One week post-op! Day-to-day and weekly weigh-in

I am exactly one week post-op today.  It's 11:50am and I have already had 40 grams of protein, 20 fluid ounces, and completed a mile walk today.  I must say that the key to feeling better faster is to get moving and make sure you get 60+ grams of protein so you can heal. I definitely could tell the difference yesterday (six days post-op), when I could sit up on my own in bed. I also drove for the first time yesterday and attended a class for 2.5 hours.  I had to forego all my prescribed pain medication for the day so I could drive and I didn't have simple Tylenol at home.  Needless to say, I was in a lot of pain by 8:30pm when I walked in the door.  I stopped and picked up some Tylenol and Tylenol PM so I can sleep better.

I slept through the night starting at four days post-op.  However, I was still not able to get myself out of bed, so I had to move to a chair at 4am when my husband left for work. Now I sleep through the night but am still uncomfortable of having to sleep only on my back.  My next big move is to sleep on my right side.

The pain is minimal and I am sore in my drainage areas and where I was poked.  I still have a G-Tube in for feeding and getting liquids, but I never use it since I am doing so well on my own. The G-Tube is probably the most painful and I am supposed to have it through December 2.  I am going to see if they can take it out next week or any time sooner.

I have already replaced the gauze for one drain with a big band-aid.  I have six holes in my tummy. They went through my belly button (which was man-created anyways), then I two holes slightly above my belly button, one to the left and one to the right. Then I have one small hole straight above my belly button, under my breasts. The last two holes are the G-Tube and where the JP drain was.  I am only worried about scarring where the G-Tube is and in the hole to the right of my belly button. I will put bio oil on these once healed.

So what does my diet look like?

I finished clear liquids on Monday but I mainly drank water, broth and had jello on those days.  Starting Tuesday some of my meals looked like this:

Breakfast -
Premier Protein Drink (30 grams of protein)

Sipped on Blue Raspberry water by Proti, it is a pack of blue liquid you add to water. (15 grams of protein) I would try to have the 10-12 ounces done by lunch time.

Lunch -
1/2 cup Small Curd Cottage Cheese mixed with spices(10 grams of protein) OR home made protein shake.
I have used pumpkin pie filling my mom made (without the sugar) and mixed it with a scoop of protein powder, milk and ice (30 grams of protein). I have also made a hazelnut shake with sugar free hazelnut creamer and protein powder and milk (30 grams of protein)

Continue to sip on water, maybe have apple sauce or jello for a snack.

Dinner -
1/3 cup Ricotta Cheese mixed with spices (9 grams of protein) OR 10-12 ounces of water mixed with Unjury's Chicken flavored protein powder (20 grams of protein).

Snack -
1/2 cup of low-fat milk (4.5 grams of protein) or the Ricotta cheese

I always make sure to get 70+ grams of protein a day. I would like to introduce something savory like mashed black beans with low fat cheese or sour cream in to my diet next week.

Let's talk exercise - 
My goal was to walk a mile in one walk by one week post-op.  I did just that today!  I walk 2-3 times a day, depending on other physical activities I have going on that day.  I started walking the day after I got home from the hospital.  Starting next week, I will introduce minimal weigh training for my arms at home.  I am hoping to be back in the gym by Thanksgiving, if not sooner just to get some cardio. I keep track of everything on my S5 phone which has an app for fitness. I think I will be ready for work on Monday...3 days away!

Finally, weigh-in results - 
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14 - 246lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24 - 239lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31 - 231.8lbs