1 week post-op, 2 part question

So, my surgeon advanced me to stage 2 yesterday. I am still having trouble getting in all of my fluids. Shouldn't I just focus on my fluids and getting them up before I move to stage 2? Like maybe a week max.

Can I take my calcium in the am with my multi or no. I have no problems getting in all of my vits b/c dh has been home with me taking care of the kids.

Thanks so much!

 I would focus on your fluids so you don't get dehydrated... you have plenty of time to eat stage 2 foods :) 

And as long as your multi-vit doesn't have iron you can take your calcium with it. 

Hey girl!  What are you doing for your protein?  If you are taking protein shakes, my Dr said that counts towards your fluids for the day.  Are you counting those?  I also keep water with me at all times and sip constantly even when I go to bed.  I haven't slept well since surgery as it is still uncomfortable to sleep on my sides so every time I wake up I sip, sip, sip.  If I drink it before midnight, I count it on that days fluids.  Anything after midnight goes to the next day.  Are you tolerating the water ok and just not sipping all day or is it from not being able to tolerate the water?  (or other SF fluids) You might adjust the temperature of the water.  If it is too cold or too warm some people cannot tolerate it.  Also, try freezing Crystal Lite or SF juice into popcicles and that can count towards your fluids.

You can take your calcium with your multi vitamin.  I take my calcium, D3, B12 and multi first thing in the morning, 2-3 hours later I do those again, then throughout the day I take two more 500 mg doses of calcium.

My Dr sent me home from the hosp. on Phase 2 and at my one wk post-op my Dr said to try a scrambled egg and cottage cheese for the week then after that just slowly work in other foods to see what I tolerate.  I have done great so far.  Haven't tried any meat other than a few bites of canned tuna though.  I used my Magic Bullet and pureed black beans and heated that up and sprinkled a little cheese on it and that was good. 

You really need to get in your protein AND your fluids both.  I drink more than I eat and have done well getting both my fluids and protein in each day.  You are only two wks, so I would just do the best you can each day to work up to your 64's of fluid/protein. 

Actually, I am only one week out. Even with my protein shakes, I am still not hitting 64 oz. The max I have gotten in was 40. Before surgery all I drank was water, but now it seems too thin. I am ok with SF drinks.

I am 4 days out and NOT on stage 2 yet.. but I am able to have full and clear liquids. I make sure I gt 40oz of water. I use the 20oz bottles and give myself 2.5 hours to drink them, I start shortly after (30 min) my breakfast drink and finish before lunch, then I do the 2nd bottle 30 min after my dinner drink.. If I just focus on that 1 bottle in that 1 time frame it goes much better

Gotta do more than 40.  Keep it with you and sip all day.  You don't have to worry about the waiting until after meals thing until you are really eating.  So drink, drink, drink.  I make herb tea in a 20oz cup and have that between breakfast and lunch.  Then another before supper.  With my protein decaf coffee and other portein drinks, I get up to 64 and over pretty easily.  Just keep working on it.

After being released to move up, doesn't mean you have to yet.  Wait until you are comfortable and start slowly.  You have the rest of your life to start eating food again.

If your multivitmain contains iron, then you probably shouldn't take your calcium at the same time as your multi, as calcium and iron will "compete" for absorption in your system. Check with your nutritionist for your specifics, but you should probably separate them by a couple of hours or so.

Hi Shelley,

 I am 2 1/2 wks out and I just focus on my 80 g. protein and fluids...........I drink 3 shakes a day= 25.g. protein and 30 oz. fluid; drink 1 10 oz. starbuck dec coffee w/non fat milk = 10 g. protein & 10 oz. fluid..........the rest I eat sugar free popsicles, creamed soup.   I see my nutrionist this next Tuesdy, July 5th for the next stage.  I would worry about getting the fluids in.  When I walk I bring a 12 oz. water bottle and have it emptied by the time my 1 hr. walk is over.  You don't want to get dehydrated!!!  Good luck!!

I'm with 279, just give yourself a time to have that drink, drank by. Example my protein shakes have to be drank in about an hour, and then I try to drink a bottle of something at least every 2 hours. Just be patient. As far as the vitamen goes I would say if you can tolerate it, just wait at least 30 minutes between pills! good luck!