Question:
2 wks and 2 dys post-op, what and how much should i be eating

I would like to know the amts of food I should be eating and examples of a daily routine from someone, for example: yesterday I had 4oz protein drink, 2 teaspoons of oatmeal for breakfast and 1 tsp of potato soup for supper and about 45 oz of water...also can I drink more that 1oz of water every 15 minutes, thanks for your help...    — Carla I. (posted on September 5, 2003)

September 4, 2003
What does your Dr. recommend at this stage? I was on clear liquids only for the first 3 weeks then pureed for 2 weeks then soft foods, while a friend of mine with a different surgeon was eating cheese and crackers while still in hospital. Every Dr is different, but the consistancy with all is to get your fluids in, if you can tolerate the protein shakes, then by all means drink them, just take things slow and your body will let you know when you are ready for more. I think the biggest challange in the first few weeks is getting our brains to realize that we CAN LIVE without food as long as we are getting the fluids that we need. The longer you can stick to fluids/soft foods in the beginning, the better it is for your body to heal. When you get the head hunger remind yourself that it IS head hunger and not true hunger at this point (as prepared as I was, this was a tough stage) Good luck!
   — Dana B.

September 5, 2003
The only thing you need to concentrate on right now is getting your protein up to speed as quickly as you can and getting in enough water. The more protein you get the faster you will heal and feel better. I was able by 2-3 weeks post op to get my protein up to 60 grams with shakes which also counts towards your liquid intake. This will also help you to avoid early plateaus. By 3 weeks post op I could drink more like every 10 minutes than every 15. Don't ever drink if you are still feeling full. Listen to your body. Good luck.
   — Carol S.

September 5, 2003
Let me add to Carol's advice of encouraging you to boost your protein intake with the fortified drinks and shakes. At two weeks out I was just moving onto the mushy food. I would have about 4 oz of yogurt in the morning and then about 4 oz of cottage cheese in the afternoon for lunch. For supper, I would have an egg (usually not the whole egg). Throughout the day, I would supplement my water with Isopure Zero Carb drinks to get extra protein. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi

September 5, 2003
CHeck out my second profile for a complete day/week diet for post ops!! It should help! :~) Hugs... oh, feel free to email me if you have questions about it, too! :~)
   — Sharon m. B.