Total Protein Question

I know this isn't a medical forum, but I also know that this group has tons of experience.  I have about 3-4 months until surgery if all goes well.  After my initial surgeon consult he ordered labs.  All was in normal range except total protein (6.3).  I checked my last reg. labs from about a year ago and it was the same.  PCP at that time said it wasn't a concern.  However, going into surgery I'm wondering if there's something I should be doing to do to boost the number preop.  Per my NUT classes I'm trying to keep daily protein @ 60g or more.  Thoughts?

If it is 6.3 and normal is 6.4 I am sure it will go up some if you are getting 60 grams a day

I don't know anything about the numbers, so I can't help you there, but I did have a thought.  Since you are preop and don't have a problem with volume of food, maybe you should up your protein a bit?

I am 4.5 months post op, and I am getting 90 grams of protein in today.  Now is the time to switch to dense protein and make that a priority.  Eat more meat and less carbs.  Protein forward is going to be a huge part of your life, and the better you can get at it before surgery, the easier it will be once your insides are rearranged.

Start weighing and tracking your food to see exactly what you are eating. Then replace some of the carbs you are eating with protein. It's what you should be doing after surgery anyway. Getting a good running start will help.

A good rule of thumb is, for every 10 calories a food has, there should be at least 1 gram of protein. Minimum. If it's less than that, don't eat it.

Thanks for the replies.  I'm working on adjusting to the new lifestyle and adding more protein/less carbs.  I was also doing some online research for low total protein and found that regular use of NSAIDS may contribute.  Alleve & Ibuprofen have been my go-to pain relievers (frequent headaches & joint pain).  I do bruise very easily so this may be part of the problem.  Guess it's time to switch to Tylenol type products now rather than waiting until post-op.  Hoping the need for pain relievers will decrease as the weight starts dropping.

P.S. - Off-topic - I'm not very tech-savvy.  How do you add a pic & weight loss ticker?  I thought I had it, but it's not showing up.

Switch from NSAIDS now. You will not be able to take them after surgery,  so you may as well get used to that now, too.

Your ticker is showing up,  but you have to add a start weight and update your current weight in the health tracker. 

I have had low protein pre surg and it has occasionally dropped post. I really need to make 80 my minimum. My PCP is more concerned if the pre-albumin is low if the total protein is only slightly low. I just had a low reading, so am having a 30g protein drink a day and trying to add unflavored 30g to something everyday. That way I have 60 and then food is on top of that. Doc said I need to make a concerted effort of upping my protein for a month before retesting.

same here - I have to keep mine in the 80-100 g a day range to keep my levels up.  I still have to drink a protein shake or two every day to hit that level.