Need Help 7 days post-op...

Hello all, I am looking for advice because I have left messages for my Dr. office. I am 7 days post-op, when I was in the hospital the nurse told me to drink 1oz every 15 minutes.  Upon discharge my dr said I could have 8 oz in 1 hour. Do any of you know how long you must wait between sips of protein shakes when you drink one? Or how long you must wait between each sip of water? I say this because I am very thirsty and i have not been able to get much in due to waiting so long between sips. Now I am feeling light- headed. I have called dr office but they havent called back and the discharge instructions don't say how long between sips.

thanks Susan

As far as I understand, it's going to be different for everyone, and it depends on how much you can tolerate at one time.  My doc said a good guideline is around 1 oz every 15 or 20 minutes, meaning about 4 oz per hour. If you're awake for 12 hours that is about 48 oz per day (minus some time for "eating") I'm almost 2 weeks out and I have been able to get more than that in when I am having just clear liquids, so around 8 oz. per hour sounds do-able, at least for me.  If I'm drinking something thicker, like a protein shake, it does take me a bit longer, just because it's thicker.  I haven't been "counting" my ounces as much, I just take sips that feel "right" in my mouth, and I don't take another sip until I feel like my pouch is ready.  I have a big 48 oz bottle of water that I just sip and sip on all day long, and along with my protein fluids I feel like it keeps me feeling okay.  I would suggest getting in as much as you can, as long as it feels comfortable to you.  The more fluids and protein you have, the better you will feel. Good luck! :)

Thank you for your reply. I thought I was the only one who had trouble getting the shakes down. I can do 4 oz per hour of a shake bu****er is much easier to get 8oz down. I am glad to know that I am not the only one.

BTW, Congrats on your weight loss and on your surgery.

Thank you!!  Same to ya! :)

Everyone is different, but my Dr. said to try to drink as much as I can comfortably to reduce the side effcts of dehydration. I have noticed that I am comfortaly able to take larger sips than I was a few days ago. :) Good luck. Also, why isn't your doctor's office calling you back? I would definitely express your concern about that, a patient's concern after such a major surgery is IMPORTANT. Dehydration is not a joke. I have seen very healthy people ambulance to the hospital over dehydration issues. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.

I have to agree with them. If youre thirsty youre already dehydrating. I  happened to me six times after I had my bypass. Then I found out I had an ulcer that had healed and sealed my stomach shut. Thats why I was getting dehydrated. This is serious. Keep calling your do****il he calls you back or talk to the nurse there. Someone needs to pay attention to you. But in the meantime just drink what feels comfortable for you. Hope this helps