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I am currently four years out and about to undergo lower body lift. I have IBS and am still concerned about weight gain because I have gained twenty pounds. How much protein should I eat after the surgery to insure proper healing? Kind regards, Pam

We are moderating the forum and checking for topics and general information on this specific sticky post - but since you're here, let me see if I can help. Your post-op healing and success is in a large part determined by your health going in to the procedure.  Specific protein needs would need to be individualized for you, your weight, the intensity of the procedure, and your current nutritional status.  You also mention IBS and recent (?) weight gain which could change the recommendations I would give you.  Without your specific information I can only give general recommendations. For an average adult going in for surgery, I would recommend 1.0-1.3 g protein per Kilogram of body weight. (To get your weight in kilo, take your weight in pounds and divide by 2.2)  Compare this number to the amount of protein you are currently getting, and see where you are.  This should give you an idea of the recommended amount of protein for healing.  Also for healing, be sure to supplement your B vitamins as these are used in cell division.  Adequate vitamin C is also important to support collagen formation - don't get crazy with the vit C!  Your body can only absorb about 65-100 mg at a time, so megadoses of 500-1000 mg or more is not necessary. I hope this gives you a good start!

I am four and a half months out and my biggest problem is nutrition.  What are the standards on how much I should be eating in a day.  Protein? Cal? Fat? Carbs?  How does this change as I get further out from surgery?  Another problem that I have is finding family friendly meals.  I don't have alot of time to prepare a meal for the family and a different one for myself.  I would like help with meals that are easy to prepare and something that would interest my kids who are 10, 7  & 1.