Day 8 - Liquids Only

Three days ago, I thought I was going to die.  I had so much pain that seemed like it was never going away and I could barely finish a popsicle without needing to lay down.  I am doing much better today.

As part of my post-op diet, Phase I, I was provided with eating guidelines.  That is what the nutritionist called them, though my assessment would be more of a strict schedule.  The "guidelines" look like this:

7-8     am 4 oz. liquid mixed with a full serving of protein supplement mix
8-9     am 8 oz. water
9-10   am 4 oz. apple juice
10-11 am 8 oz. water
11-12       4 oz. liquid mixed with a full serving of protein supplement mix
12-1   pm 8 oz. water
1-2     pm sugar-free ice popsicle (not with cream or fruit)
2-3     pm 8 oz. water
3-4     pm 4 oz. sugar-free Jell-O
4-5     pm 8 oz. water
5-6     pm 4 oz. chicken broth
6-7     pm 4 oz. liquid mixed with a full serving of protein supplement mix
7-8     pm 8 oz. water

Does this appeal to any of you?  How many of you have nothing to do but constantly consume disgusting liquids and water?  Bear in mind, I am recovering from a major surgery, so sleep is a common interrupter of any hour.  Add to that that I am rarely up and showered before 7 am anyway, and I kept falling behind and then getting scared that I would starve if I didn't catch up.  Starvation vs. dehydration is the ongoing battle.

Yesterday, I made a decision.  Few people can live their lives like this - on an hour by hour agenda.  It isn't realistic.  Add to this that as a sleeve patient, one is supposed to not drink 30 minutes before or after a meal.  Completely, insanely unrealistic.  So I decided to do the best I can.

The best I can means protein shakes as desired, not necessarily three times a day.  The best I can means I start drinking water as soon as I get up and as frequently as possible.  Really, is the fluid of the water going to mix with the fluid of the apple juice and somehow make my stomach fuller for having two liquids in?  How absurd!  The best I can means ignoring the 30-30 rule until I am eating something that actually resembles food.

It is a good day!  I am not going to die.  I'm going to eat popsicles for every meal for the next three days and then praise the Lord for soft foods like peanut butter, applesauce, and pureed fruits.