Approval & No protein drinks

You certainly will not starve in two weeks, but why is it better to have no protein for two weeks than to have some protein for two weeks?  I'm quite sure you can live with no protein for two weeks, but why do that?  Is there some reason protein would harm you?  See, I had WLS in order to be healthier and I want to make the healthiest choices, not just choices that won't kill me.  If my incisions will heal faster and I'll have more energy and feel better by getting my protein, that's the choice I would want to make.

I di not think it is better but I also do not see a reason to be alarmed. I healed very quickly according to my surgeon and I had a relatively low protein intake the first two or three weeks. Just my opinion, as I said. I too had surgery to be healthier. Despite having a low protein intake at first, I am pretty healthy now. I think lots of folks struggle with protein at first, and we might be a tad alarmist. That is all.

Thanks RosyKate. I definitely don't want to be dependent on protein shakes, bars, etc. I am going to ask my surgeon at my pre-op appt. I will probably still have a protein shake for breakfast b/c it works really well for me and is quick..

I was on clear liquids for 12 days after surgery. I got slightly lightheaded the last two days but other than that, was fine. Went back to work day 13, the first day that I was on protein drinks and all liquid diet. I'm doing great. 3 1/2 months out and Lost 85 lbs so far. You'll be fine.

Thanks MellaYella. That is good to know that you did not have the extra protein in the first 2 weeks and are doing great.

When I had my surgery I was terrified of the consequences of not getting in enough protein. Lack of energy, not able to heal, losing my hair, losing my muscles and losing organs. I was convinced I would become bald, blind, crippled, with heart problems and memory loss if I did not get in my 80 grams of protein a day.

I spent my days consuming protein drinks and protein bars. I filled up on lean meats and a few low carb vegetables. I cut out most carbs and concentrated on tracking and consuming protein.

When I first read about Greek Yogurt, I drove over 100 miles to visit a store where I could buy some. Later I found a Greek store that was only 20 miles from my house. Now it is in every grocery store, but at the time I was dedicated enough to go far out of my way for the added protein.

A few years ago at an OH conference Dr. Garth Davis was a speaker and made the statement that protein deficiency is so rare that he has never seen a case of it. Dr. Davis now advocates a vegan lifestyle for his patients.

I realize now that I bought into the sales pitch of the protein drink and protein bar and protein snack providers. My kitchen was stocked with protein powders, sugar-free syrups, ready-to-drink protein bottles, and various protein bars and high protein snacks.

I did not get protein deficiency but I generated a lot of income for the people who were so good at instilling fear. It is not the mean old ladies on the internet that are getting rich. It is the big successful companies with their convincing sales people who frighten us into spending money for their products.

 

Very good info. 

Thanks White Dove for your input. That is really interesting about the all vegan diet.

 

Like others have mentioned it is a short time to be without larger amounts of protein and the chances of protein deficiencies are small. I was on a liquid diet PO for 14 days with broths and protein drinks which were medicine cup sized, sipped all day long. More than likely it was only about 20G of protein a day as I think back. In addition to that I sipped water. That was 10 years ago.

I do believe that the sport drink is to help with your electrolytes PO. They have a little bit of salt in them and might make you a little thirsty which in a sense is good as you will then get in your water and help you not become dehydrated. They are also essential for the health of your heart, nerve and muscle functions.  Here is a good article about Electrolytes 101 that explains the subject. I know it is geared to those that are athletes but has good info in it.  

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/information/electrolyte.htm 

You might want to look into purchasing Swanson Chicken Stock (4G) instead of the broth (1G) as it has a little more protein in the stock per cup than the broth. Try the taste of it pre op. It might have a strong taste to you PO. You might want to make your own stock and strain it, freeze it in an ice cube tray for ready made servings. I am sure you can find recipes on line and nutritional info also.

http://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/21753/what-are-the-differences-in-protein-content-between-chicken-broth-and-chicken-st

Good luck to you!

ChristineB, thanks for all the info & links. I did not realize the chicken broth and stock were different (lol). I was thinking about getting the swansons low sodium chicken stock in the carton, that way I can keep it in the fridge.

I agree about the sports drink for the electrolytes.