Protein consumption, migraines & dehydration

[EllisM80]

I have had the absolute hardest couple of days. It started off with feeling nauseous every time I ate. I have probably had a total of 20-25 grams of protein since my 2 week post op visit. My doctor only wants me to eat 3 meals a day. No snacks & no grazing. I already suffer with migraines but I am usually able to manage them. This is day #4 with a migraine. My husband gave me one of his migraine pills and it was gone within 30 minutes. However, during those 4 days, I struggled with being able to get any fluids in. I'm going to guess 20 ounces a day. I had to drive my husband to the doctor yesterday. I got in the shower as soon as I woke up. Got dressed, got the kids off to school and ran my errands for the day. I've noticed that I've been burning more calories in a day than I can consume and its causing me extreme dizziness. My surgeons office called to see how I was doing so I told them everything that was going on. They wanted me to go to my primary care for blood work & to check my BP but I actually just went 2 days before that and he already knew about my dizziness. Waiting on the results to come back but in the meantime, trying to get back to drinking fluids & feeling better. Yes, this is a rough process but I wouldn't trade it for the world! I have absolutely no regrets!

[AnnieG]

Every doctor is different. When I couldn't get enough calories or liquids with 3 meals a day, my doctor said 5 small meals (not constant grazing) were okay for me. And it really helped.

Maybe you could revisit this?

[sraebaer]

I second the more small meals. You have a baby sized tummy so need to eat lite a baby, a little bit but more often.

You have to get in your liquids and protein! You don't want to end up back in the hospital. I liked Isopure diluted with a lot of ice, just sipped it every waking moment. You shouldn't be driving, etc, if you're getting dizzy. And you're probably dizzy because you're dehydrated and are not getting any protein which supplies energy.

Hope you get answers from your doctor. Good luck!

[Grammy2s&c]

That's worrisome you can't much in. Hopefully you feel better and get answers soon. Take care!

[Dutchie]

I agree with Annie and Sraebaer.
Don't think in terms of "meals" yet.
Make sure you get as much protein and liquids in as you can.
If that means you are sipping and "eating" all day long, so be it.
Health first, and right now that is not the case.
Find out what suits you best, fluid-wise.
Hot, cold, lukewarm, sips from a cup, straw, teaspoons, whatever.
Yoghurt, cottage cheese, protein rich food.
And make sure you also drink something salty, like bouillon.
That will help against the dizziness.

You take care now, this really worries me.
And take plenty of rest, it doesn't sound like you do right now.
You did have major surgery...

[Christie13]

Yup. I still cannot do just 3 meals a day. I have to have 5 but they are much smaller. If I were to only do 3 I would not get in enough calories. Even now. My hubby still makes comments about how little I still eat in one sitting. Sometimes on this journey you have to listen to your body. Clearly yours is saying that your surgeon's way is not the way for you. My nutritionist specifically said the 3 meals was for the future and not immediately post op.

[Katrina]

I sure feel you on the migraines and dizziness. That's the story of my life. I use a couple of doses of Maxalt to cure them, but I used to take Trokendi XR to prevent them. My insurance quit covering that, and I cannot pay $1900 per month for a prescription. So out of desperation, I decided to try the daith piercing. I was willing to try anything. It works! It's amazing that I have less migraines now than I did while using the Trokendi. If your migraines become unbearable, you may want to look into getting the piercing. Haven't found any cure for the dizziness yet, so no help there. All the salt in the world hasn't been able to bring my blood pressure up to help fight the dizziness.

As for your surgeon only wanting three meals a day. Pffft! At 39 days out you're still just trying to survive. Drink and eat whatever you need to to be able to meet your needs. You can worry about 3 meals a day later.

[KiwiGal]

I do 3 small meals and 3 small snacks a day. I get my required protein but I'm only just getting in around 900 calories on most days.
I think you have to take advice and then find out what works for you.
Hope you are feeling better soon.

[EllisM80]

Thank y'all so much for your responses. I vaguely remember posting this. I remember falling asleep after I posted, woke up when the kids got home from school, dealt with them & supper and went back to bed. I pretty much slept the last couple days away. Then my son got sick on the bus on the way home today. I had to pick him up on the side of the road. So I was thinking maybe I have a virus going on or something. I'm trying to get my energy level back up. I think I'm gonna break down and get some Isopure tomorrow. I hate feeling like this. I have 6 kids and a husband who works 6 days a week. I don't have time to feel like crap. I am still learning this road. It's hard but I'm going to get through it. I so appreciate y'all