Is it enough

**calicojack42** · 09-12-2013 07:20 AM

As of Monday the 16th, I'll be 5 weeks post-op, but I don't feel like I am. So far, I can manage only about an ounce and a half of solid food, so I am still on 2 shakes per day to reach 60g of protein. I don't know if this is normal or not, and I'm getting impatient with the healing process. I found out my anxiety meds aren't absorbing as they should so my primary changed them up, and I'm hoping that helps. Yesterday morning bore witness to a panic attack, as my brain took a perceived protein deficiency and sent it through a positive feedback loop. Eventually, I was convinced that I would be on protein shakes for life, and I would never again taste real food. I know everyone heals at their own rate, but I'm always reading on the message boards about how painless and swift recovery is. I don't think I'm there yet, and I'm worried I may never will be.

Are there any other slow healers out there? How are things for you now? How long did it take before you could get enough protein without having to rely on the shakes as your primary source?

**susan_b** · 09-12-2013 07:34 AM

Sounds pretty normal to me Jack. I am 6 weeks post op and my capacity for solid food is the same. I'm just going with the flow, eating what I can and not sweating about what I can't (yet!). I think healing takes about 6 weeks but the body's capacity to adjust to the changes takes much longer. So, be patient, stay calm and don't compare your progress to others.

**lornadoone629** · 09-12-2013 07:45 AM

Hi Jack.....we are all different. I just hit my 5 weeks too, but haven't felt like I had surgery (physically) for about 2 weeks. No pain, aches, hard to remember that first HARD week afterwards (guess like childbirth)! lol Anyway, I wonder sometimes if things are right with me because I CAN eat almost normal bites and 1.5 -1 cup of food, depending on the food. I can drink normally. My friend who is one week behind me still has incision issues, trouble eating much and othe things that i didn't have. Again, we each heal differently and your time for change will continue to come as you heal. Just make sure that your surgeon knows what's going on in your follow up visits and if you have an inordinant amount of pain at this stage (as opposed to discomfort) you get a medical opinion. Remember, you HAVE had major surgery.....your body needs to adjust and heal. Be kind to yourself!!!

**Kimpossible318** · 09-12-2013 08:42 AM

I hope your new meds help with the emotions and that from here on out you are able to consume food with a bit more ease. I am sure it is extremely frustrating to have to rely on supplements to get your protein in, but at least that is an option versus depleting your body of what it needs. Hang in there!!!

**calicojack42** · 09-12-2013 08:48 AM

Thanks very much for the words of experience. Knowing what to expect helps to arm me against anxiety, and I was feeling a bit disarmed. I have my 1 month follow-up with my surgeon on Tuesday and I plan on being rational at that point.

**robertajanzen** · 09-12-2013 08:59 AM

Yes that's me...I still have a protein shake 5-6 days a weeks...but just 1 a day..but lately foods r getting much easier. Welcome to the losers bench

**kaygee** · 09-12-2013 09:08 AM

Hi Jack!

My recovery wasn't swift or easy. I had pain and I had difficulty getting my protein in. At 6 weeks I'm not sure I'm getting all my protein in but I've decided to take the approach that I'm doing the best I can. I know this may mean hair loss in the future but I'll figure that out when I get to it. Add for eating, I've been eating most protein every day. That's about all I can ever fit in. I eat a variety if deli meats with a slice of cheese. I can only eat 2 oz at a time. My dietician said if you can't eat the 4 oz, easy as much add you can then put the rest aside and finish it an hour later. As much as I feel that this is considered the forbidden "grazing," it does seem to work for me. And I gots grazing on protein isn't too bad. Just gotta do the best you can. Good luck!