Question:
WORKING//COMMUTING POST-OPS...HOW DO YOU GET ALL THE FLUID/MEALS/EXERCISE DONE???

I DRIVE 40 MILES EACH WAY TO WORK AND HAVE TO BE AT WORK AT 0730 (THAT IS 7:30 AM). IN THE WINTER, IT WILL BE DARK BEFORE I GET HOME. I AM NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE FOOD OR DRINK AT MY WORK AREA. I GET TWO 10 MINUTE BREAKS (IF WE AREN'T TOO BUSY) AND 30 MINUTES FOR LUNCH. BECAUSE OF ALL THIS I AM REALLY NERVOUS ABOUT HOW I CAN DRINK ALL THE WATER, EAT ALL THE SMALL MEALS (ESPECIALLY SLOWLY) AND GET THE EXERCISE IN. HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED YOUR DAY SO THAT YOU MANAGE IT ALL? I'D REALLY APPRECIATE ANY ADVICE, SUGGESTIONS OR STORIES YOU ALL MIGHT HAVE FOR ME. THANX!    — DELINDA T. (posted on October 11, 2002)

October 11, 2002
If it were me I would tell your Dr. the situation and ask him if he can give you a note that tells your employer that you must "medically" have water and some kind of food available to you throughout your day. I don't think it would be legal for them to deny you that. Not sure but worth a try. Good Luck!!
   — DRutherford

October 11, 2002
I'm a lawyer -- a non-practicing one, but a licensed lawyer, nonetheless. It would be illegal for them to deny you food/water with a doctor's note. You may have to put up a fight, but you'll win in the end. Good luck to you!
   — Tamara K.

October 11, 2002
Could you bring a small cooler with you to work and either leave it in the car, or bring it into the office, and during your breaks, eat from the cooler? Early on, 10 minutes is not enough time but after a while, it will be more than sufficient for a quick snack. Early on, you may want to get a doctors note permitting you to have food/drink at your work area? You are not even allowed water at your work area? As for exercise, buy a treadmill. I get home after dark alot and just head down to the treadmill. Or if you have stairs at work, climb them a few times.
   — Cindy R.

October 11, 2002
I don't have the exact sam circumstances that you do.. but my guess is.. some of what I do might help you... I wake up and put a protein drink in the blender and drink that while I'm getting ready for work.. sipping... I try to keep it smallish (about 4-8oz but I get at least 30gm protein in). I pack lunch and whatever I might eat... and then I start a bottle of water on my way out the door. I know we're not supposed to drink right after eating, but I'm not sure that counts with protein... you could wait some. I am allowed food and drink... so I'm not sure how to manage more of it. If you really want to maximaize your time... walk at lunch and munch some turkey jerky while you're doing it.. eating and exercising.. it sounds like you'll have to make the most use of that time in the car.. drink drink .. drink. Maybe you could get a note from your Doc about having some water in your work space.. it seems kind of unhealthy fo ryou to NOT be allowed that during the day.. very unhealthy. Good luck
   — Lisa C.

October 11, 2002
I drink a protein drink mixed with water on the commute to work. I can drink during my day, but if you drink a glass of water while getting ready, one during your breaks and several at home at night you may be able to get it all in. Problem is it seems to be best to sip water all day which it seems you can't do. Would having water be dangerous in your work area? I agree about getting a doctor's note about drinking water. At lunch you can eat protein pretty easily. On the drive home you can mix another protein drink as well. I just put dry powder in a shaker cup and take to work. I then fill it with water and shake and if a few ice cubes are handy that makes it better, but I can drink without. Regarding exercise, you don't mention hubby or kids. Hopefully, you could walk in the evenings in your neighborhood or go to a YMCA and exercise or do water aerobics indoors on various days. Maybe doing more on the weekends and once or twice during the week? Good luck to you and yours was a very good question.
   — Molly S.

October 11, 2002
I leave home 6:20 AM and get to work before 7. I bought a 52-oz cold cup at 7-11 which I keep filled with Crystal Lite and ice. I make myself finish it before I get home (even if I have to drink it in the car on the ride home.) I have the fixin's for 1 shake/day at work -- hand mixer, 1 can protein mix, large plastic cups. (No ice, but what can you do?) I have a shake for breakfast, so I know I'll get 2 in by the time I get home. Hope this helps. I've been doing it since school started with no problems.
   — Marti R.

October 13, 2002
Delina--I agree with Tamara and Donna. I would have your surgeon's office type up a note of medical necessity which should allow you at the least to have water at your desk. I've never heard of a place where you cannot have beverages (ie coffee/tea/water/soda) at your desk while you work. As for the food--perhaps on breaks/lunch you can do your best to have a bit of something. But you should be allowed water during the day. Best of luck to you!
   — Bambi C.

October 14, 2002
Hi, Delinda! I have the same problem (commute and lack of time). I also have a 30 minute lunch break and two tens - so I started walking on my breaks. On my ten minute breaks I take a bottle of water with me, and right before my lunch break I make a protein shake and take it with me to sip while I'm walking. Works for me! Good luck:0)
   — Shannon D.