Question:
How does one get 60 oz of water, 60 grams of protein, and eat in?
I'm 2 weeks post op. I started with some egg yesterday. I made the mistake of eating some too soon before having to take medications. When I took the medications (30 minutes later) I almost puked. I was in so much pain. I'm assuming it was because I didn't leave 2 hours of nothing to digest the egg. I don't know how to get all of this in within the day. Anyone else have any suggestions? — Marybeth C. (posted on February 3, 2010)
February 2, 2010
I am 10 weeks post-op and am just now drinking/eating my daily water and
protein requirement. Until last week, I was fortunate if I got 40 grams of
protein. I have worried over this and worked diligently at the goal. But
like you said, by the time we get all the supplements, medications, and a
small amount to eat, the day is over. I was so discouraged at first and
amazed how easy it was for some. I became lactose intolerant, and the
protein shakes nauseated me. I finally told myself to stop stressing, do
the best I can, and it would get better. That said, little by little it
has been improving, and I am now getting my protein, which still includes
2-3 shakes per day. I still eat mostly soft foods, and after having had
some painful missteps, I have learned to recognize my full feeling before
it is too late! It will get easier.
— dasie
February 3, 2010
Marybeth,
You should still be on liquids only. Nofood at all right now. (even soft)
There are 4 phases: liquids, (at least 4 weeks of this so your pouch
heals, it is swollen, tender, and sore) thick liquids,(2 weeks) pureed/soft
(same thing, 2 weeks) and then solids. You don't get all of the above in
at 2 weeks post op. You should focus on getting your liquids and protein
first. You won't be able to get much, but over time your pouch will
natually stretch out (that is normal). YOu want to make sure you don't get
dehydrated. So sip, sip sip away. Don't try and foods yet. Your pouch
needs to be pampered as you will. Liquids are best so it heals properly.
I am 4 yrs post op RNY and I just hope you follow my advise. Doctor's
really give false info when they hand out post op instructions. I was on
liquids for 6 weeks then gradually tried new foods. You can't just have a
major stomach re-routed and be able to eat eggs. That is way too soon.
But just stay on the liquids and you will do just fine. Try to get as much
protein in as possible, that is where you will find your energy as well as
vitamins, don't forget to take your vitamins too. If you need help, please
feel free to email me. Best wishes to you.
— Kristy
February 3, 2010
I too have struggled with this question of fitting all the
supplements/drinks etc in,,, but it is getting easier, I seem to be falling
into a routine of every 2 hrs,,, the biggest hurdle is to remember the no
liquids 1/2 hr before and after.
As for what you are to eat at what times, I recommend you refer to your
doctor's/dietician's plan. It seems from reading here that every
program/doctor has a different recommendation. Mine is in 2 wk increments,
2 wks liquids before, 2 wks liquids after, 2 wks very soft, 2 wks soft, etc
etc.
Once again, refer to your doctor's recommendations.
— bcruiser2003
February 3, 2010
I am 3 weeks post op from having a sleeve gastrectomy. I have found a shake
at GNC that is called "Oh Yeah" nutritional shake. They come in a
variety of flavors and have 32 grams of protein in 14 oz. They are not bad
at all. I also drink Isopure and a 20 oz bottle has 40 grams of protein.
between the two you are getting in 72 grams of protein in drinks alone. I
take a couple of bottles of water with me to work and sip on that
throughout the day also. Yes, it does seem like our entire day is consumed
with getting in protein and fluid, but even at 3 weeks post op, I have
found that it is getting easier. Good Luck!!
— kirbgo
February 3, 2010
First, know that EVERY doctor is different. Being on soft foods is TOTALLY
acceptable, despite what others may say. It all depends on your doctor and
his protocol. I was on clear liquids 7 days, full liquids 3 days,
soft/mushies 3 days and then solids as tolerated. I started with eggs,
too.
Just go slow and take in what you can. In time, you will slowly add more
and before you know it, you will be up to the required amounts. You have
made it through the toughest two weeks! Congratulations!!
— Melissa C.
February 3, 2010
hmmm i am almost the first week and it takes me from 7am in the morning
til 9am til take all my meds and drink my morning protein..... my DR have
rammed into my head protect the pouch at all costs! for at least 3
weeks....my DR gave me a list of things to drink the first second third
fourth all the way to the 6=8 weeks.... and in my schedule it says no soft
egg til the third week....so i think you need to slow down... just a tad
especially if you are puking....
— Atomickitten613
February 3, 2010
Kristy is so on the mark, I couldn't have said it better. I was so
compliant with the diet the Dr gave me, they were so proud of me. You must
not eat anything solid for at least 6 weeks. I pureed everything for
almost 4 months. Eggs gawd help me, I died eating them, however I can eat
egg salad but it still doesn't go down too well. As a matter of fact most
protein still doesn't, I am 6 months out and have lost 98 lbs and pretty
much at goal.
SIP,SIP, SIP that water girl and drink protein shakes, you will be wiser
for it. You must get in the water and protein.
Good luck
— FSUMom
February 3, 2010
Oh my I forgot to tell you that you must when your Dr allows it to take
vitamins too. I had to wait I think 2 weeks.
— FSUMom
February 3, 2010
Hi Marybeth, I understand it can be hard in the beginning to get your
fluids and protien in. I found some tricks that helped me. First always
have a water bottle with you no matter what. In the car, on your nightstand
when you go to bed, even when your doing your makeup, just sip constantly.
When at work (or wherever) set your cell phone alarm say for 9 am (when you
start work) hit the snooze button it will keep snoozing every 5 minutes.
Just leave it on vibrate so no one else hears it. Keep this all morning,
and stop it 1/2 hour before lunch, and set another alarm for say 1pm and
start all over again. Remember to use a timer for your lunch it will pace
you to eat slower. It will become a habit in no time and since your sipping
all day you never get too full and trains you to drink all day. Also
remember your protien drinks count as liquids. Good Luck!
— ToniLee
February 4, 2010
All Dr's have their idea of when a patient should move on to the next phase
of eating. I had my rny done 6 wks ago, and am on any foods I can tolerate
now. My very large bariatric clinic (who has received awards for their
very high success rate) only has us on full liquids for a week, and that
begins on the day we come home from the hospital. By week 4, we are able
to eat whatever we can tolerate. I, personally, couldn't handle eggs
either at 2 wks. I am still drinking shakes because I can't get all of my
protein or beverages in. If you are having problems, my dr & nut
suggested going back a step for a week and trying again. But follow your
dr's guidelines strictly! Each of us is different.
— taylork25
February 4, 2010
Welcome to our world.... It's hard at first, still not sure I get it all
in, however you gotta, the protein is important for all kinds of stuff...
it helps your hair loss that you will go thru.
— MarthaJ0110
February 4, 2010
Hi Marybeth, you have picked up some good info here, but I just want to
add that liquid is liquid is liquid. It makes no difference if it's water,
tea, coffee, Isopure, a protein shake, it all counts. Add up your ounces,
and its not so bad. There is also a chocolate protein shake at Costco, the
brand is Premium, that has 42 grams of protein. Use these or something
like it and it will be easier to get your protein in. You are too soon for
eggs or other semi solid food. Stick with your liquids. Best of luck to
you!
— Bonnie H.
February 4, 2010
One way that I do this is to try to make sure that everything I take in has
protein. K20 has some protein no cals and mixes with water... protien
shakes are great at this stage when you start real food and pureed/soft
food make sure everything is protein... As another person posted the most
important thing for you right now is to get your vitamins and lots of
liquids dehydration is your worst enemy in the stage that you are in right
now. Take your protein in with liquids that mix with milk (fat free or
milk sub) and water.
— phyllismmay
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