Question:
How can I increase my eating/drinking without overdoing it?

I am 9-1/2 weeks post-op and have lost 59 lbs. The problem is I am only able to drink about 18 oz. of liquid and less of that in food each day. If I try to eat or drink more I get sick. I am so tired of barfing so it is easier to just not eat or drink. I have tried a couple of protein drinks but they make me sick after just a couple of swallows. I am not even sure how much I am supposed to be consuming daily. My main concern is future problems with the lack of nutrition under the circumstances. By the way, I had a barium swallow test this past Wednesday but do not know the results yet. The technician did say she saw some reflux going on. This was very depressing since I went through this surgery because of problems resulting from acid reflux and the by-pass was supposed to guarantee an end to this problem (according to my surgeon). Any help will be greatly appreciated.    — Cynthia B. (posted on May 28, 2003)

May 27, 2003
I am 8 weeks post-op and have the same problem as you. I cannot drink even close to 64 oz of fluid in a day. Protein drinks also make me gag. I've ordered some samples from vitalady.com and will let you know if any of those turn out to be okay. When I was 4 weeks post-op, I had a barium swallow done. They also saw reflux on mine. However, they said that it wasn't acid reflux, but a refluxing action of the fluid I was taking in (where air bubbles were pushing the fluid up and down...they let me watch it on the monitor too...it explained a lot of the feelings I was having whenever I drank something). Anyway, can I just say YUCK to the two different fluids they make you drink for the barium swallow? One tastes like a blend of lemon pledge and lemon dawn (only worse) while the other tasted like actual chalk water with a hint of strawberry...YUCK again! I hope someone can provide some insight...I'm anxious to find out too. As far as food goes for me, I eat beef jerky for some of my meals, because it is pretty high in protein. However after eating that, I'm too full to eat for quite some time...so I know I don't eat the amounts I'm supposed to eat. I just hope the vitamins I'm taking (or will be taking shortly...after I receive them from vitalady.com) will help keep me somewhat healthy until I can eat and drink (water) my way to healthy. Good luck to you!!!
   — Renee B.

May 27, 2003
I had a terrible time finding protein drinks that I could drink without making me nauseous until about 6 months out. But I was able to tolerate Sugar free carnation breakfast and Herbalife has a protein drink (peach-mango and wildberry) they taste just like kool-aid. Each drink is 15 grams of protein. I ordered them on-line, the package says thermojetics weight-management drink. The two main things you need now are fluids and protein (also your vitamins). Focus on them only, if you can't eat your protein, you have to find one that you can drink. I do really well with Real Meals now, but at your stage, I just could not tolerate them, they made me gag and feel queasy....ick! At this point your fluids need to be priority. Also if you can't tolerate the protein shakes, try mixing a flavorless one into some pudding or light applesauce and see it that works. Each day will get better. Try sipping on some tea (I can drink warm liquids all day) I have a recipe for Sugar Free Friendship Tea: 1 cup unsweetened - lemon flavored tea (I like Nestea); 1/2 cup Splenda sweetner; 2 little tubs of Sugar Free Tang; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp. nutmeg. Mix together and add 1-2 tsp. per cup of hot water. I also found that by using a straw, that I could get in much more liquids. Try that, but start slow. Good luck and e-mail me if you ever just need to vent.
   — Dana B.

May 28, 2003
I'm sorry you are having a rough time. It does get better, honest, so hang in there. Its just taking a little longer for you. For now, though, you must find ways of getting in more fluids or you will dehydrate and have to be hospitalized. It happens to alot of new post-ops, so concentrate on getting in fluids. If not water, then hot decaf tea, or ice tea, or unsweetened watered down koolaid. There is a protein drink called Isopure zero carb that comes in 20 oz bottles with 40 grams of protein that looks like koolaid and is easier to handle than any shake. I did these-watered down of course- as a new post-op until I could handle shakes. I found them at GNC. Also try sipping slowly to see if that helps. As for food, whatever works for you, soft is usually better. Eggs? Cottage cheese?
   — Cindy R.

May 28, 2003
Cynthia, don't get frustrated with the surgery yet.You're still so new post-op, it's normal to feel this way. Sorry you're not feeling so great, but it will get better. I'm 1 year post-op now and felt like you did at first, too. Right now the most important thing is hydration. You need atleast 64oz of water a day. You don't have to be able to drink a 20oz water bottle in 5 minutes. Just drink sips aall day long and it will add up. And I believe Cindy mentioned Isopure- I drink it as well, that goes down pretty smooth. You need to get in atleast 60grams of protein a day, but the first few months its ok if you cannot, you just work your way up to that. It's hard to do, i know, but you'll eventually get there. Take 2 bites of yogurt now, then have 3 bites 20 minutes later, and so on. Have 1 oz protein drink now, then do another oz in an hour, etc. Just take small baby steps and eventually you can handle things better. Unfortunately, the surgery doesn't guarantee anything, but most do feel better in many areas. It will just take some time to feel better, so try to hang in there! Goodluck to you :-)
   — Lezlie Y.

May 28, 2003
In regards to your protien drinks. I use Champion Whey Protien and put SF syrup (like the kinds you use in lattes, italian soda). I use the all different types. Makes a world of difference. I like the vanilla protien with Chai Tea Syrup w/ whip. And vanilla protien with strawberry w/ crushed ice. mmmmmm
   — TLLessor