sip sip sip UGH!

 I am having a hard time getting in all the water I am supposed to be drinking.   I have never been a big water person but I know it is so important now especially.  Is it okay if I flavor my water with sugar free Koolaid or can I drink a vitamin water and count that instead?

Also, on the protein shakes - are these to be my meals?  I have been drinking things like AdvantEDGE low carb shakes but not more than 2 a day.  Then I will have one of those Soup at Hand tomato soup things.  I do take my vitamins but I don't think I am getting more than about 45-50 grams of protein a day.

I am thinking not getting enough water and protein is what is slowing down my weight loss?  I will take any pointers I can get!

That could slow weight loss down, but really, slow weight loss is a minor issue compared to dehydration and kidney problems and muscle loss and even heart damage that can eventually occur if you don't get your fluids and protein.

You can flavor your water with anything sugar free and decaf that you want - crystal light, sugar free koolaid, slices of lemon or lime, decaf tea or coffee, herbal tea, sugar free hot chocolate, etc.  All lliquids count toward your water - some people do not count beverages with caffeine but everything else should count.  Sugar free jello and popsicles count, too.  And your protein shakes count.

My surgeon's protocol said to count appropriate liquids - not jus****er. So unless your surgeon said no vitamin water or SF flavorings, you should be fine counting those. Many people aren'****er drinkers, so it's really about getting in sufficient fluid to not get dehydrated.

Looking at the stats on the shakes you're drinking, yes, those would be meal replacement. Your surgeon may differ, but mine wanted me on a shake with lower fat and higher protein per calorie count, something like About Time, or Isopure, or the Syntrax isolates, so that I could use them for protein and get food as food - but you're probably a bit early for that anyway.

At 3 weeks out, your weight loss will slow, but it will pick up again in a couple weeks at most. In the mean time, you really should call your surgeon's (or dietician's) office - as these questions really should be answered for YOUR case based on YOUR needs and your surgeon's plan. Every plan is different.

 Thank you so much.  I was afraid it had to be plain water.  That relieves some of my stress right there!

I was told not to use a straw...which is how I ALWAYS drink....after 2 weeks of trying to sip, sip, sip without my straw...I called and asked WHY?? They say because you tend to "gulp" more or swallow more air...side effect being burping or gas.

Well, I took my chances. I KNEW I would consume more liquid via straw....and I do!! LOTS more. I love Crystal Light Lemonade (reoccuring deliveries from Amazon!!).

Just thought it might work for you! Good luck....and the first 4 weeks are the worst...it ALL gets easier.

The dietician at my surgeion's office told me to avoid tomato soup because it had lots of sugar in it.

Your dietician may feel it is acceptable.

Good luck!

I drink Crystal Light (actually the Wal-Mart brand) everyday.  Plain water and I don't get along too well.

I was told the same thing about a straw...that it tends to introduce more air.  I've found that if I drink from a water bottle or a straw, I drink more and I swallow less air.  When I drink for a cup or glass I swallow so much air I can hardly drink.