Question:
How do you balance working with the need for constance fluids, meals?

I haven't seen anyone post on this - I will be working at a keyboard where liquids are discouraged/prohibited. How does one manage to "sip" constantly to get in the fluids needed, and also to eat when it's necessary, once you are back in a structured work environment? Often, break times don't correspond to the schedule of eating the smaller snacks... I am still pre-op, but will be starting a new job post-op and would like some advice.    — DeeDK62 (posted on June 30, 2001)

June 30, 2001
Dawn, talk to your supervisor about your medical need to stay constantly hydrated. If necessary, have your doctor write a prescription to that effect. Purchase a sipper cup, the type with a straw. Most requirements about not drinking at a workstation are for (a) the protection of the equipment, and (b) courtesy to customers. The straw lid will insure there are no spills, and if you do work with customers, you'll need to assure your supervisor your drinking will not interfere. With respect to eating, find out what the schedule for breaks will be, and start training your body to that schedule while you are still home recovering. I am assuming your company will be following federal law and providing a break roughly in the middle of each 4 hour work period. It's amazing what your body can learn to do - when we were babies we learned to eat/nurse on a schedule, and we can do it as adults too. Good luck! (not a bad idea to start training your body this way even *before* surgery - good habits can be hard to form!) - Kate -
   — kateseidel

June 30, 2001
Wow, that's a good question. Funny, I've always worked where you could eat constantly, and I seem to do better with my diet when I'm not working! <p> As far as the small snacks are concerned, I would go for the high protien, easily concealed variety that doesn't require refrigeration. Beef jerky comes to mind (I eat several bags a week at work to keep me out of the chocolate jar), although I would wait on this for a few months after surgery, as jerky needs to be chewed so thoroughly so as to not block the stoma. I used to cut the larger pieces with scissors before chewing. Also, no sugar added trail mix, nuts (occasionally) and soynuts are good choices. <p> As far as the water is concerned, I'm not a good sipper. When I commit myself to the water requirements, I do best by drinking the 20 oz size in several gulps before a meal (I tell myself, "You can eat when the water is gone!"). Again, you'll likely have to wait a few months before you can drink water quickly. Good luck to you!
   — Allie B.

June 30, 2001
I froze my water bottle and sipped all day as it thawed. I also cut my sandwich into quarters, wrapping each individually and them at my breaks & lunch. That way, no measuring, no prep work, just open a baggie and eat slowly. Since it was only 1/4 sandwich, it fit nicely into 10 minutes.
   — vitalady

July 1, 2001
I also have the same concern. I'm pre-op too and a little concerned. I work in a lab and do research. Due to chemicals and radioactivity, we are forbidden to have food or drink in there. I just figure I'm going to have to cruise out to the hallway A LOT (luckily, no one watches me or expects that I'm staying in one place all day). I'm also planning on getting water bottles with say, three servings of water in them, so I know how much more I have to drink. Good luck with yours, I guess we'll just have to do the best we can! Cheers, Mere
   — Meredith P.

July 1, 2001
I have this same problem, I am so busy at work that I will forget to drink for hours. So, I set some routines to help me make up for the shortfall during non-work hours. I had a certain amount of liquid to drink while getting ready for work, a certain amount to drink on the drive in, at lunch, and on the drive home. I hope that helps you, and be cheered by knowing that you will be able to drink more in a shorter time as you heal. I can drink a 20 oz drink in about 5 mins now if I need to. Good luck to you.
   — Cara S.