Question:
My surgeon's nutritionist is very down on protein drinks - ever!

My Dr.'s nutritionist has really pounded down the point of no calorie-containg beverages - ever. Her point is that because liquids (including protein drinks) do not stay in the pouch long enough to create long-term satiety, and that solid food is a better route to go. She recommends clear liquids for 14 days, adding other liquids for another 14 days, then pureed foods for another 14 days, and then reintroducing solid food at 6 weeks. Anyone ever heard of this strategy?    — Paula H. (posted on August 22, 2002)

August 22, 2002
If you are on liquids for two weeks, where are you going to get your protein if not from protein drinks? My Dr's nutritionist says that she prefers that you get the protein from food sources if you can, but allows protein drinks as part of the diet through the first few phases of HUP's post-op diet (2 wks full liquids, 2 wks pureed, 2 wks soft, then regular foods).
   — John Rushton

August 22, 2002
I agree-early on you need the protein drinks to get in that protein before you can eat solid foods. You should slowly move to more solid and less liquid protein drinks as time goes by but it should be a while before you can eat enough protein to not have to use the drinks. As for the strategy of liquids X 14 days etc, all doctors/nutritionist diets are different. I would have had a very hard time with that one. I was on clear liquids X 5 days or so, then on to full liquids (like cream soups), then on to pureed at week 3 (which I actually skipped and went to very soft food). By week 4 I was eating solids-week 5, salads and popcorn..week 6 chicken that was very juicy/soft...
   — Cindy R.

August 22, 2002
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! I am 14 days post-op today. MY doctor prescribed 4 weeks of protein drinks/clear liquids, then 4 weeks of pureed food, then 4 weeks of soft foods, then FINALLY normal food. Personally I have huge issues with the consistency and taste of foods. When I got home from the hospital at 5 days post-op, I started the shakes, and I suffered consistent nausea. I tried about 5 different types of shakes, drinks, and powders mixed with water and juice, etc. I hated them all, so I had to make a decision for myself. You see, protein promotes healing and overall health. I researched for hours on the web and found several diets that include food immediately post-op. At 9 days post-op I had lost 24 pounds. I knew it was too much and I felt awful. The last three days I have felt awesome! I saw my doctor today too and he says I'm doing great and is fine with my diet. I am now getting 50 to 60 grams of protein a day and these are the foods I eat (every hour to hour and a half); 8 oz. skim milk (7 grams); 1 mozzarella cheese stick (7 grams); two teaspoons peanut butter (6 grams); 1/4 cup fat-free refried beans w/ 1 oz shredded cheddar and one tbsp sour cream (14 grams); Cream of Tomato soup (3.5 grams for half cup); 1/3 cup sugar free ice cream (4 grams). Hope this helps!
   — Annalee

August 22, 2002
No calorie-containing beverages - it was the mantra that my nutritionist made sure we learned. She is anti-protein shakes also.
   — jen41766

August 22, 2002
I feel like I'm from another planet here! I tink the problem might be in the definition of a protein drink. If they're thinking Boost/Ensure, sure--empty calories. Many have never even seen real protein drinks that mix with water....no empty calories. My doc requires them for life, so that was never an option for me, but I notice taking more or less determine my wt loss, my appetite & volume control, as well as how my skin fits & all the peripherals. At first I used them like a meal, but now, I just use them as a beverage, often just before a meal. They provide the actualy pre-digested protein, the meal provides the pouch filler. All I can say is that it works. It's so easy, as I do not HAVE to be so food focused this way.
   — vitalady