Newbie questions and a "gross" question

The first week we were told to drink liquids and there were no bms - just lots of orangey liquid.
You really don't feel like eating the first week anyway.  You'll see a nice weight loss this week.

The second week (there are dr's with different views) we did mushies and I had baby
bms.  During this week I had maybe 600 cals a day.  I took my prescriptions only.

We were told not to worry about establishing the protein/veggies etc/supplements/ pattern
until week three when we were able to slowly introduce solids.  Once that happened, I started
having larger results!

After six months I have a daily movement - they are about 2/3 the size of those I used to have.
I've been lucky and am not constipated.  The only time I was was when I overdid it on unsalted
roasted cashews, boy was I bound!  So watch the nuts!

Good luck.

k

I would say that Slim-fast or similar pre-made drink might be an option for you. In the very first days you are going to have to make yourself drink. I had a pre-measured 4 oz cup and sipped on it until it was gone every few hours, but I had to make a conscious effort to drink.

Try the same shake without the ice. It will be much less foamy. You are definately NOT going to want anything foamy in the first few weeks post-op.

I'm a glorified diaper changer for multi-handicapped children...so there is nothing I can't talk about either.

As far as poo goes, some of us deal with constipation pre-op and it carries over post-op. Some are very regular and post-op find out they become constipated. One thing we have to remember is that we are consuming MUCH less than we did before surgery so we have less to move.

Once you are able post-op start exercising, and then keep it up. That is the one thing I have found that moves me quicker than a laxative. It's better for me and I see that I NEEDED to be doing it all along for better health all the way around.

You also need to know that in the liquid phase post-op....liquids in = liquids out. You will hit a spot and think I lied to you and then BLAM you will find out I really knew what I was talking about after all.

Your big day is fast approaching, know that I will have you in my prayers.
Trisha

I think any surgery messes with your digestive system no matter what.  But here's how it worked, (or didn't work), for me.
Right after surgery I couldn't pee.  My bladder was too relaxed from the drugs and I had to be catheterized.  They wouldn't let me leave the hospital until I could go on my own and it delayed my departure from an a.m. release to a p.m. release.
After that, all BM's were liquid.  It took a while to get solid stool.
Then I was constipated.  It's very common and I was told to use the sugar free Milk of Magnesia which works after about 8 hours. 
I was constipated off and on for 6 months.  It's just recently that my system seems to be back to normal.  I use benefiber when I need to, but if I'm getting enough whole grains I'm o.k.

Regarding protein shakes,  I used the EAS brand and followed the instructions using milk and ice.  In the beginning you may not finish a whole one, but you will be able to soon after as you heal before you get restriction.  My Nut says no liquid calories so I haven't had a protein shake since three weeks after surgery.  Do they cause gas?  Yep!

Now you know more about me than you ever needed to know.  Isn't this site great?  We can even talk poo!

All the best!
Lisa O.

I dont recall having a problem not going BM. I had the runs a little though.

I drank the Atkins shakes directly post op. I could barely drink half of one at one time. I didnt start blending them until after about a week and personally didnt have a problem with them maybe cause I was drinking them so slowly.

Two of the ways I fix up the Atkins shake are:

Use a chocolate shake, add 1/3 frozen banana and tbsp Skippy Natural PB, then blend

Use a vanilla shake, add handful of ice and 1tbsp SF Torani Hazelnut syrup, then blend.

You're right, the blender adds a LOT of air.  I don't think it matters whether it's a regular blender or magic bullet -- it's the whipping action that introduces the air.  Hand shakers would add the least amount of air.  The last think you want after surgery is more gas pain if you can help it, you will already have plenty.

I opted for ready-to-drink shakes, and I found one that I absolutely love. I use the EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control.  There's 17g of protein and only 2 net carbs in the 11 oz container.  There are lots of ready-to-drink protein shakes out there and they are usually cheaper than Unjury if it matters.  I loved Unjury, but it got a little pricey for me.

As far as the "gross" question goes ... pre-op, I was going 2-3 times a day.  Post-op, I'm regular at once a day.  I don't have any constipation issues, but I'm taking also Fiberchoice chewables every day and I drink a ton of water.  Like a previous poster said, the extra protein we eat zaps the moisture out of our system so it's really important to get lots of water in.

I have never had protein shakes so can't answer that bit but the other......BMs are rare beasts!!!! And need lots of TLC and encouragement. Like added fibre, stool softeners, and now I don't worry about calories so much, lots of prune juice. Occasional dynamite in the form of glycerine suppositories. And when in despair, strong laxatives!This can be a major problem. As an RN you will know not to let it go too far. Without the above help, I pass (or rather don't pass!!) pebbles with sharp edges. I make sure I go every other day or OUCH!!! A good way of getting veggies in is through thick soups.Kate

I can't help with the protein shake question but I can with the BM question.  HA!  I am an oddball...I started having diarrea...not the horrible, run to the bathroom kind...just the belly starts rumbling, I better go soon type.  It started on day 2 and lasted for a few days.  I think I went a day or 2 without a BM and now Im back to the normal once a day routine.  Good luck with your surgery!!!

i luv my magic bullet and have had protein shakes from the beginning..they fill me up...i use frozen fruit to give it great taste.....and it makes it very cold and think.....as for the other question...mirilax worked for me and was recomended by the surgeon.i only used it two times at the beginning...now i am great....i just had a fill on friday and i have 8cc and lost another 12 lns since the end of march...slow and great for me!
good luck to you
lori

I've been using my blender to make protein shakes all along and the air in there hasn't bothered me.  I suppose if you put the ingredients in a covered container and shook it a few times it would mix OK (probably not to my satisfaction, though), but even that would put some air in the mixture.

You're right, the reduced volume (and reduced fiber intake) = reduced bowel movements.  I had diarrhea while I was on liquids, then things firmed up (so to speak) and slowed down.  I started taking Benefiber (3 SF chewable tablets a day) at about 3 mos post-op.  Not an instant fix, but better than taking laxatives. 

That seemed to wor****bowel movement every 1-2 days****il recently (movement every 3-4 days).  I can't swallow stool softeners and couldn't find any liquid versions.  I tried prune juice and apple juice - no luck.  Another OH member recommended Laci LeBeau Dieter's Tea, available at supermarkets (I had to buy it online).  It contains senna, which is not supposed to be good for you to take on an ongoing basis, but I can report that it does work without causing cramps the way stimulative laxatives do. 

I don't know what your nurse's training about this was, but from my research into this fascinating subject, a bowel movement every 4-5 days is not really a medical issue.  I was constipated after my hysterectomy (probably because of the narcotic painkillers), complained about it to my GYN after a week or so, and he said it wasn't a problem.  The bowel movement frequency I have now doesn't make me physically miserable the way it did pre-op (I guess because there isn't as much stuff in there).  I think I care about the frequency now mainly out of habit.  And I do not want to become obsessed with it like my grandmother, whose dying words were, "I can't move my bowels!"

Jean

Yogi also makes a Senna leaf tea called Smooth Move.  In regular or chocolate flavor.  Works like a charm, and can be found at most supermarkets.