Question:
5 Days Post -Op, on phase 3 full liquids , Stomach hurts

For starters my stomach has a ton of gas, I have some real crazy sounds coming from my stomach ,have diarera, and cant seem to even get 2 protein drinks in, been feeling so full so fast ,Im worring now Im hurting my nutrition by not giving my body the recommended specs as far as protein, yesterday all I was able to eat was 1/2 cup thin cream of wheat 4 B-Fast and a 8oz protein shake, had nothing but an upset stomach all nite and cant even drink alot , maybe im tring too hard ? I dont know, have follow up appt with Dr in 3 days, but I need help now , thanks    — barry l. (posted on February 15, 2010)

February 15, 2010
i am 5 days postop i am only on 2 oz broth, jello, 5 times a day plus 64 oz water . sounds like your putting to much in your new stomach. you have to live off your own fat until your new stomach heals.
   — Gary123

February 15, 2010
yeah i agree it sounds like your trying to force down too much. as far as the protein goes i would try drinking half a drink twice a day. I couldnt drink protein at all i still cant im currently 5 months post op. as for the gas its normal and the stomach pains will last awhile i still have them everytime i eat. It's all a normal process and it will get better in time. also the cream of wheat at 5 days post op you shouldn't be eating any cream soups. only broth or jello and water. cream soups will come later.
   — TyannaPrince

February 15, 2010
You need to just be sipping your drinks just a few sips every 5 minutes or so. I used my cell phone alarm and hit the snooze alarm every 5 minutes. If you need to, use the tiny bathroom paper cups and number them that works also. Aim to finish a 5 oz cup every 30 - 45 min. My hubby had the worst problem remembering to slow down in drinking and eating. The gas is normal, I rocked in my rocking chair the first couple of weeks to help move the gas out. You may try going back to just clear liquids, broths, jello, G2 gatorade or propel. No one expects you to get in all your protien and water the first few weeks. Do what you can and just take it slow. Remember no sugar it can cause diarrhea and gas. Good luck take it slow you will do fine.
   — ToniLee

February 16, 2010
I think you are trying too hard. First, take one step at a time. The sounds are because your intestines have been rerouted and so that is normal (sounds) don't worry. Diarhea is normal for awhile too. Again your intestines have been re-routed. Normal, don't worry. You will only be able to sip, sip, sip, small amounts of liquids. So do a little soup, then do a little protein. Don't expect to get a lot in right now, your pouch is only able to hold about 1-2 oz, but it new so don't try to force more in it, that is why you have a stomach ache. You won't hurt your nutrition, this early in the game. But just remember to sip about every 5 minutes and set minute timer to help you remember. Don't worry so much are you won't enjoy this wonderful gift (journey) of wls, if you continue to worry all the time. Take it slow and don't be in a hurry to get all of your protein and liquids in. It will take you a few weeks to get in maybe even 64 oz of fluid. It will happen................trust me (us) at OH. take it easy.
   — Kristy

February 16, 2010
Barry...I can't believe you tried to get a HALF A CUP of cereal down at only 5 days post op!! I was on ONE OUNCE of VOLUME (not even weight) at this stage. I went out and bought those little jell-o shooter cups at a liquor store, and they were the perfect size to put my little one-ounce servings in. Fill one of those, and no matter how much it weighs, that's ALL you eat at one sitting. I ate that much 6 times per day for the first month. Then, they said to slowly work up to TWO of those 6 times per day for the second and third months. Then, at 4 months, depending on how your pouch is reacting, you can up that to 3 of those little cups full 6 times per day. I am 11 and a half months out, and only just now able to eat 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup at a meal. And as of 3 days ago, I am 2 pounds less than my surgeon's weight goal for me.... and 8 pounds from my own goal. My advice is - don't be in such a rush to eat. Let your pouch heal. SMALL meals 6 times daily, plus all your liquids. And remember, if you drink the Iso Pure in the bottles, it's 40 grams of protein, and it tastes like grown-up koolaid. The grape frost was my favorite, and I got it at the Vitamin Cottage, but you can get them from GNC, too.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

February 17, 2010
Barry, I forgot to mention that walking is best for you at this stage too. It will help with moving the gas down and it will help with healing. You really should only be on clear liquids at this point, at least for a 1.5 months. Your pouch is swollen, tender and sore. Liquids are chicken, beef or veg broth (nothing in it), sugar free drinks like tea, lemonade, pop cicles, water, protein. You won't feel hungry, so you don't need to worry about the "food" part right now. You just need to stay hydrated. So, stay on clear liquids, then thick liquids, then pureed food/soft (same thing) and then around 3 months, solids. You will see a big difference in your gas, and your stomach will not hurt. Don't sip until you are full, pay real close attention to how your pouch feels. Too much liquids will give you a tummy ache. It is important that you listen and feel to how it feels. Just baby your pouch now.
   — Kristy

February 17, 2010
Hi Barry, I had my surgery the day after you and I am not allowed to eat any thing solid at this point. diluted half and half juice, clear broth,sugar free jello,sugar free popsicles, protein shakes and water. in the amounts of 48-64 liquids a day. I am only able to get in 24 os as of tonight.I am only able to even think of taking watery potatoes, sugar free oatmeal,cream of wheat, only starting on Friday ( one week after the surgery.) If you start to early you can streach the pouch and cause yourself great harm even death! do be more careful and follow the strict diet that your doctor gave you. Also watch out for items that say sugar free that might be sweetened with aspertame. THis is a known contributer the runns. NOw also something to consider.. My doctor told me to becareful and report back if at this point I got the runns because there is a chance that post-operatively you might have gotten a virus in the hospital causing this. I was recommended by my doctorto use Malox as perscribed on the bottle to help this situation, hope this helps
   — OntarioSilk