Lots of Questions!

Hey everyone!

I'm new to this site. I recently got my surgery, 8 days ago, it was on 5/15/17 and I'm having a million issues eating. Well, drinking. The last week I've probably had less then 300 calories per day, if that, since all I'm actually having is water, some pomegranate juice (less than 3 oz per day) and maybe some broth, depends on the day. I'm worried that this will all actually impede weight loss. I know I need protein to lose weight but I can't seem to get it down. Worst part of all this is that last night my side, by where the biggest incision is, started hurting horribly when ever I drink anything. I have my first check-in with my surgeon on Thursday but I'd really like advice on what to do. It seems that the best way to get any liquid in me is when I freeze water and just munch on the ice. Is that okay? Could I do the same with the protein drinks and see if I can get it down that way? I also have this weird tightness in my throat/chest. Almost like if I need to burp but can't manage to do so. I'm guessing it's probably pent up gas, but any of you struggle with that? Anyways, sorry for all the questions! I'm really hoping this surgery can help me turn my life around and get me on the road to being health. Thank you guys so much!

Welcome to the community!

First, there is a search this forum bar at the top of the page that is excellent resource. You can read through tons of information about every topic under the sun.

The pain you are having is likely normal but calling to check with your surgeon is always best.

Less calories will not slow your weight loss. There is no such thing as not eating enough calories and therefore causing your body to stop losing weight. If that was the case, no one would ever die of starvation.

Protein is important because it is the fuel that your body needs to run things like your heart and brain properly. It is very important to get in enough protein but honestly the first few weeks staying hydrated is all that really matters. Water and fluid first, then try protein as much as you can tolerate.

Go slow and stick to the restrictions your doc gave you. Don't try to progress too fast. You will eat plenty later, let your body heal now.

Hope you are feeling fabulous soon!

~Elizabeth

Thank you so much! I went ahead and looked up my questions like you suggested :)

a few questions and tips

what is your surgery center saying? If you are not getting fluids in you can easily end back up in the hospital due to dehydration.

what is on your plan?

have you tried adkins lift drinks, isopure drinks, protein shakes?

also- you probably need to drop juice from the list period. It is all sugar.

Hi! Thanks for replying :)

They told me juice was fine for now since I just needed to get something in. I have protein shakes, I tried premier protein and and the isopure plain protein powder. the issue is the taste. I can't get over how they taste lol I really want a protein that tastes like nothing, so i can put it in other things if i have to but I can't seem to find one that fits that criteria.

They told me I could have:

protein shakes

broth
jello
juice
popsicles
water
crystal light

Oddly enough, as time passes I can tolerate anything sweet less and less. I can't stand drinking the pomegranate juice anymore, unless I significantly water it down.

buy the adkins lift drinks you can get at walmart tastes like fruit juice but it is protein not juice.

stick with broth (try BONE broth, it has protein), sugar free popcicles (get the brand name not the other as there is a different sweetner used that can cause stomach issues), isopure premixed drinks are not sweet but fruity. they sell at GNC.

when they allow it, get some oikos triple zero yogurt or carbmaster if you have kroger near you. it will help break up that gas and you will feel SOOOO much better. in the meantime, get those fluids in, and walk as much as possible to get rid of that gas!

Thank you for telling me! I think I'll do a lot better with protein drinks if they aren't creamy. Usually if it's orange/lemon flavored I always like it :). Is there a specific brand name of Popsicle i should buy besides it being sugar free? I love love love greek yogurt. I think i'll be much happier when I can have that.

Thank you so much for all your help!

I buy the brand name ones the popcicle kind. they have tropical flavors that are quite good- OR you can make your own using SF powdered kool aid and splenda/stevia etc

adkins has berry, lemon etc. they aren't terrible

check for bone broth, publix sells it as does whole foods, sprouts etc.

I have not had my surgery yet. Waiting on the insurance company. I have had several people tell me that GENEPRO unflavored protein is great. My nutritionist told me that I can put this in jello, water or anything and it takes on the flavor of what it was mixed with. I have not tried it. The only thing is that it has to be ordered from Amazon.

Syntrax Nectar makes a variety of flavors of protein shakes. I bought the sampler pack of 15 flavors from Amazon and that helped me figure out what larger size flavors to buy.

I also experimented with fluids at different temperatures. I did best with warm and cold, so I drank alot of hot tea and ate lots of SF popsicles. Room temperature fluids were harder for me to take.