Protien

Ok So Im 1 week post op and Im not sure Im getting enough protien in. Do you have any suggestions I don't have a appetite! I kind of make myself eat for survival! When will this change? I have a lot of Question I will ask the Doctor in the Am that is my first post op vist. Thanks in advance for all of your advice and comments plus your suggestions! God is in controll and he (God) is able !

Hi,
My husband had his surgery 4 weeks ago (mine is tomorrow!) and at his Drs. recommendation, we purchased these protein 'shots' available at Costco. They are in the health and drug area and come in containers that look like test tubes. He's not crazy about the flavor, but they do help him get the protein he needs. He also adds protein powder to almost everything he eats. He's lost 42 pounds already! Crazy!  :)

Make sure those protein shots have something other than collagen protein..we don't absorb that kind well. You are early post op, so your best bet is either a protein shake, or adding protein powder to something like pudding if you are not on a clear liquid diet yet. Aim for over 60gm of good quality protein a day.

Right now, protein doesn't matter---all you need to worry about is staying well-hydrated. Push those fluids!

It's normal to have no appetite at this point, and that's good---after all, you need to be on nothing but liquids right now, and none of those are very appetizing. (*grin*) Trust me, your appetite WILL return.

Most doctors are happy if you can meet the 30/60/90 rule---get 30 grams of protein by 30 days post-op, 60 grams by 60 days, and so on.

Personally, I find the protein shots to be WAY too sweet -- YUCK!  For the first couple weeks after surgery I relied on a lot of protein shakes & Nectar for my protein needs.  Nectar is a nice change of pace after the shakes because it tastes a lot like Crystal Light lemonade to me.  So it's lighter & thinner than the shakes which goes down easier when you really aren't hungry.

Good Luck & Stay Hydrated!