Question:
How long after surgery do you start to drink protein drinks?

I am scheduled for surgery August 6th. I was wondering when I should start to drink the protein drinks? When will my insides be healed enough to handle them?    — Eleanore Davis (posted on July 29, 2003)

July 29, 2003
Eleanor, I was doing protein shakes 1 day after surgery... and then from there for the first 4 weeks, (Doctor's Request, as he has all of his patients do it)... You might not be able to handle the whole entire shake, but get in what you can cause you'll need the protein... Best of luck to your up and coming surgery. Many Hugs
   — tannedtigress

July 29, 2003
hiya~ i started them the day i was released from the hospital (had surgery thursday, released monday) & drank them on the way home. my surgeon has you drink them for the rest of your life. buy a few different types (flavors, brands) because what tastes good pre op may not taste good post op. i have a list of what i use on my website: www.geocities.com/katebme2002 good luck and congrats on your upcoming surgery! {{hugs}} kate
   — jkb

July 29, 2003
Remember that protein helps with the healing process. It is actually best to start on them a couple of weeks ahead of surgery. For new post ops one of the easiest is Real Meals because it has 60 grams of protein so you can break it up into four mini-shakes right after surgery. They have samples, recipes and a lot more info at www.protein-solution.com There is also a lot of infomation in my profile about protein.
   — Linda A.

July 29, 2003
My Dr. had me on protein a week before surgery and started drinking protein 1 day after surgery.
   — M B.

July 29, 2003
As soon as you can stomach them, unless your surgeon advises otherwise. I found the shakes too thick and horrible tasting in the beginning, when your taste buds are in shock, but I found a clear protein drink (looks like koolaid, in different flavors), called Isopure Zero Carb, 20 oz glass bottles with 40 grams of protein, and found it at Vitamin Shoppes (I believe GNC carries it too). I cut it in 1/2 with water, poured over ice and sipped on it all day long. It was my only source of protein early post-op.
   — Cindy R.

July 29, 2003
Of course, you'll need to follow your dr's instructions. If they are "clear liquids only" for a period of time then no shakes for you until you are cleared to full liquids. I started using them right away, as my dr's instructions were "anything non-acidic that will fit thru a strainer." I did find that I had a lot of problems with the air introduced by blending (and still do). For that reason, I used the ready-to-drink shakes: CarbSolutions, AdvantEdge, Atkins (all cheapest at WalMart), and Zero Carb Isopure (the koolaid-like one at GNC). I also used MLO Milk & Egg protein powder, which doesn't have any flavoring or sweetner added, so it is easy to add to soups and other salty foods.
   — ctyst

July 29, 2003
I agree with Linda and Sonja -- my nutritionist says start them BEFORE surgery to help with healing. After that, as soon as possible after surgery unless contraindicated by your surgeon.
   — antiques55

July 29, 2003
I started the day I got home from the hospital.
   — Fixnmyself

July 29, 2003
Hi there, Eleanor! I started as soon as I had my leak test and passed! While I was still in the hospital, my nutritionist wanted me on them right away, except she used a sort of Boost that was sugar-free, and recommended one from GNC that was nasty, but I found one later I liked. Vi. open RNY 9/23/02 down 149 lbs.
   — Vi F.

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