6 weeks post-op, but things are not what I expected

Good morning all! I am almost 6 weeks out and I really thought that things would be easier and that I would be feeling wonderful.  It actually feels like the opposite is happening! I am still STRUGGLING with fluids - usually 20-30oz a day.  I feel like I am drinking all the time, but at the end of the day I realize the total is not very high.  Sometimes it is even less than that.  I carry a bottle of water around all day, but never get the 16oz bottle finished. Food has also become more of a struggle.  I can tolerate almost all foods without vommiting or diarrhea, but I do often feel bad after eating - especially after eating proteins.  Carbs definitely taste and go down the best.  The worst thing right now is that NOTHING taste good or hits the spot.  This has gotten worse over the last 2 weeks.  I just look at food and would rather not eat it (Boy, that has never happened before).  I am not great at writing things down, but I would guess that I am generally eating 300-500 cal/day. The worst is my energy level and overall mood.  I feel good in the morning.  I can walk 2 miles in the morning and feel great, but by noon/early afternoon I am sooo tired and then get grouchy.  Even one of my co-workers said yesterday that voice is beginning to sound weak.  I feel VERY weak.  I was hoping by this point that I would be feeling better and better.  I really think that I felt better in the first month. I have considered calling my doc or nut, but I just feel like I can't do that until I do what they told me to do - fluids, protein, etc.  I really want to do all of it, I just physically feel like I can't.  I know the energy/weakness is because I am not doing these things.  This is really starting to get me down! Today, I am trying a new approach.  Instead of sipping all day, I have made myself a schedule to drink 6oz every 2 hours = 48 oz.  So far this morning, I have been successful (but it is still early). I would really appreciate any suggestions/comments.  I tried to give myself a break for the first month, thinking it would improve - but I feel like 1/2 way through month 2, I should be doing MUCH better - UGH! Thanks so much for listening!  This is such a fantastic place for information.

I think you really should call your doctor.  He needs to know that you're having these problems and I'm sure he or his nurse can help with some ideas.  Good luck, and keep us posted.  Alice

Good to meet you!   As for the fluids, I found it hard to get it enough in also, untill I switched from water to crystal light or diet green tea.  Once I found something I liked, I could drink a lot more.  It takes awhile to get in all they require, it actually seems like a science, but once you get the hang of it, it will get easier.  Hope this helps a little! Nancy

Hi Elizabeth!  So glad you reached out!  I can identify totally with you and your aversion to food at this stage.  I felt the same way right around 6 weeks and I WAS getting in my fluids and most of the protein requirements.  Do you have any food restrictions at this time?  Do you drink a protein shake every day?  That will help you with both issues which I think are really at the bottom of how you feel.  It wasn't until I got past that aversion to food that I started to feel better because I was sampling everything and was able to tolerate a better variety of food.  Before that, nothing appealed to me and I was really struggling to get in my nutritional requirements. Also, I think the aversion is because the stomach is still healing.  The stuff I could tolerate best were the soft food I was soo sick of.  Cottage cheese still feels so good.  Deviled eggs.  Tuna salad (try grating the celery rather than dicing it to make it easier on your pouch, and use low fat mayo).  Grilled chicken breast goes down ok as long as it's not overcooked. At the beginning I began every day with a protein shake made with a scoop on unflavored protein powder (19gr), a cup of milk (8gr), a tsp of splenda, a heaping tsp of unsweetened cocoa powder, and crushed ice, all blended.  Took me almost an hour to get it all down but it helped a lot. I tried those protein bullets with about 40 gr of protein in 3 ounces, but just couldn't stand the taste.  Your body can't process more than 30 grms at one sitting anyway.  You do want to spread it out. Anyway, sorry if this is so long.  It's just that I completely identified with your frustration and want to help in any way I can.  Please feel free to PM me with more info or questions. It will get better, even though right now it may feel as though it never will. All the best,

There are some good suggestions here. I haven't had surgery yet, so I'm ready what you and everyone else has to say about what is to come for me... I hope these ideas work for you and you start to feeling better. Welcome to the board! :) Melinda

Sorry you are having a rough time :-)

As stated above... call the doc/nut and let them know you are struggling... they could have something different they can suggest for you... best to always keep them involved! I would also definately speak to them about how bad you feel after eating and the fact you are having diarreah!

I think its good to try a new approach and make a schedule... I had to schedule myself and use a cup that had some sort of measure on it so I could make sure I was drinking enough. You are still early out and its difficult to meet the requirements the surgeon/NUT put forth but just keep putting your best foot forward and do the best you can.  We pretty much all go thru the "dont want to eat phase"... its almost easier not to eat than it is to eat... it no longer tastes good, its not enjoyable and... sometimes it hurts!! Just keep pushing yourself thru because trust me... it does get much much better!!

Thanks so much for the advice and most of all support.  It's just hard because I want to do things perfect and be a success at all of this, but most of all I want to feel better!  I did all of this to feel better.  I did this to be a better wife and mom; but if they would leave me alone, I prefer to stay in front of the TV or in bed all day. Hopefully, things will get better soon.  I do think I will try to at least do a protein shake every morning (it seems like the only ones I can tolerate now are the chocolate).

I think I will make an appt with the Nut.  Her appts are usually days out, but at least I can get on her calendar to talk about it.  If I am better by the appt, then I can discuss the next step. Thanks again so much!!!

I foung warm fluids went in better such as hot tea or hot cocoa. I made mine with skim milk, splenda and cocoa powder. b

Hi Belinda - Don't recall seeing you on here before, so I wanted to say hello!   Mare 

Hello to you too! Thanks for your welcome. I usually read the nc boards, but I post sporadically. Belinda