Question:
I am pro-op and am thinking about taking a protein supplement several times
I am pre-op and am thinking about taking protein supplements NOW 2-3 times daily to see if I can speed up my metabolism and lose some weight prior to surgery. This would also help me in case Aetna says I have to be on a diet 6 mo prior to OR. I also want to start getting weighed in the Drs office bi-weekly, and think it would help if they could see I am losing now. I usually eat one meal a day (supper) since I work night shift, and don't eat when I come home from work in am. Do you think this would be beneficial to me now? Thanks in advance for answers!! — bufordslipstick (posted on July 15, 2003)
July 15, 2003
Good idea -- for the weight loss, certainly, but even moreso to prepare
your body for surgery. I was using three shakes a day (55 grams protein
each) when I had to have emergency gall bladder surgery (open) and I came
'round wonderfully -- I am 69 and have se.vere Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome/Fibromyalgia, so any stress debilitates me. When I was preparing
for my hernia surgery three months later I upped my shakes to four per day
and was out of the hospital three days early and did NOT have to go to the
nursing home as my surgeon expected (huge hernia, took two hours, I have
mesh from navel to breastbone and it's hooked to my ribs. Anyhow, what I'm
trying to say is that I firmly believe in prtein loading before surgery and
truly believe it helps you heal. Of course, YMMv and this is just my
opinion. Nina in Maine
— [Deactivated Member]
July 15, 2003
I began drinking protein drinks about a month before my surgery. I also
worked out 3 days a week as well. I believe that those two things helped
me recover much faster. Becuase I was active pre-op I found that I could
walk farther post-op. In fact by 2 weeks out I was walking 1 mile 6 times
a day. I believe the protien assisted in the healing of my incision. It
was fully healed within 2 weeks with no infection. You also may want to
start eating 6 small meals a day. That way you will become used to how you
have to eat post-op. - Janine
— jmusser
July 15, 2003
First of all, eating one meal a day is not good for your blood sugars. And
did you realize that your body doesn't really store protein so you need to
eat it a bit at a time thoughout the day so when your body needs it, it is
there? Why do you think body builders & athletes consume protein
before (and many times after too) they work out. The only thing I really
wanted to say though is to drink, drink, and drink your water. You know
the recommendations for post-ops. Do it now. Besides getting you ready
for post-op if you're going to be going high protein you'll need it for
flushing your kidneys out. Protein is hard on them and thats why as a post
op you're required to drink so much. Just a heads up. I think its great
you're starting to make changes ahead of time!
— Shelly S.
July 15, 2003
It couldn't hurt, and it's probably a good idea--the surgical program at
Pacific Bariatric in San Diego requires its patients to start on protein
supplements and vitamin C before surgery to strengthen the tissues and
speed healing. My surgery went well, with no complications, and my
incision healed up pretty fast!
— Maggie T.
July 15, 2003
I agree protein will help you heal faster but it takes a while for the
affects of added/decreased protein happens in the body. But it can always
be more healthy. I did the same thing (although not quite as much) just to
experiment with the different brands/flavors...what disappointmented me
most, was that after the surgery the ones i like or tolerated now make me
gag...so if its for that reason dont be surprised if you like them now but
not after. Good luck!!! lap rny 4/22 -60
— Kerry R.
July 16, 2003
I just want to say that if insurance companies require immediate-preop
dieting, it is always medically supervised, so unfortunately your protein
drink thing won't work, unless of course it's under supervision. A really
disgusting and dangerous requirement IMO, and be careful you don't diet
yourself right out of eligibility!
— Chris T.
July 16, 2003
I'm also pre-op and I have lost 11 pound in 2 weeks. I start my day with a
25 gram proteing drink and then a eat several small proteing meals doing
the day, but keep the carb and fat very low. I do eat dark leafy salad
every day. My diabetic has improve and I have been able to cut one of the
meds out for that (I was getting 3). I no longer need to take Nexium for
upset stomack and my energy has gone up dramaticly. I also try to
excersise everyday and my over all health has improved. I feel better
prephered for the surgery also and is getting use to counting and
messurering every thing I eat. ~Hugs Tove
— Tove Annelise H.
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