Day 7 post op struggling w/Liquid phase

[JillyT]

Anyone have suggestions for getting creative w/ liquids? I'm so sick of shakes. I have goal 70 grams of protein and it's so hard. Got fair life milk which is good & lots of protein. Tried the isopure drinks - really awful. Having tough time w/ non sweet protein. Had some avocado today & peanut butter which were great. Straining lots of different soups. Any other ideas? Much appreciated.

[Leslieann]

I was only on the liquid post op for 7 days then went to pureed foods. Did really well with that phase.
Sounds like you're doing very well. It's hard to get in that amount of protein after surgery. I'm 2 months post and it's still somewhat difficult to get in all the protein, some days are better than others!!

Take care!

[Tamera2]

congratulations on your surgery, well your further along then what was allowed on my postop, I was on clear liquids for 7 days then the next7 days all you added was 1 protein drink a day. which at the beginning I couldn't get all of it down in one day. Then day 21 you addded cream soup and other forms of full liquids. I'd stay clear of peanut butter right now, depending on which brand its full of sugar and fat. I use premier protein, I think it taste good especially the banana cream and it has 30 gms of protein only 1gm of sugar and 160 calories. right now I'd work on staying hydrated and slowly add more protein drink. Our you taking a ppi? you shouldn't be hungry but inflammation can mimic hunger pains!! The ppi really helps with that. Good Luck with your weight loss journey.

[Luna354]

No suggestions as I only had water, broth, and protein shake. Time flies and you'll be though this phase before you know it.

[Christie13]

Every post op is different. I don't think there is a right and wrong. I do think the longer phases is to encourage maximum weight loss. I stopped doing liquids 10 days post op. At that point I was adding in soft/pureed foods and it all got way easier. The days of liquids were rough. I just had broth, creamed soups, and shakes. I actually struggled with the sweet flavor after surgery. So the broth and creamed soups were my saviors. I could not get much in, though. It took a long time before I was meeting my protein goals. I still struggle occasionally and I am 18 weeks. How long are you supposed to be on liquids? I was supposed to be on it for 14 days but only did 10. I know sometimes the guidelines are about ensuring your new tummy can tolerate the foods as some people have a harder time than others. Have you tried adding the PB2 to your shakes? It is powdered healthier peanut butter. Just a though. You can use it, a shake, and some ice and make yourself a milkshake.

[chrissue]

My savior was premier protein chocolate drink, decaf coffee and ice. I felt like I was having a frappuccino every morning! Christie13 is right, creamed soups also helped me a ton. Congratulations on your surgery and your journey.

[Tommy1969]

The following was my go to during this phase and basically lived off of it and premier protein shakes.

Get fat free re-fried beans, add plenty of chicken broth, spoon of fat free sour cream or cottage cheese, Tabasco (if you like spicy) and blast it all in blender or nutri bullet and then microwave. Make sure is consistency of a "cream based" soup and then enjoy!

Regards

[Lorna Doone]

I was in Mexico for my 1st two weeks. I had a fridge and microwave in my hotel room. Next to my hotel was the local supermarket. I brought canned soups. Clear and creamed. I watered down the cream ones to a small extent. I then took saltines and crumbled them to a powdered consistency and soaked them in my soup. Then I ate them in tiny bites with a baby spoon. I ate slowly and took my time. I was able to give my tummy that full feeling this way. Just be careful and eat it in tiny bites. It may have taken me an hour to eat this way. Maybe longer.

[mikeinsalisbury]

I love the Ready-to-Drink Premier Protein Shakes, Wal-Mart or SAM's Club carry then in my area - 30 grams of Protein in just one bottle, and you can sip that over 30 - 40 minutes or however fast you feel comfortable with. Also the Platinum Whey Protein Powder mixed up really good in just a blender-ball shaker. Hang in there, it does get easier! The Oikos Triple Zero Yogurt is a good choice as well...
Split-pea soup (I didn't like the sound of it, but was surprised at how good it tasted after just liquids) You will find your groove and make it work, try not to stress over it, things will work their way out..

[JillyT]

Thanks Christie, I'm supposed to do 2 weeks. But I'm going to start getting creative sooner. I'm at day 9 now. The lack of calories & fat just leave me feeling hungry & weak all the time. I also had a complication w/ surgery so had no food, only IV for 3 days in hospital. It was purely awful. I think once I'm in puréed stage I'll feel like a new woman. Thanks for your help. Jill

[JillyT]

Thanks Tamera, what is PPI?

[Tamera2]

Sorry Jill, should have mentioned med names too, Nexium, Prevacid are good ones to use until you can swallow pills, which would be Prilosec etc. get one of the first ones in the slow release capsules. You open them and empty content in applesauce or something with that consistency. They will look like teeny-tiny balls, be careful not to rupture. Once swallowed it will still act like a slow release med.
This feeling got way way better around week 6.


I saw you had complications and spent 3days on IV fluids. I encourage you to follow your doctor instructions don't push the eating phase early. I would hate for you to have another complication. Make sure your hydrated, being dehydrated will make you tired. I had trouble going from full liquid to purée food. Food felt tight going down and had to go back to full liquid. I bounced back and forth for a minute. I hate very very slow and try to always have a water bottle on hand and sip sip sip.
I forgot about the powder peanut butter. That's much healthier.

[Cheflidobug]

I have had NO problem with getting enough protein... I use A liquid fruit drink by Bariatric Advantage (noxhwap but oh so good) with 15+ grams of protein... Not a shake, a fruit (blue rasp, berry, grape) drink. I also start my day with Genepro high protein powder. No taste. Mixes right into creamer which I then mix in my decaf. This can be used in broth, added to yogurt or pudding. And you'll never know.

[Cheflidobug]

That was supposed to say "not cheap"