Struggling at day 3...any help, advice, suggestions greatly appreciated....

[jrenee63]

I'm 3 days post-op and weak and not getting in but around 200 calories a day-using MFP. Drinking protein shakes, usually takes 1/2 day to finish, eating sf jello, walk around with a bottle of water and sip sip all day long. Having my broth 1-2 times a day. I'm walking in my long backyard to get my walking in. I tried to walk around the block and it wore me out bad. Is this all normal: amt of calories, weakness, bloating from the upper gas pain? I don't see the surgeon until Sept 9 but if I need to call I will. Just want to know what your first week was like...need some help here...wanna make sure I'm doing the right things.

[RoxFC]

i didn't keep track of anything for the first week. I just focused on water and protein drinks. As each day progressed, I was able to get more and more water and protein drinks in. Honestly, I didn't start really keeping track of calories until about three weeks ago (i'm about six weeks post op). As your fluid and protein intake increase..you will feel better. I was only able to walk about 5-10 minutes at a time.

[Ladyinwaiting]

I just started tracking my calories last week. The first two day I barely got down 16 oz of water and a few tsps of jello. By day 3 or 4 I was able to incorporate some broth. Keep in mind that you can serve as long as your body has water for something like 3 weeks. (not optimal). You are at day 3 now. Just watch your urine. Make sure that it is not dark yellow, that means you are dehydrated. I did walk, short distances (helps get rid of the pain) and rested in between. The anesthesia is still coming out of your system, so go out and try to breathe some fresh air and try to get it out of your longs. Just focus on the water and the rest will come. I promise...

[OAM]

Honestly, it sounds like you are doing great. Really impressed with how much you are walking! I felt very week for the first two weeks. Surprisingly so! If you are able to having a protein smoothie it will really help you build your strength up! Good luck!

[sososoph]

You're doing great Hun! I found the first few days a struggle and kept thinking 'what if it doesn't get better' but it really does. Every day gets easier. Keep your chin up x

[CoComom]

I am only a couple days before you. So far I am drinking propel 0 water (flavored o cal water) Premier Choc Protein Shake, eating (if you can call it that) Tomato soup, sf pudding, sf jello, and today I just made a another soup. I post recipe on this site. Having trouble getting in all my fluid too but I am not counting cal yet. I am probably close when you add in protein shake as a liquid and also the ice I am adding to my waters. Good luck

[sheshe1229]

Hey sleeve sister. I am having some issues today too. I actually ended up calling my surgeon because I was feeling dizzy and lightheaded. But I was hardly getting anything in. He told me to just focus on was and have it on me at all times and worry about protein second. And the pain on my left side was normal because that's the incision they take the stomach out at. I do feel tons better since getting more water in. But I just can't eat. I only got an onuce of yogurt I am just not interested in food. It will get easier for us soon!!!

[KathyL]

Focus on getting fluids right now, that is what my doc told me. You are doing great on you walking but don't forget to rest also. Your body is healing & needs fluids & rest. The walking will help with the gas. My worst days were 3 - 5, hang in there. YOU GOT THIS ! ! ! (but it doesn't hurt to have a little help from your friends)

[binalyn]

I'm day 5 now. To get more calories in, I am drinking Juicy Juice apple juice (no sugar added and 100% fruit). It gives me a bit more energy. I am at about 40 oz of water - but when I add the juice and the popsicles....I am getting closer to the 64 oz water goal.

When I left the hospital, I was given instructions on what to eat, when to eat it and how of it to eat. Protein shakes are added in my 2nd two weeks along with milk based item. The 1st two weeks are all water based items.

At this point, I am concentrating on staying hydrated and getting in my 5 to 7 minute walking intervals at least 3 times a day.

[LSUTIGER722]

my worst day was day 3.. everything got sooo much better after that

[jrenee63]

Danielle, I've heard that days 2 and 3 are the worst. God I hope so. I hate being so weak.

my worst day was day 3.. everything got sooo much better after that

[Nel]

Just focus on getting your fluids in but don't be worried if you can't get in too much the first few days - the fluids they pumped into you during your hospital stay will battle dehydration for a solid 5 days or so. That being said, try and take a few sips every 15 mins. Set an alarm on your phone or watch to go off every 15 if it helps. If you're not on clear liquids, powerade zero was a lifesaver for me. Didn't tolerate the red too much but the grape was perfect. Kept me from dehydrating until I could get my fluids in. By 1 week out, I was able to drink a 16 oz. bottle of water in an hour or so without any discomfort. Don't even think about calories right now. A big help to me was sublingual vitamin B12 (picked it up at Walmart) - it melts under the tongue and is used for energy and metabolism. Now, if I skip a dose, I feel sluggish during the day. Keep up the great work and welcome to the sleeved side!

[Nel]

Danielle, I've heard that days 2 and 3 are the worst. God I hope so. I hate being so weak.

Day 2 and 3 were AWFUL but by day 4 I was folding laundry and even took a walk around the block, and a short car ride. Incredible what a difference between days 3 and 4.

[Jasley P]

Be strong ... Think positive. I know it's going to be better for u! I haven t been sleeved yet.. But I will be Oct 7th. I read so much positive feed back from so many people to enlighten each Sleevers! It's really heartfelt to see this! I'm glad each of u are moving frow with positive results! I can't wait to be amongst it all!

[PipperMarrow]

I agree with all the above. I had gas pain so bad for 5 days and there is no way I could make it around the whole block. I just walked in the back yard. I didn't care about protein, just fluid. I ended up doing pop cycles (SF) A LOT, jello and broth. The rest of the time I was eating ice or sipping water. Hang in there, it gets better even though you don't think right now it will. Sending good vibes and hugs your way.