all your support!