Sea Legs

O.K. Marchers, I need some help! I am going on 3weeks post op and I am so weak. When I walk from the couch to the bathroom even, I feel light headed and weak kneed! I have no endurance, why? I have been eating pureed stage - eggs, cheese cottage cheese, soup, bananas etc. I have a good little pouch and it likes most everything - in fact I want to eat! Drinking is harder, water especially. I can drink Crystal Lite, Decaf tea, bu****er seems so heavy in my pouch! Heres the kicker - I have noy been drinking any protein supplements! Is this the reason for the weakness? I did not think it owuld matter so early, and I heard it delays the weight loss?!? I'm concerned with my health, not my weight - I just thought I could eat the protein! Talk to me experts, I can't stand feeling so weak! Open RYN 03/17/04 Tina McNeil Florida

Hi Tina, You HAVE to get the protien in. You will feel much better once you do. Your body needs the protien to heal and will use muscle protien if you don't give it enough. Hence, the tiredness. I haven't heard anything at all about protien delaying weight loss. From what I know its a must FOR healthy weight loss. I hope you are feeling better soon. Call your doc or nutritionist for more info though. Good luck. -Donna

How much/many protein shakes do you drink a day? Waht is your normal men for the day? I want to compare! Thanks, listening with all my ears Tina McNeil

The protein will actually accelerate your weight loss. If you don't get enough (my doc says 60 gm per day), your body goes into famine mode to preserve resources and fights to retain every ounce of fat. Your metabolism slows down to avoid burning any fat. The protein does 3 important things: It lets your body know it is OK to burn fat because you are feeding it. It gives your body the basic building blocks it needs to heal. It minimizes the hair loss you may experience 3 months from now. For best weight loss results, look for a protein supplement that is low in carbs and fat. You just need the protein. I use Unjury for this reason. It adds very few calories--virtually 100% protein. Hope this helps... Joy

Hi Tina, My doctor insists on a minimum of 100 grams of protein (via shakes) daily during this initial period. Additionally, once I am back on foods and able to get protein that way, he continues to require supplemental protein shakes, to rebuild muscle mass, help with healing and skin elasticity. Getting your liquids is important too. Keep trying. If the water doesn't work, then drink what does, but you need your 64 oz. Hugs, Mo doin' a happier happy Mo post op dance every day

Tina, Dehydration will also make you fatigued. 1 week post op I started to dehydrate and I noticed a huge difference in energy. Rachel