Had Surgery 12/7/16 Experience and Questions!

[leramos]

So on Wednesday 12/7/16 I had my gastric sleeve with Dr. Almanza in Tijuana, MX. Everything went smoothly and I experienced no complications just mild pain with soreness... completely normal. The hospital, doctor, and nurses were phenomenal and exceeded all of my expectations. It is definitely different than the states and just requires an open flexible mind. Overall I am so pleased with the process. I arrived home yesterday and am feeling great and 17 lbs down!!! I still can't believe it! I have 5 days to rest and recuperate before returning to work.

I do have a QUESTION for the experienced sleevers, how soon after surgery did you begin getting the recommended protein in? I am doing great with my fluids but not up there with my protein. I am wondering, is the lack of protein in my diet this early on okay? I do not feel fatigue or tired however I am not doing much just resting and walking 1.5 mile twice daily since 2 days post op.

Thank you everyone, the support and questions this page has answered through this process has been wonderful!

[Pam G]

it took me a good 4 months to get all the protein in. Fluids, maybe 3 months?

[jerzeygirl]

The first 10 days or longer are all about healing. Drink slowly, sip like it's your job and if you feel like trying the protein, mix it with water and make it thin. We tell our patients to just wait it out a little drinking enough fluids during the initial phase and then moving forward. From my personal experience, I waited a couple of weeks before moving to the next phase and then it was only Greek yogurt that I ever wanted besides getting in my fluids. It's a challenge, but taking it one day at a time and getting used to listening to your new tummy helps.
Continued success

[overweightofficer]

I had my surgery the 7th as well. I started drinking full liquids on the 3rd day. I've been drinking at least 2 premier protein shakes a day since then

[lynn76]

I am eight days after surgery and my body is just exhausted. I have no energy, get up and go or elsewise. I have never had such trouble getting over a surgery. The pain is manageable, the diet is tolerable, I just have no energy. I can only imagine if I had to go back to work soon. I hope you stay feeling as good as you sound.

[Kindle]

I was getting 60+ G protein by 5 days postop. I just made sure everything I drank contained protein.

[Pattimelt]

Wow Kindle! What did you drink besides protein shakes that contained so much protein? I'm researching this very topic! Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Patti

[overweightofficer]

Just put protein powder in everything like water bottles of crystal light or your tea etc

[Kindle]

Wow Kindle! What did you drink besides protein shakes that contained so much protein? I'm researching this very topic! Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Patti

2 scoops syntrax nectar mixed in 32 oz water.....drank throughout morning (40g)
Premier chocolate mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with milk.....drank throughout afternoon (40g)
Added unflavored powder to whatever puréed/strained soup I drank that night (5-10g)
If you gotta have morning coffee, make it a Chike protein latte or I basically just added premier vanilla or chocolate as creamer to my tea.

[Pattimelt]

Thanks so much Kindle! I already checked out Syntrax and will get some before my surgery. Sounds like a great product, and I'm sure I'll use it as you did. You a a valuable source of info, Kindle, and I appreciate you so much! Thanks, Patti

[Emmeraldas]

MY doctor's regime was 2 weeks of clear liquids. I had gotten my follow up appointment with him about 10 days dafter surgery and he boosted me to full liquids and start taking protein supplements. That was in October. I still get days of total exhaustion. I am sure it is a result of my body using up it's fat stores. It takes energy to break down that stuff.
I cannot tolerate sucralose in any protein supplement and found Genepro medical grade unflavored protein which I love. It is 30 grams in 1 tablespoon and mixes well in liquids, soups, and yogurt. I take it twice a day in my decaf tea to make sure I get enough protein. So far so good.

[ghost_ryder]

My NUT wanted me getting 110g of protein per day. It was a good 5-6 weeks that I was not reaching that level. Liquids after week two when I spent the week in the hospital from dehydration (long story that I already posted) did I get all my fluids in.

[Jollyrsc]

My dietician told me it could be up to two months post surgery before I was able to get 60-75 grams of protein daily. She was pretty much correct. I had surgery in Aug 2016 and I was able to start getting the recommended amount of protein in around the beginning of November. Drink protein shakes and eat your protein servings before anything else. It will help with hair loss when you get to 3-6 months.

[bndjones]

I feel so very blessed reading these posts. Had my surgery on 12/12 - one week ago today. So far I have had zero problems getting in at least 60 gr. of protein and 64 oz of fluid. Not sure why after reading about all the difficulties. Like Kindle, I use the Premier powder mix for one or more of my protein drinks. I make it with 1/2 Lite soy milk and a cup of ice. I also use 3-5 packets of Splenda. Yes I sip other fluid all day. I use the Mio drops in my water bottle occasionally for some added flavor. Good luck folks and I guess I'm one of the very lucky ones.

[sraebaer]

Do protein drinks and you'll be getting your required protein and liquid at the same time. I had a minimum requirement of both I got from the day home from the hospital, but I don't remember the exact number. It's not that hard, just sip when you are awake.