Question:
I'm 3 weeks post op and have no idea how many grams of protein I should have a day.
I'm not eating hardly anything, and I'm getting concerned. I have absolutely zero energy and find it difficult to even go from the living room to the kitchen. My doctor didn't seem too concerned when I told him about my lack of energy, he said this is to be expected and would get better with time. I've also been feeling nauseous a lot. Thanks for any advice. — Shelli M. (posted on July 11, 2000)
July 11, 2000
I am very pro-protein, so I'd say go with 60g a day of protein supplement.
NOT milk, not CIB, but good protein supplement that mixes well with water
or sugar free juices. Take 30g and 30g, not 60g at once. Be sure you are
getting all your water in, 64 oz +, because even a slight shortage there
can make you feel all wobbly, too. The protein supp will nourish your
muscles and tummy and help curb cravings for the rest of your life, not
just right this minute.
— vitalady
July 11, 2000
Shelli, I agree that at 3 weeks post op you may still be feeling tired and
wiped out, but hon, you gotta eat! My surgeon insisted that we keep our
calorie consumption up (to keep our metabolism from dropping which will
also contibute to that overall "tired" feeling) as well as
consuming a minumum of 50-60 grams of protein a day. WLS is a procedure to
help you lose weight...not starve yourself! I'm not unsympathetic here,
but Shelli, use your own God given common sense. If a friend or even one
of your children came to you for advice on the same subject, what would you
tell them? You'd tell them to eat! Get a good protein suppliment (low
sugar content) and take that at least 3-4 times a day until you're able to
actually take in more "solid" type foods (even if they are still
pureed). Are you taking your vitamins? If not, start...now. Yes, your
body is still healing and you will experience fatigue and an overall
listlessness, but you've gotta TRY to get in the nutrition you need to help
the healing along (and keep your metabolism up) so you CAN feel better.
Rest when you have to while you have the time to do it, but please, please
don't get yourself sick by not eating anything. Good luck and God bless,
sweetie. We're all pulling for you. cj
— cj T.
July 11, 2000
Hi Shelli, You really need to be getting 60- 70 gm of protein every day.
Protein is important for energy but is very important for tissue regrowth
after surgery. Immediately after my surgery I was a little nauseous and
seet things made it worse (like yogurt, jello, etc). I found that chicken
broth and more salty things like that were more apealing. Hope this helps!
— Laura P.
July 11, 2000
I am 9 wks post-op and down 60 lbs. I feel great. I never drank the protien
stuff and still don't. I can't tolorate the taste. My doc says I should be
fine now that I am eating more solid foods. I was still worried about it so
I had my PCP perform a full lab test last week. Everything, including the
protien came back in the normal range!! I have not yet experienced any bad
side effects from not having the supplemental protien, so I hope it
continues this way. Good Luck and don't worry too much about it right now.
— rosemary I.
July 11, 2000
Shelly, I can't give advice about what or how much to eat as I am still
waiting for my surgery. However, I have had Major Abdominal surgery
before(gallbladder removal) and what you are feeling is NORMAL after that
type of Major Surgery. Your body has been abused by the invasion of the
surgery! All it's Energy is going to the Repair of the Damaged tissues.
This leaves little energy left for Moving around. Your energy level will
increase as you heal. But it will take time. Give it at least 2 months, if
you are still having probelms check with your doctor. Everyone is in a
hurry to begin their "New Lives", but don't hurt yourself by
being in a hurry:) Warm Healing Skinny thoughts to all:)
— Barbara I.
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