Question:
I am ten days post-op and am doing great,

I was expecting to have more probs than this.I am getting 46 oz of fluids in everyday,can swallow pills,and am getting 50-60 grams of protein in daily!I am not complaing,but is it possible that i am one of the lucky ones,or am I speaking to soon?I do not get full from liquids and I can drink just like I use to,what do u guys think,should I just go with the flow? Thanks    — natalie J. (posted on December 15, 2003)

December 15, 2003
I was one of the "lucky ones" too. Have not been sick at all, can drink more than enough fluid, get in all my protein,exercise, etc. The only problem I have had is that I lost 40 pounds BEFORE I had surgery so I'm losing about 3 pounds a week and that seems soooooooooooooooooo slow. I couldn't drink normally early on but now at 3 months out, I can drink without any problem...don't have to just sip anymore and I was able to swallow pills the day after I had surgery. Count your blessings but just be careful to follow your doctor's instructions. You don't want to hurt something after things have gone so well.
   —  SCbabe B.

December 15, 2003
First, congratulations. Secondly, try to avoid drinking like you used to-- maintain the intake that your surgeon advises and try to avoid drinking too soon before and after eating. Remember how important it is to try and shake free from all those old bad habits of over-consumption. Lastly, you just might be able to avoid all of the problems that many of us encountered, particularly because you have such a great outlook (although even cheery people can get a stricture)-- ultimately, your positive attitude will be your best asset. Keep up the good work.
   — SteveColarossi

December 15, 2003
I'd increase water but you're doing great. Most people don't have problems, so it's a good thing! :)
   — mrsmyranow

December 16, 2003
My surgery was the 8th and I have been getting in 77 ounces to 85 ounces of fluid daily. Yesterday I began full fluids which includes my protein drinks and I got in 105 gm of protein for the day. I think the key for me is that I don't nap during the day so spend the day sipping. I am feeling absolutely wonderful and have more energy than I have had in years. I am down 24 pounds last night, but that includes 15 pounds of the fluids that they pumped into me in the Clinic. My official weight loss from my pre-surgery weight is 8.8 pounds and that is the number I will be using. I certainly do feel very blessed to seemingly have no problems. I am NOT allowed to touch whole pills yet and won't be able to for six weeks. I have to take chewable only so that I give the stoma a chance to heal properly without damage. Just keep sipping and walking. Sandra
   — Arizona_Sun

December 16, 2003
Hi, there! I think we "lucky ones" are in the majority, actually. I think when you're pre-op, and are forced to focus on the all the problems and complications that can possibly come up, you think you're weird when nothing really does. But, I was the same as you, although I didn't get in as much protein as you are at 10 days out. But, good for you, and keep up the good work. I think you're doing fantastic. I never had any problems getting in fluids, and was able to get in 64 oz a day relatively quickly. Same with the vitamin regimen - once I got started, I've never had any problems at all. As you said, "go with the flow." Lap RNY, 9/11/03, 254/203/???
   — Carlita

December 16, 2003
My experience was much like yours. I had no problem getting fluids and protein (via protein drinks)in. I never felt really full on them either. Only had a problem if I forgot to sip and gulped water after a walk on a hot day - it "hit" my chest rather hard! Congrats on your progress and your experience is not out of the ordinary - we tend to hear about the complications more than the smooth journeys. I will warn you though that things are likely to change quite a bit when you first switch to solid foods. Even those of us with problem-free post op stories had a problem from time to time with food getting "stuck" or vomiting. I know there are a few who said they NEVER threw up once, maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones - but really it's not so bad even if you're not.
   — sandsonik