Approval & No protein drinks

Personally, I do not believe there is one right answer. Some like Kim do not use protein and have lost and kept off their weight, others like me still use them at 5 years out and have also lost and kept all their weight off. I think on issues like this we all need to do our research and do what works best for us.

Thanks Laura, you are right that everyone is different and different things work for different people.

I would ask the surgeon why (a)he doesn't want you to include clear proteins drinks.  No, you won't develop a protein deficiency in two weeks BUT your body is trying to heal from surgery (which requires nutrition) and you are already at a healing disadvantage because you won't be taking in anything with any significant nutritional value, so not taking in any protein either just makes it harder for your body to heal (and will likely result in lower energy as well).

I would also ask what they mean about having liquid for one to two weeks "or until an am not satisfied".  Does that mean that if you get sick of nothing but liquids after 3 days, you can start having soft foods?   I started soft foods on Day Three and no trouble with anything I ate early out, but it just seems strange that they are being so strict on what liquids you can have but are pretty wishy washy on how long you have to have them.  It just doesn't make sense. 

Lora

It's not that the information given on this thread is correct or incorrect, Lora - it's the alarmist way in which it is delivered.  

We all know that surgeons have different protocols and if those protocols are not harmful, they should be accepted, at least for the first few weeks and to imply that there is only one way to progress on this journey is not true.

To worry someone because they don't have a pre-op diet (their liver is going to be so huge it'll get damaged during surgery) or they don't have to do protein shakes for the first couple of weeks (they'll not recover well because of their protein deficiency) and suggesting that they get a different surgeon because he doesn't "know" what the "oh so knowledgeable" poster does (3 or 4 months post RNY and no medical degree does NOT make you an expert)?  Come on!

There are many times in the OP's future she'll have to make her own decisions on how to live her life either within or outside of her surgeon's recommendations - to imply that she should be ignoring her surgeon from day one or go find another one is NOT good or helpful or supportive advice - especially when we know she'll be perfectly fine following his advice!!

I agree that some replies are a bit alarmist (I feel the same way about the dire warnings about getting dehydrated) but I'm confused... I never suggested that she ignore her surgeons's plan OR that there is only one way to do things. I only suggested that she find out WHY her surgeon specifically forbids protein drinks and why the weird instructions on liquids for 7-14 days or until she decides otherwise.

I also didn't have a preop diet and have never suggested that anyone should... So perhaps your comments are just general ones and not related to my response...??

Lora

I chose to reply to you because the other two are blocked and I did want to address this comment:

BUT your body is trying to heal from surgery (which requires nutrition) and you are already at a healing disadvantage because you won't be taking in anything with any significant nutritional value, so not taking in any protein either just makes it harder for your body to heal (and will likely result in lower energy as well).

which I think is less alarmist than the previous posters but I'm not sure that is not the same advice reworded.   

Is there any evidence that a lack of protein from protein shakes in the first two weeks after surgery has a detrimental effect on healing or energy or success.   I had absolutely no problems on the 30/60/90 program and did great on it as do many other people.

I agree she should question her surgeon if she wants to know why he says not to do protein shakes, but she has no need to be alarmed if he does not have them as part of his post surgery protocol - she'll probably be just fine!

I may be crazy, but I do feel a need to put the other side to this argument when it is presented as it was in this thread (not by you) - unfortunately, you were the only one I was able to answer to 

Ok, I get it now.  

I put that in there simply because my surgeon spent a lot of time (relative to the time she spent on other things like dumping) talking about how we are at a healing disadvantage because we are able to get so little food in during that first month (which is how long she indicated it wold likely take before everything was fully healed), and that if those of us who have had previous surgeries felt more lethargic than after other surgeries it was simply because the body is busy trying to heal in that less than optimal state.  I don't understand why they would FORBID something that would help with healing and is not detrimental in any way.

I have never looked for any studies on it, but I can take a look tomorrow while watching football.

Lora

Hi Lora, thanks for you input. The way I understand the reg dietician, I stay in the liquid diet for 7 days for sure, but if at day 8 I am not satisfied, I can move onto mushy foods. If at day14 I am still on liquids, I need to move to mushy foods. I will definitely ask the surgeon when I see her at my pre-op appt.

I was directed to focus on liquids for 7 days. I was surprised too because I thought I needed the protein. It all worked out. I drank water, broth, crystal light, sugar free Popsicles etc...and I was not hungry at all. I gradually added shakes and cream soups on the second week. I slept a lot and relaxed. No problem.   Good Luck!

Thanks Missella20 for sharing what your diet was the first week. It is good to know all went well.