Post Op Protein Shakes and....

OK - I'm now 6 days post op and feeling more and more human every day. However - I'm very weak. I realize that I've had major surgery and I'm healing, but I don't think I'm getting enough protein in my diet. The only protein I'm getting is from the Carnation Instant Breakfast - I make it w/ Hi-Protein milk (YUM!). SO - my question of the evening IS: Is it too soon to be partaking of the protein shakes that are available through say, GNC? I ordered some samples from Susan Maria and have those here at the house - just not sure if it's OK to start on them 6 days post-op. My doc said broth, CIB, Ensure, jello, popsicles (SF), etc., but doesn't mention protein shakes. Any suggestions?? ALSO - another kind of personal question - how soon did your "bodily functions" return post op? I have yet to well, poo. Not peeing all that often either. I realize - not much in; not much out, but wanted to find out what's "Normal"? As always, your wisdom is appreciated! Gracias! -Wendy Prozac Princess Open VGB 03.15.04

Hi Wendy, I am having a different surgey then you. I am having a Lap RNY. However, my doc. wants us on protein shakes right out of the hospital. We are not allowed to have ensure. Another suggestion if you don't want to do the protein shakes is to get the unflavored protein powder. It can go into broth, jello ect. I have gotten the Unjury and it is 35 g of protein so you may wan to think about that. Hope this helped. Sam 1 more day!!!

I would say that Ensure would be equivilant to a protein shake. I had to be on clears for 10 days post op, just started full liquids and some mushy stuff (Yay me). I love the Any Whey tasteless protein. I have just been adding that to everything. If anything, I'd say increase the amount of fluid you are taking in to battle the fatigue. Oh, I didn't "poo" for a week Karla -17lbs in ll days!

Thanks Karla. I'm taking in the max of 4 oz of fluids each hour. Would love to sip on water or tea all day, but can only do 4 oz max right now. Can't wait for unlimited liquids starting Tuesday! Congrats on your progress! -Wendy

My doc said 4 oz fluid per hour x 16 hours a day = 64 oz per day. So if I get behind I slip in some extra to make up the difference. You REALLY need the fluids. Joy

Ensure is a high caloric meal replacement. Not a good idea for wls patients. We want to lose weight not gain it. If youre not peeing often you could get dehydrated thats why surgeons recommend at least 64 oz a day.

If you can have CIB, you should be able to do any kind of protein shake. Jus****ch the carbs in it! Joy

Hi Wendy! Belong to a great support group and our dietician stresses trying very hard to get 60mg. protein a day. There are some very good protein shakes on line and at GNC. I am having trouble with lactaid, as many postops do, so I do mine with water and/or lactaid milk, also using protein powders to enhance. Need to get in 48 oz fluids by sipping slowly 8 oz. per hour, if you go too fast you will get pain and bloating. Carnation has alot of sweeteners in it and less protein, it is not the best....look for whey protein and soy protein. If you do this and walk, if you can, you will feel stronger and your hair won't fall out as much.

Wendy, you need to contact your doctor asap tomorrow. All doctor's are different, but you are not getting enough protein! And you must be driking at least 48 ounces of water a day in addition to the 2 8 oz. protein shakes you should be having. You should be taking in 60 grams of protein a day, even on the Stage 3 (liquid) diet. Get in touch with your doctor. Best, Maureen

I had surgery the day after you and had diarrhea so thought that was good....but now finding out I was lactose intolerant, it wasn't the right kind, so now I have yet to well, poo, too! Most all my protein sources have dairy in them including the whey powder which I took 1 month pre op...go figure! I am now trying to find protein rich foods for the soft stage and luckily had some babyfood turkey and chicken and have advanced myself to a very soft egg, and it tastes great. My doctor said not to worry about not getting everything in the first week....she will evalulate it wednesday. So we all know that 60 grams of protein is best and 64 ozs of fluid is best, but first week--we have healing to do too and not at our best. Follow your doctor's orders.