Back from surgery, with a big concern...and some bad news - ThinnerTimes

Pineapple8326 · 05-02-2008, 02:54 PM

Hey all. Had my surgery on the 28th of April, everything went well and I was released on the 30th. Unfortunately, on May 30th I brought my cat Diamond to the vet for an ultrasound, they found multiple tumors on her liver and covering her intestinal track. Yeah, I'm an emotional wreck right now.She was 14 years young.

I hope after having this surgery that bad luck doesn't follow with it, because so far it sure seems that way.

Anyways I've been able to keep liquids and my ensure down just fine, drinking water great, but it seems like I can really tolerate drinking large amounts without feeling uncomforable, is this normal or not? Is my pouch maybe bigger than 2 ounces or so?? I know pouch size varies, but what the hell, I just ate like 4 sugar free popsocicles in a row without any ill effects.
Maybe I just have a tolerable pouch?? Anybody else like this straight after surgery able to tolerate tons of liquids in one sitting?

Toony · 05-02-2008, 03:02 PM

Sorry to hear about your kitty : (

How tragic!

Liquids can pass through your pouch fairly quickly --- so I'm guessing you have nothing to worry about there.... I can't drink too fast, or I feel it....

OsoDelDesierto · 05-02-2008, 03:26 PM

Welcome home - I'm glad you're doing well post-op. I'm so sorry about Diamond...

Your pouch is probably normal sized (meaning tiny!). You'll find that the denser something is, the less you can consume. As you progress to other foods, you'll be able to drink more clear liquids than full liquids, more full liquids than purees, more purees than soft foods, and more soft foods than solids, especially dense proteins like poultry and meat. For example, I can get a lot of water (say, a liter or 32 oz.) through my Sleeve (I had VSG) I as long as I take small enough sips. I can consume less protein shake (an 11 oz. can fills me up), still less cottage cheese (2 oz.), even less string cheese (1 1/2 oz.), and far less chicken (1 oz. is all I can eat without feeling uncomfortably full). You will be amazed at how little you can eat!

MiladyB · 05-02-2008, 04:14 PM

First off I'm sorry to hear about your fur child. My 21 yo fur baby died about 3 weeks ago so I know how much it hurts.

Congratulations though on making it to the loser's bench. Don't sweat the drinking. You are doing fine. I could tolerate 4-6 oz of protein drink right after surgery. It would take me only like 20 min to get it down. Like the others have mentioned, liquid goes threw your pouch must faster so you can tolerate more. Also a popsicle really is only like 1 oz of fluid so 3 in a row really isn't a huge amount. I did great with liquids for the first couple of weeks but as soon as I started adding in more dense food, eating became much harder. Now? I can do 20 oz of water in like 15 min with no problem at all.

Pineapple8326 · 05-02-2008, 04:20 PM

Thanks for the support, I've been trying to be a trooper about it, but the passing of my special cat has come at an especially hard time after for me.

The challenges seem greater to me now that she's not around. Not only do I have to adjust to my new body, but also have to adjust to a life without my Diamond. ;(
I'll heal within time, but I'll never be the same. I'm going to go Cat hunting tomorrow to get a replacement to keep my mind off of her and keep my busy.

Anyways

Back on topic: I haven't started any real heavy liquids yet seeing I'm on the 2 week post op diet of liquids and ensure and broth, but it just seems like I can gulp down 3 ounces of water at a time without feeling anything it seems abnormal. I can also down an ensure without any problems, 2 ounce at a time.

BabyNicole · 05-02-2008, 07:31 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty.

I have a Yorkie and she is my life! I don't know what I'd do without her.

Duckie · 05-03-2008, 04:23 PM

I'm so sorry about your kitty.