Protien Question: Pre-Op vs. Post-Op

So I'm still pre-op and have been gathering some protein samples. I'm wondering if I should try them now or wait until the big day. I know several of you said your tastes changed, so I'm not sure if trying them now and buying a bunch of what I like now would be better than waiting, trying them AFTER surgery and then buying a stash. Thoughts?! Christina S.

My thoughts, wait and try them as a post-op. Tastes do vary. Kathy

I always reccomend that pre-ops start their protein NOW . Why .. it aids in the healing ..and it get's you into the habit . I do know that taste changes .. some do .. some do not . But I can tell you that you will benefit from it all together . If you try it now .. and later on after surgery you do not like it ..atleast you have your protein in . Best wishes , Natalie

Hey Christina, long time no see I tend to agree with Nat on this...you need to up your protein before surgery to help with healing afterwards, just be prepared that you may not like the same things after surgery. I know in my personal expierence that my tastes changed, and some of the things I liked before surgery I just couldnt stand the thought of after (Hubby bought 10 cans of broth for after, and there was no way I was getting those near me) So, for now, go with what you like, and do the same after surgery, and you should be ok.... Dianna

Hi Christina-- I go with Nat on this, too. The only thing that changed about my taste--and I know others have different experiences--was that now I never know what meat my nose will allow me to eat on any given day. Thank goodness for the protein drinks, my only reliable source of daily protein! All other foods smell and taste as before. October 31, 2005 I put myself on the bariatric diet, complete with protein drinks. I lost 34 pounds by Jan. 25. I was in the habit of drinking my protein and had broken the sugar habit completely. The only thing that plagued me then, as now, was/is starch carbs . There are so many protein drinks which taste quite different, that if you try them now you will have some idea how they taste and how they go down, even if your tastes change. [Plus my surgeon requires 2 weeks of 5 protein drinks only (excluding water, Crystal Light, etc.) right before surgery]. Good luck! Lois

Yeah Girl, I have tons of those big ol tubs of different kinds that all taste like sh*t !! They fall out of my cupboard and hit me on the head sometimes. You just never know what you will and won't like after surgery. You can try the samples now and rate them. But ya never know what will appeal to you after surgery. i would try samples and love them..only to order it and change my mind !!! I am soooooooooooo excited for you. Having this surgery ranked right up there with having my kids !!! Good luck to you !!! Dana

I'd start now for the reasons that Nat stated but I would not stock up on anything as our tastes do tend to change after surgery. Tammy

Hello Christina -- Not sure what YOU should do, but this is what I did. I power drank Protein BEFORE my surgery, specifically for the healing aspects of it all. About two years before WLS, I was dealing with a really bad and highly infected Recluse Spider Bite on my shin. I went to a wound specialist for NINE months, they did all kinds of extreme treatment, including putting maggots in the wound, hyper-baric (sp) treatment, ultra sounds, etc.... it was so bad that they were concerned I may lose my leg, below my knee. The thing that finally cured it? A new doc took over and had me POWER drink protein. At the time, I used BOOST, it's really high in sugar but I wasnt a bariatric patient and didnt care. Back then the important thing was finding something that I could tolerate because I needed a minimum of a 100 grams a day. IT WORKED - between that and the hyperbaric chamber, my wound finally healed and my leg was saved. PROTEIN IS A major PLUS, especially before any type of extreme surgery. So if you find that the Protein shakes (Boost, SlimFast, etc) although higher in sugars (before your surgery) are easier to get down, then do it. Whatever it takes to build up your stores. You won't regret it! ...lol, well, maybe the taste, but not the results.