protein consumption question

Hi All. I have a question. I know its vital for one to get their protein in daily after surgery. Just how much protein does one need to get in? I know it help prevent hair loss and all.. but how much?? I would appreciate some input. Also...I have heard it's good to start taking in protein before your surgery to help in the healing process.. what are your thoughts about that as well. Thanks for any input and suggestions you can give me. call me Etta" *everyone does*

Your surgeon should give you a protein guideline. The general rule is a minimum of 60g daily. Mine didn't mention increasing protein intake prior to surgery, but I did it anyway because I heard it would help recovery. Don't know if that's true or not, but at least it's a chance to get used to mixing up protein drinks!

Hey Etta, My nutritionist told us 60-90 per day. Protein amino acids are supposed to aid in healing and prevent muscle and hair loss. I know it's important not to lose muscle because your heart is a very important muscle and muscle is what keeps that metabolism up. I think she said biotin was essential to prevent hair loss too. (she gave us soo much information...I'll have to look it up in that binder she gave us...but I'm pretty sure that's right). I have also read a lot of post-op peoples stuff about how their weight los**** a plateau and they had to bump up their protein/calorie intake, so I'm assuming there is a connection there too. I have also read a few things about increasing your protein intake prior to surgery and how it aids the healing process. My surgery date is 10 days away and I just starting drinking protein shakes for this very reason. I liked the unjury chocolate....tastes like ovaltine. I also bought some of that protein pudding and some protein liquids from GNC(haven't tried those yet). I figure it can't hurt. Don't know if any of this helps... Good luck! Pam

HI Etta, Your surgeon/dietian should give you a protein goal....for me, I was told 75 grams as soon as possible...meaning, the first week after surgery, I was on clear liquids...obviously 75 grams of protein is near impossible....once I went on full liquids it became easier...but for me, I had NO appetite although I was incredibly thirsty, but NOTHING tasted good.... I did get in my protein from about week 3, it is a rare day that I don't get in at least 75 grams. best wishes, RAE

Do you use protein drinks to get in your protein or is it all from food? My surgeon has never given us a number grams to aim for and wanted us off protein drinks at 4 weeks. I'm finding it hard with only 3 meals allowed to get in more then 50-55gs of protein

Well, I was told when I get to eating foods again, to always eat the protein first. I guess the point in that is to make protein the top priority with meals. Are you sure your doc wants you TOTALLY off protein supplements? Or does he/she just want you to back off of them and focus more on food protein? I'm just curious because I know so many post-op people who are at various stages (3 mo, 1 yr, 2 1/2 yrs, 5 yrs) and all of them continue to supplement their protein intake even though they are eating real food. Do you have a nutritionist? I would bring it up with the nutritionist to be sure. My doc and my nutritionist said that when I'm post-op, they will periodicly check my blood work to see what (if any) defficiencies I have, and we would adjust my vitamin/supplements to accommodate my needs. One important thing I learned was that your blood work will NOT show a calcium defficiency, so it is very important to be disciplined and dedicated to taking your calcium. (That really surprised me, so I feel compelled to share that with everyone I can). I don't know if this helps, but bottom line...I would check with your nutritionist about your protein needs. Take care, Pam

My surgeon has a team of people I speak to each visit( a nutritionist,behavior counselor,nurse, and exercise counselor). I've asked my surgeon,his nurse and the nut. and all 3 have told me the exact same thing...no protein shakes after 4 weeks and they don't give out "exact numbers" for protein or calories because they want this to become a way of life not just another diet. He also checks bloodwork every couple of months and he'll let me know then how I'm doing. Thanks for the info on the calcium,I didn't know that couldn't be checked with our bloodwork. Thank goodness my Caltrate is the one pill I don't mind taking! The rest i take and gag down because I have to crush em Cathy