This can't be right. Right?

Okay, so I was looking at my post op paperwork and the eating thing. I am currently drinking 5 slim fast high proteins and 64 oz. of water a day. (yeah, I'm thinking of just setting up residence on the toilet from peeing so much lol) So, after surgery it looks like my Dr. wants me to have 1 slim fast high protein a day and water for 2 weeks. 1? Seriously? That's only 15 g of protein a day, which seems incredibly low and 190 cals. Can this possibly be right? When I started this liquid diet (which I rock at, btw), I was light headed and tired and crappy feeling on 5 slim fasts a day. How the heck am I gonna even survive on one? Is this normal? I'm freaking again, I know. Consider it a usual event until I survive this surgery and the first few weeks afterward. LOL

Jamie

Hey there!  I don't have to do the liquid diet prior to surgery but here are some ideas to up your protein:

(1) Add powdered milk or unflavored protein powder to your shake.  That will really up the protein.

(2) Drink protein water.  You get to double dip.  You get your water and your get your protein.  Lots of people like Isopure.  They also make "protein shots" like "Fresh Start".  In the 2.8 ounces it has 42 grams of protein and only 134 calories.  You could add this to your water or sip slowly all day.

Just some things I have been thinking about doing.  My diet isn't as limiting as your is from your surgeon.

Remember after surgery your stomach is alot smaller so 1 slimfast is gonna fill you up and be plenty for you. I personally dont think Slimfast is a good item due to sugar levels but Im not your surgeon. Are you seeing a Nut? Every surgeon is diferent so we cant say what to do as you have to follow his rules. Good Luck

That is Dr. Barkers protocol. Remember you can have sugar free jello and popsicles as well as other SF liquids. Ms Boone says sometimes he advances you the second week. He is extremely cautious about his pouches healing, probably why he's been so successful!!

I am so sick of slimfast, today is my last day, tomorrow's my surgery. Will let you know how the "post slimfast regime" goes!!!

Keep up the good work,

Barb

hijack

 Barb! Prayers going up for your surgery tommorow and you are going to be in my thoughts

Jenny

Honestly, it does not seem like enough to me.  I was on 4 shakes a day at 20 grams per shake PLUS 64-80 ounces of water.  It is extremely difficult to get that in, but I did pretty good most days.  Keep in mind that youprobably will not be hungry post op.  I know I was not!  All that I got in I had to force down!  When in doubt, call your surgeon! 

Exactly my point, Tam. Seems like way too little protein to me.  I guess we'll see.  I know the pouch is small and all that but 15 grams of protein for the whole day just seems a bit crazy. SF jello and popsicles don't have protein. I'm probably not even gonna buy that crap cause I'm not worried about being hungry. I haven't had any of it on this liquid diet and I'm not missing it.  Dr. Barker makes me so nervous. He is so extreme compared to the other docs.  I'm just venting. I'm going to quiz him thoroughly at my preop appt, which is in 2 days.

You girls getting ready to have surgery in the next few days, I'm so excited for us all!!

Y'all better make a bunch of room on the loser's bench for us!

Jamie

The popsicles and jello are not for food, they're for water. I found that I hated jello post-op (was not a real big fan preop) so I didn't eat that, but I did get into the popsicles for a bit. Getting your water in is very tough for the first few months, so you need to be creative as to how you're getting it.

Since SF popsicles and jello are basically made out of water and sweetner and not much else, I have a very hard time believing that your surgeon only has you on that plus one shake a day, and a slim fast at that. If you're not using the low carb or sugar free one already, I would HIGHLY suggest you switch. You're likely to dump on a regular one.

Honestly, I think you should try for as many grams of protein as you can, while avoiding all carbohydrates. You'll probably even then still fall short for a bit on what you're supposed to have. Most surgeons tell you 2-3 shakes a day, and clear liquids for a certain amount of time (I very clearly remember having about 2oz of vegetable soup broth on the day I came home), and then gradually raise you to soft foods, etc. Most people are not able (I remember when an 8oz shake may as well have been a bucket of shake, it seemed that tough to get in immediately postop) to get in everything they should immediately, but you work up to it.

Best of luck!

I am another patient of Dr. Barker and yes it's one shake a day. I did not feel weak or tired post op...other then when I took pain meds. Dr. Barkers diet is very specific and not necessarily what other Dr.'s recommend, but I am not 3 1/2 months post op and I'm doing great. I'm only required to eat 50 grams of protein a day and for me it is a manageable diet. I can't fathom getting over 60 gms right now. Of course just after surgery I couldn't fathom getting 50 grams a day. You will slowly work up to the necessary amount of protein per day. It's a progressive diet with many restrictions on what kind of proteins you can have. Like after the first 2 weeks you can no longer use protein shakes.

Also for those wondering it's not regular slim fast that he orders. It is the high protein slim fast or boost glucose control.

No protein shakes after TWO WEEKS???

I am almost three YEARS out, and I still have a shake most days. Wow.