5 days post-op - is this normal??

[fat.girl.slim]

Guidance needed, please.

I'm having problems getting in any significant volume of protein - I've been getting less than 20 grams per day since discharged from the hospital. I was told by the nutritionist that they want adequate protein and water intake by the 2 week follow-up but at this rate I'm starting to panic a bit. I'm sure that I shouldn't be pounding down protein shakes and it'd be crazy for me to actually get 60-90 grams of protein at this point but I'm certain that I should be getting more than 10 grams, too.

One of the biggest hurdles I've hit is the feeling that I'm swallowing too much air every time I drink anything. After drinking anything (generally three sips) I immediately feel overly full and panic that I drank too much and that I'll throw up as a result. Is this just normal for how newly post-op I am or should I be doing something differently to avoid swallowing so much air? I would love any feedback you can provide. Thank you so much!

[Marvinator]

It takes a little while to build up to where you can get all the protein. I wasnt really coming very close the first week or so. And my wife didnt either. It takes time. I think you try to do as much as you can but dont make yourself uncomfortable in the process.

[sociologist]

Yes it is completely normal. You will get there, it takes time. I thing I was in week four when I started getting 60 grams. Good luck:-)

[kenson]

I don't think I'm getting in the desired amount of protein either. I am five days out as well, and I am just trying to concentrate on staying hydrated. I've been doing a couple of protein shakes, broth,sf pops etc. I'm sure you're doing just fine.

[wilsonvirg]

Hello....I find it easier to start early in the morning and use something like Isopure plus that has protein to keep hydrated. make your protein shakes with added powder milk for extra protein and I take my pills (crushed) with Dannon light and fit Greek with extra protein and I get the ones marked blends so there are no pieces that is 12 gr of protein. If you break the premier protein shakes (11 fl. oz.) that you can get at sam's or costco into several "meals" that is 30 gr. I also have in the fridge something I have not tried yet called Protein ice it is 42 gr. of protein in 20 fluid oz. You just have to find what works for you, plan your day starting about 7 am making sure that you get off to a good start by having protein and then break it up into hours making sure that every hour you are getting something. Yesterday I made some protein hot chocolate and it took me one hour and a half to drink an 8 oz cup (heating it every time it got cold). Keep trying you will make it just keep with the plan.

[wilsonvirg]

And one more thing that is most important, write, write and write some more making sure that you log everything that goes into you mouth,

[NancyN]

They really don't expect you to be getting it in at this point. When you go for your 2 week Annette will tell you that. I haven't been able to drink a shake since surgery, so I was doing the creamed soup made with milk, and drinking milk when I could. Right now, the goal is to stay hydrated, so drink anything that is comfortable going down and staying there. It WILL get better. And for these first couple weeks, all your liquids (everything you are consuming) count toward your goal. Seriously, if I was getting 24-30 oz in, it was a good day! Just do the best you can.

[Socaldixiegal]

Same here. At that same time the thought of that much protein was a dream! My ability to drink protein shakes totally changed after surgery and the first one made me gag. It took time to build up to them again. I also had to thin them out with water quite a bit. I'd do the same with greek yogurt. Thin it out to make it easier to eat.

As to air/sipping. Initially don't use a straw. You have to retrain yourself on how much you take in with each sip. Same with bites. When you think of a sip, think in terms of teaspoons. Tiny sips. With a straw you start sucking and it's too easy to get in air and end up sucking up too much. For the first couple of weeks, it really did take me about 20 minutes to drink/sip about 1/3 cup of liquid.