How do you eat after surgery?

[BlessedBluebird]

What is eating like during the different stages after surgery? What foods, how much, how often? Also, do you get weak/headachy/jittery, etc... when eating so much less?

One thing that worries me about having surgery is not knowing how I will feel. Now, if I wait too long to eat or don't eat enough, I get weak, nervous/jittery, and terrible headaches.

Thanks in advance!

[AnnieG]

Very good question, but highly individual.
I followed my doctor's eating schedule post surgery to the letter, with protein & hydration being my highest priorities.
At close to a year out, I am at about 1200 calories and maintaining, but not exercising at all yet (yeah, I know.)

As to "jittery", I do get low blood sugar (I mean 55-57 range) IF I eat just a carb by itself. I was diabetic with shots for years, and now the crashes are always a surprise. But a sip of OJ, and a piece of string cheese head it off. And remembering PROTEIN FIRST. And no, I don't get headaches at all.

But again, I think each of is different. As you develop what you eat, keep track of your reaction and then post specifics and I bet someone will have a great answer fo ryou.

[KiwiGal]

As Annie above I also followed my surgeons instructions to a tee - and still do. I keep a food diary and weigh and measure my meals.
I find that if I have left too long in between meals that I start to feel a little queasy. Not hungry but possibly a bit hangry :-)
If I know that there is a possibility that I may not be able to get a meal when I need it I pop a low sugar/low fat protein bar in my bag and munch on that. It does the trick. I average around 950-1000 calories per day and certainly feel that I am getting plenty to eat. I have a fairly structured schedule so it is pretty easy to plan my food for the day.

[Stacey03]

Hi, I used to be like you before surgery and get a bit jittery but I don't now. I did feel a bit weak for 6 weeks after and exhausted but that passed and I think it is to be expected for some people. As Annie said, it is really individual as to how you will feel and you need to adjust different ways of getting your food in if one way or another isn't working for you. I now eat differently each day depending on what I have going on Sometimes I eat more and sometimes I eat less. iT IS DIFFERENT BUT LIKE ANYTHING IN LIFE YOU GET USED TO IT. best of luck to you :-)

[Stacey03]

Sorry, I didn't mean to do shouty capitals!!!!!

[nlee]

Like AnnieG said it's very individual. I don't get any of those things you named and I'm about 5 weeks out from surgery. I don't go more than 4 hours or so without something to eat, even if it's a protein shake, a string cheese, or a meal. Getting your protein and liquids in is WORK. This also helps keep my blood sugars stable throughout the day.

[Christie13]

Completely individual. I never had issues getting jittery or weak. I was just tired the first week post op. Then I started getting my energy back. I followed the rules my doctor laid out for me and also listened to my body a lot. I ate low carb in the beginning when I had a lot of weight to lose. As I got close to goal I began to add carbs back in. I eat a balanced diet now but focus more on protein and veggies. I have been an avid exerciser from pretty early on. The thing that keeps you from feeling weak is getting in enough protein and fluids.

[BlessedBluebird]

Thank you all! The unknown can be scary!

[sraebaer]

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

This link is exactly how I ate after surgery.