Question:
Can anyone share their usual intake while on liquids?

I had surgery October 3rd and am doing fine. The only thing and I know this is crazy, I am confused as to how much and how long inbetween time I need to be drinking protein shakes, broths. Also what all is an option for me to drink. Basically I wake up and within the hour drink 2-3 oz of protein. Then I wait for two hours and drink chicken or beef broth. Then I rotate every two hours between the two. I am scared that I am not doing the right thing in order to lose some of my initial weight. I was hoping someone could go over a basic day in their diet on liquids and share some of the products they use, because the protien drinks I have been drinking are only 1-2 grams of surgar and they can be almost imbearable to drink. If anyone can help I would really appreciate it. Thanks    — Mary P. (posted on October 10, 2002)

October 10, 2002
Don't worry too much about it. Do your best to get as much protein as you can, but the really important thing to a new post-op is to get your liquids in. You can get dehydrated a lot faster than you'll notice a lack of protein. Liquids can be anything that's non-caffeinated (coffee, colas) and non-alcoholic. I drink all day, every day, except for the half hour before and after eating. If you like broth, I'd look for the low-sodium kind.
   — Roxanne M.

October 10, 2002
I agree with the previous post. I think that although protein is important, just liquid in general is far more significant this early in the game. Once I got home from the hospital I was trying to get in an ounce every 15 or 20 minutes and actually used my egg timer. I am now 2 1/2 months out now and still do the same routine when I feel like I am not getting enough liquid. I might sit and drink 2 oz. every 10-15 minutes for about 2 hours until I feel totally rehydrated. My surgeons office said this is a good habit to get into because it not only keeps you hydrated but acts as a natural laxative to flush out your system everyday.
   — Laurel C.

October 11, 2002
I had my open RNY 10 months ago and have lost 150 pounds. I was on full liquids for a week after being discharged from the hospital. I had NO protein drinks at all - my surgeon didn't want us having anything with milk and he said at that point protein wasn't important. I drank V8 Juice, Crystal Light, ate sugar free popsicles and had canned soup that had been strained. Mostly I drank V8 - it was all that really tasted good to me. I probably drank about 30 -40 ounces a day at first. I sipped on in constantly - never had a "schedule" of when to drink. I just kept a big glass of liquid by me at all times and sipped continuously. By the way, when I went to get my staples out the following week, I had lost 30 pounds in 12 days. I was also released to drive and return to work that day. I wouldn't wait two hours between drinking.
   — Patty_Butler