My one fear - ThinnerTimes

Eseret · 07-29-2007, 12:38 PM

I'm ready.

Hospital goodie bag is packed. House is cleaned from top to bottom (sides too!) Post op meds, protein shakes, vitamins are lined up and ready to go. Fridge is stocked with SF pops and Crystal Light. Recliner is moved into my home office, with my phone & laptop next to it. Harry Potter awaits my return to be read. Every detail I can think of is in place.

I have no qualms or fears of surgery whatsoever. I'm not nervous or apprehensive. I feel downright mellow...not overly excited, just patiently waiting for the day to get here.

My fear? Not getting enough nutrition in those first critical weeks. It's gnawing at me and stays on my mind. How can I be sure I'm getting enough? Is this fear normal or am I just a crazy old lady?

Teri

Cinerbelle · 07-29-2007, 12:46 PM

Yep, you're crazy.

You don't have to worry about getting enough nutrition the first weeks...you just have to worry about getting enough hydration. Sip, walk, rest...those 3 things in whatever order!!

RNY4me · 07-29-2007, 12:55 PM

and you are not an old lady - I will be joining you as a young 56 yr old in a few weeks! Your concerns are quite normal and well-founded. The bottom line is, do the very best you can. In the beginning stages, not many of us could get all of it in as we were told. It worried me too, obviously, we know the consequences of dehydration and not enough nutrition. That said, if you just do your very best, treat it like your job, you should be just fine. Remember it's called hell week - that first week out - for a reason. Whatever you can do to keep sipping and moving will help more than you realize. As a wise woman once counseled me, if you do the math, it's nearly impossible to get all 64 ounces of fluids and 60 to 90 grams of protein in (whatever number you are given) in a 24 hr period when you can only take 15 to 30 cc at a time, and have no appeitie and feel plumb full all the time. You'd have to never sleep! I actually kept a log and broke it into 15 minute segments. I made sure - as much as humanly possible - to drink 1/2 to 1 ounce each 15 minutes. You should do well, you are thinking ahead and will be prepared. Best wishes to you!

JenBear7 · 07-29-2007, 03:33 PM

You'll do just fine! Once you figure out how to get all the liquids in.. then you can worry about the protein

(Of course, that counts toward your liquids in the beginning!)

Squishy · 07-30-2007, 05:12 AM

No worries.

As others have said, the big issue is hydration. Also, the surgeon will give you a strict regimen of supplements. In the early days/weeks, our nutritionist told us to not worry about it if we could not finish our meals. (Remember "meals" might be an ounce or two of chicken broth.

Your pouch will be swollen and you won't feel like eating right after the surgery.

You seem to have a great attitude toward the surgery and I know you will do great!!!

Best wishes!
-Mike-

LyndasRoom · 07-30-2007, 08:34 AM

Teri,
I'm so excited for you! You are not crazy, you're just dotting your i's and crossing your t's. Like others have said, the first few weeks will not be crucial to your nutrition. If you can get some protein in and some fluids, you'll be great. It sounds like you're ready to rock!

Eseret · 07-30-2007, 08:40 AM

for your sound advice and well wishes. It's very much appreciated!

I'm off today to a special date with my 9-year old granddaughter. We're going to my hair salon to have hair cuts and manicures. (no polish for me) Then perhaps a walk in the mall to window shop... and for me, daydream about all those smaller sized clothes!

Thanks again!

Teri

Gwen · 07-30-2007, 09:33 AM

Good luck and speedy recovery wishes

ENJOY HARRY POTTER!!!