Immediate Post-Op Stage (First Few Days)

Managing Liquids in the Early Days

In the first few days after surgery, your stomach will be swollen, making it difficult to consume large amounts of liquid. During this time, it’s essential to focus on gentle hydration and gradual intake to avoid any discomfort or complications. For us, the first few days were all about small, manageable amounts of liquid. We relied on drinking two Actimel probiotic drinks daily and taking small sips of water throughout the day.

The Pitfall of Pre-Stocking

Before getting the surgery, we spent around £250 on protein water to prepare for this stage. We liked them before the surgery, but after the surgery, our tastes changed, and we didn’t like the water anymore. We ended up having to get rid of it. Based on this experience, we advise not spending loads of money preparing for specific products, as your tastes will likely change frequently post-op.

Hydration and Protein Goals

While the recommended intake is around 2 litres of water plus a specific amount of protein (our surgeon recommended between 80 and 100 grams), this goal is more of a target to aim for rather than a strict requirement in the initial days. Initially, we managed about two Actimels and one glass of water per day.

Introducing Apple Juice

After a couple of days, we were able to introduce apple juice into our diet. This recommendation came from the nutritionist at the practice we attended. We figured that the sugars in apple juice helped to maintain our energy levels and counter feelings of light-headedness. Additionally, being part of a WhatsApp group with around 40 members who had the surgery around the same time, we noticed that pure apple juice was frequently recommended for similar reasons.

Learning to Drink Again

Drinking was quite challenging at first, not because it was painful, but because it was uncomfortable. We had to relearn how to drink; gulping was no longer possible due to the limited stomach capacity. Overdrinking often led to nausea and vomiting, a common issue during the early days as we adjusted to our new limits.

Liquid Diet Stage (Week One to Two)

Introducing Protein Shakes

As the first week progressed, we were able to introduce protein shakes into our diet. We opted for 50g UFIT shakes because they were both high in protein and cost-effective, available locally. These protein shakes became a staple in our daily routine, ensuring we met our protein goals. Additionally, we incorporated soup broth into our diet. My dad made us 40 containers of his homemade soup, straining it so we only consumed the broth, which was incredibly helpful.

Extending the Liquid Stage

The recommended duration for the liquid stage is typically two weeks. However, we extended this phase to three weeks due to complications from James’ surgery, which caused additional swelling and prolonged recovery. This extra time allowed for a smoother transition and ensured our stomachs had ample time to heal.

Patience and Hydration

This phase requires patience and careful monitoring. We learned to listen to our bodies and adjust our intake gradually, focusing on hydration and protein intake. Staying hydrated was crucial, and we always kept water bottles handy, sipping regularly throughout the day.

By the end of this stage, we were ready to move on to the next phase: puree foods. By sharing our experiences and tips, we hope to provide a realistic and helpful guide to navigating this critical phase of gastric sleeve surgery recovery. Please remember, this is our personal experience and not medical advice. For medical guidance, always consult your GP.