Post Op Discomfort

Hi I had my surgery on Monday afternoon.  I was no liquids until Wednesday noon.  I was released on Thursday and was doing pretty well.  I took a bariatric chewable vitamin yesterday and it really upset my system.  It went to diarehha last night.  I am supposed to be on clear liquids until I see the doctor on Wednesday.  I had another couple bouts of dia. today.  I have not had any protein since my surgery and was getting worried.  I had water today, broth and a protein shake.  All were consumed very slowly.  Since I drank the shake this afternoon, I have a huge and very uncomfortable gas pain in my chest.  I had it yesterday with the vitamin, but it discipated.  Please give me some thoughts on how to prevent this and what I should be eating and drinking until I see the doctor on Wednesday. What does clear liquids mean and will I be OK with no protein until Wednesday?  Also, how can I get rid of the gas pain without doing myself any harm. Thanks for your help and concern.  Thanks very much

I am no expert, but I believe you will be fine with no protein until Wed. My wife says clear liquids would be things like water, broth, Fruit2O, SF popsicles, SF jello. Definitely not soups that say "Cream of ...". I would strongly encourage you to call your doc if you do not feel better by tomorrow. Generally, you should not be feeling real bad after 6 days. If you are on any meds, I would be sure to follow Doctors orders regarding them. Be sure to NOT take any aspirin or advil. No non-prescription pain meds other than Tylenol. Joe Bear

I had mine (RNY) on Friday, Nov. 9th, and was on clear liquid for the first week. This week is creamy foods, Cream soups (strained - no chunks), Cream of Wheat, no sugar added yogurt and sugar free pudding. Still no protein or protein supplements until next week, when I start soft foods like cottage cheese and eggs. I also don't start the vitamins until next week. I have had nothing but diarehha when I go to the bathroom. It hasn't been too bad though. Usually only once or twice a day. I haven't had the cramps or anything though, and seem to have plenty of energy to get out and walk, etc. I know this doesn't really answer your question for how to deal with the gas, but I thought I would post to let you know there are some that do even less protein and stuff the first couple weeks, so I am not sure it is something you need to worry about too much at this point.

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Even the toughest criminals become remarkably docile 
 once separated from society by six feet of soil. 

Clear liquids are any liquids you can see through at room temperature.  You shouldn't be going without protein for so long.  You can get clear protein drinks like Isopure which has 40g of protein in 20 oz of fluid, tastes like crap but its important to get the protein in. I found the best thing for gas is to walk walk and walk.

Hey MM You are fine w/o the protein for a week or 10 days... the gas is a major issue, and with drinking is not totally exclusive... I had it for some time...somewhere along the way I discoved that I swalloed air, when I was sipping....I had to go to a straw...some people say never use a straw...that is what save me...but that is me...also. people tend to swallow air when they talk...bd for me, since I run my mouth a lot...somewhere alon the way, I got a handle on that too....can't tell you what I did....but It happened.... other things...the position you are in when yo utake your fluids...makes a difference...I need to be pulled up to a table, in a straight chair...a comfy booth will cut my meal short...and that is 2 1/2 years out.... the vit iwll burn a hole straight through me , even today...I have the chews, and do them with coffee...(I know a no no for you right now) When you go to creamy stuff,the gas may increase...lactose can give out people a problem... I wonder abou the diaherrea...or is it just juicy fart....never trust a fart/. hand in there Russ

Thanks for the help.  I am feeling better today and am a little more at ease.  I see the doc on Wednesday and am sure this is just normal, post-op strangeness. Best regards,