I now realize why many people do not post their updates on the day of or following surgery, wow it is definitely an adjustment isn't it? I will say thought that the most difficult part of this new post op journey has been finding motivation to drink the required protein.

Since Monday I was NPO and still could not even have a sip of water, I was really ready for those sips of water. I had no problem with drinking 3 ounces of water in an hour period, but I did tire very easily with the chicken soup flavor protein mix which I thought would be more appealing than the other choices. I eventually got some chocolate shake mixed up and finished the day with sips of that. I'd say maybe I finished the equivalent of one shake. I was also discharged that next day around 4 pm and walked around as much as possible to help relieve the gas pain in my chest.

Wednesday I was still not feeling so hot, mostly dreading the protein drinks, which by that time I had mixed unflavored into powerade zero and managed that better than the previous two! Again, I believe I made it to one shake, not my goal of 2. I kept drinking water and powerade though and went to the bathroom several times so I know I was hydrated.

Well today is Thursday and I really feel like a whole new person with some energy, got up and took a shower, have already had a vanilla protein shake before noon, and am working on the computer with some emails and checking facebook and such. I think i'll feel fine to join the family in trick or treating around the neighborhood and tackle whatever is left of the annoying gas pockets that seem to pop up unexpectedly!

I should not weight, I realize that, but I did so there it is. I have lost 6 pounds since my pre op weigh in and I feel pretty encouraged by seeing those numbers drop close to the next number range. I thank you all for the posts you have made so that I would be prepared for these brutal 2 weeks! I hope this message can serve as encouragement to someone else....just hold out for day 4 that's all I have to say..get past the surgery and the next 2 days and the following will be so so much better!