God bless you and your surgeon Keith. This is my acronym for getting through the first few weeks. It's the nurse in me ..haha
W_A_T_E_R
*Water...lots, more, and then more
*Analgesics...fancy medical word for taking your pain medicine, you need to do that to keep moving.You won't become an addict in the short time you need it.So take enough to be comfortable.
*Time for protein....Protein is on top of your list with water.Minimal 30 gms a day according to my dietician. I say more.
*Exercise...Get up and walk as soon as you can talk them into it. Keep walking.Exercise your legs and calves while in bed by flexing your feet back and forth and bending your knees. It saves your life by preventing blood clots.
*Relax...remember your body needs time to heal so get plenty of sleep and do those things that help you relax.
Good luck. Seeya on the losing side.
Deb RN/ open rny 6/9