Question:
Maybe this sounds like a silly question...

I am scheduled to have Open RNY on 1/2/04(can't wait!!!) and I have been checking out the various pre-mixed protein drinks and they all come in containers that are larger than 3 oz. If you are drinking them shortly after surgery how are you able to get the whole serving in if my pouch is so small? Do I only drink part of it or because it is liquid are people typically able to drink the whole 5 or 6 oz? Maybe that sounds silly but I have been wondering a lot about the whole mechanics of the pouch. Thanks.....    — Megan S. (posted on December 8, 2003)

December 8, 2003
I'm not sure but I think when you fresh out post-op most of the docs have you drink about 8 oz over an hour. But they are all different. If I were you, I would just wait and see what they say. I know i couldn't drink much at a time the first few days. Good luck
   — Delores S.

December 8, 2003
When you are a new post-op you will mostly be concerned with getting all your water in for the first several weeks, most drs tell you to only worry about that. As for protein, the mixes you can make only as much as you would like, if it is a bottle etc. I would just drink what you can and keep the rest in the fridge after you open it like it usually says on the instructions. Good Luck!
   — Saxbyd

December 8, 2003
The liquid in your protien drink counts toward your daily liquid intake (or so my surgeon said). So... just sip, sip, sip. Always nice to know you are meeting 2 goals at once. :) Take care.
   — Greg P.

December 8, 2003
Hi Megan!<br> There's no such thing as a silly question!!! <br> While it's true that the pouch only holds a couple of ounces, liquids trickle right on through. <br> That said, when you are newly post-op, it's very difficult to get more than a sip in at a time. I am 6 months post-op, and I still have trouble drinking large quantities or liquids that are not at room temperature. <br> Sip your protein along as you are able. I think it's probably more cost effective to buy the powder and mix your own at first. My dietician says that the protein drinks, once mixed, pick up bacteria when they sit. I would mix mine in about 4 ounces of liquid, then sip. At first I mixed mine in lactose free milk, then I changed it to half milk, half water. My taste buds were so screwy at first, I decided why waste the calories (I couldn't taste the difference anyway), so I ended up using only water to mix my protein drinks. Now I prefer them with water only. I also found that I could mix the unflavored protein mix with a small amount of SF V-8 Splash; that went down easily and stayed down. I use the Unjury unflavored--it mixes so well, and I can not tell that it is in most liquids/foods. <br> For the first few months after surgery, try to concentrate on getting in your protein and liquids. Don't worry about calories, food, or scales. Concentrate on healing your pouch and changing your habits, and looking forward to a brighter, lighter future! <br> Linda
   — Linda S.