Question:
6 days post op

O.K. it has been 6 days since surgery. Every time I eat anything it seems to hurt. I a getting to where I don't want to put anything in my mouth. Is this normal? Also how much water am I suppose to drink a day. I think I am drowning myself? It is funny how old habits die hard, my mom doesn't think it is normal for me not to eat anything. She insists I have something at each meal even though I am not hungry.    — peggyp (posted on April 6, 2003)

April 6, 2003
First off, Mom is right. If you wait till you're hungry you probably wont eat. Secondly at this point you should still be on a liquid diet, so I hope you mean that your drinking at every meal. If not that may be your problem. You just went through major surgery and need some time to heal. Try a liquid diet for a while and see if that helps, if not then please contact your surgeon to get checked out.
   — dkinson

April 6, 2003
I agree with Mom! You should be drinking an ounce or two every hour (and having some chicken broth for calories). Drink as much water/tea/SF drinks (non-carbonated, of course) as you can.. shoot for 32 ounces and then increase as you feel better. Try sugar free posicles..it is much easier to get liquid in that way it seems. Good luck.. it gets SO much easier and better!! Sarah.. WLS 2/3/03 -56 lbs
   — SarahC

April 6, 2003
Every surgeon is different but mine put me on a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks. So if you aren't eating yet, I can't imagine it being that bad. As long as you are drinking a lot. I think you are doing just fine. My surgeon said at least 32 ounces a day in the beginning. I know others say 64. I say anything inbetween is great. Do the best you can, and if you aren't eating just yet just drink. Believe me, you will get to a point where you get hungry. But everyone is different as to when it will be. Good luck to you! I hope that helps.
   — Laurel C.

April 7, 2003
Peggy, this is completely normal. You will probably not want to eat anything for weeks and months. But your mom is right, you HAVE to eat, otherwise your body will go into starvation mode and that's not good. But i understand the stomach pains, your body needs time to heal, so it has to adjust to all its changes. Stick with liquids first, then really soft foods, then eventually hard food by 3 months. And you will find that the more you eat in the beginning, the more weight you'll lose. At 6 days post-op, you should probably be only drinking things or eating very soft foods. Soups, mashed potatoes, protein drinks, yogurt, etc are good things to eat right now. I know it's hard and you don't want to, but you should strive for atleast 3 meals a day, 5-6 is better. And you can never drink too much. I drink ATLEAST 80oz of water a day- hydration is very important, so its great you're drinking alot. Most surgeons recommend getting atleast 64oz fluid a day, if not more.
   — Lezlie Y.