How long did you take off work after surgery?

Thanks Angie! I'm rethinking the pain meds now. I am worried about getting enough protein - especially during the first couple of weeks. My surgeon will have me on clear liqids for 2 days and then pureed foods (no lumps) for weeks. I know that my protein shakes will help but I'm wondering if I will be able to get the 60-80g of protein I need. Any suggestions?

 Isopure has a clear protein drink and there are several protein drinks for after surgery.  Do a search online for protein drinks and you can also go to a local GNC for Isopure.  I know I was supposed to drink an ounce of isopure every 15 min for the first few hours after surgery and then I just kept doing it... I didn't like to taste at all...but I needed it.  

I added protein powder to everything for a few weeks.  Not the yummiest way to eat, but necessary; protein powder on apple sauce, on refried beans and pudding.... lots of protein powder.  The most important thing is to be prepared.  Get all this stuff before surgery so you have everything you need when you get home.  You will do great!

Thanks for the tips! I plan to pick up the things I need this next week. I didn't know about the Isopure - I will pick that up as well.

Get gas-x strips..it helps with any gas pain. And take ur pain meds atleast at bed time so u get quality pain free rest. U ain't be able to drink much first couple if days. Your stomach will be swollen internaly from the trauma. It took me a good 3 days to be able to drink more than a dribble at a time. I survived off of ready to drink around shakes. It would rake me an entire day to drink just one. Also crystal light..and gatorade zero or low calorie. I also would freeze the around shakes in plastic containers and would make a nic**** cream. It was easier to get down. I never even touched all the hello I bought. You'll do great!!!

Thanks Mahana! I already bought the gas-x strips - that seems to be a universal problem amongst new bands! I'm picking up the Isopure this week so I will have something to sip on for a couple of days postop. It sounds like I may need some gatorade as well. Thanks again for the info :)

I think you will do fine. I had my surgery on a tuesday and also have a high tolerance for pain (no pain meds for childbirth x4) but I highly recommend taking something the 1st couple of days...I was fine by Friday(driving...I had to get out of the house- I was stir crazy)  and back to work @ 6days. I am a nurse and work 12 hour shifts....good luck!