Just had surgery on December 28, 2018. I'm having a hard time staying hydrated and getting enough protein.
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Just had surgery on December 28, 2018. I'm having a hard time staying hydrated and getting enough protein.
I too had a difficult time. I still do with the protein. I would focus on the water. Right after surgery that’s the most important. Everyone struggles with this.
You just have to do it or you'll end up back in the hospital with dehydration. And without protein you'll never get your energy back, especially for healing. You can't take teeny, tiny sips every waking moment? And if you say have a 20 ounce bottle of Isopure (if you don't like the creamy shakes, I didn't), that counts toward your liquid and protein requirements. You've got this!
I kept a journal so I was sure I reached both goals. Even my morning cup of coffee counted toward the liquid. (My doctor said one cup was OK). It wasn't a struggle at all, I just had a water bottle that stayed with me all day.
Thanks to all of you.
picking my memory bank now--Unjury hot chicken broth will go down smoothly, keep you hydrated and provide protein.
It's hard, but you basically have to take a sip of water every few minutes. My doctor didn't focus on protein the first week, just liquid. I was also drinking Vitamin Water Zero because it had a good taste and extra vitamins and stuff.
Thanks everyone. My doctor ordered ondansetron 4mg along with Maalox, to go along with my reflux medication & it seems to be working. I have drank 2 eight ounce protein shakes, and 4 ounces of water. I make my shakes with water. I'm now sipping 10 ounces of water. Hopefully, I will be able to drink one more shake today. I started at 7:00am.
The most important thing right now is hydration. Especially the first week or two. You will need to get your protein as well but initially focus on hydration. I had a hard time with cold fluids initially. I did better with warm or hot fluids. I like to have a big latte made with Fairlife fat free milk and Splenda. I also did a lot of sugar free popsicles. Those helped as my throat was sore. They are the only cold thing that did not bother me. Week one is hard but it will get a little easier each day. Also remember that your protein shakes also count towards your fluid goals. Hang in there. You got this!
Thanks so much!
I respectfully disagree with everyone who says to just concentrate on hydration the first few weeks, I say hydration AND protein. I was on protein drinks in the hospital, and I was only there one night. By doing this I was back to work with full energy at 2 weeks. Hiking too! Here's my diet progression if it helps with ideas:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing
Thank you
The main reason I feel that protein is not quite as important the first week or two is that many people are on a clear liquids diet not requiring protein. So it seems to me that as long as you stay hydrated your fat reserves will carry you through. I did not meet protein goals the first few weeks and was back to work a week post op with no issues. I only was tired by early evening. Not saying I got no protein but I did not meet both protein and fluid goals every day until I was a few months out. I did hit them sometimes but not every day.Quote:
Originally Posted by sraebaer
Thank you. I am not meeting the protein goal if 60 - 80 grams a day. I have such severe heartburn that it's unbelievable. I am taking an antacid, a prescription, & Tums and it has not disappeared. I am a little frustrated. I wake up with heartburn after sleeping for 8 hours.
Hi There
All has been said above re hydration and protein.
I would contact your surgeon re the heartburn and see if there is something else/different that they could try you with. Heartburn is very uncomfortable so hopefully you will find something that will work for you.
Thanks. The heartburn is getting better. What do you eat for the two weeks of pureed food?