Question:
I am so confused as to what I should be eating postoperatively.
Hi, I am 10 days postop lap rny and am in such a dilemma deciding what to eat. I am permitted soft foods and pureed fruits as of today. However, in order to consume the amount of protein on the foods I am permitted to eat (55 grams), I am basically limited to two protein shakes per day and 2 tbsps of ricotta cheese. I am not allowed liquids 1 hour before or 1 hour after eating. I assume that means anything with milk products, so that includes before and after the shakes and ricotta cheese. The dietician recommends eating six small meals per day, but I would never, even be able to get my protein in that way. I am also afraid of the calorie count. Each shake is 200 calories and the other meal is anywhere from 40 calories to 200 calories. That seems like a great deal of calories for 10 days postop. So what it basically amounts to, is that I am consuming protein shakes, which are horrible and liquids. There is no way to look forward to the cottage cheese or fruits or anything else, because they do not contain enough protein. I have ordered Protinex and a powdered protein, but do not have them yet. Any suggestions, I am desperate? Thank you so much! — Grace H. (posted on August 30, 2002)
August 30, 2002
Our nutritionist says that the newly post-op are not going to be able to
get in that 55-60g of protein a day. Just do your protein shakes and
maximize the protein that you take in at each meal. If you are allowed
soft foods now, you can eat tuna fish. 2 oz of tuna fish has only 66
calories and 14g of protein (no carbs or fat).
— John Rushton
August 30, 2002
You can never get in the needed protein right after surgery. All I was
allowed was carnation instant breakfast drink with a little scoop of
protein. I was only getting 5oz in a day. Not much protein. But you will
be okay. All the liquid did a mess on my system so the second week I had a
saltine craker once a day and a little sugar free jello, yougurt, cottage
cheese. Egg drop soup would have been yummy but I did not have any. In
another few weeks you can focus more on protein. I am not saying you do
not need it now, just that you will never get the said amount in. It is
great that you are concerned about it as many do not pay attention to their
protein amounts.
Lisa Marie
— Lisa Marie D.
August 30, 2002
Canned chicken with mayo is good also, for protein with decent calories.
Your protein shakes are a liquid, and since the "no liquids
before/after" rule only exists to keep solids in your pouch and keep
you full longer, it really shouldn't apply to shakes, which pass right
through your pouch anyway, being liquid themselves. Also, at ten days post
op, what's wrong with 600 calories? It should be a heck of a lot less than
you were getting before. I adhere to the low-carb (try to stay under
40g/day) philosophy, but they are necessary, don't freak out about
calories. One other suggestion is maybe trying some unflavored protein
powder, and adding it to things like cream of wheat, oatmeal, or instant
potatoes. Actually, chocolate pro powder can be good mixed into cream of
wheat. Or try mixing a fruity pro powder in with your cottage cheese to
boost the protein count, and give it a little fruity flavor.
— Heather K.
August 30, 2002
You may certainly get in your needed protein..forget about
counting calories now. You have a "new born baby's tummy'..remember
that idea..it helped me to treat myself with attention to detail !! Going
to Rite Aid and asking for the packaged protein powder, of doctor's choice
was the first step. I mixed in a blender the powder until it was pudding
consistency..thick. I then ate about every three hours..you do get your
required 60gr daily. I enjoyed the flavor varieties offered..really helped.
When I started driving, I packed up a small cooler with dish of mixed
"pudding protein", medicine cup, spoon and refreezable
cooler "ice" ...kept up my protein level and felt great...good
luck. ..Gail
— Gail T.
August 30, 2002
I just discovered a fantastic protein powder called ProScore 100 in
chocolate. I add a spoon of sugar-free nestle qwik, and it is really good.
I've tried them all. I'm just over 3 weeks post op, and I manage to suck
down 2 of these shakes mixed with 8 oz skim milk and I've got 60g of
protein in for the day. I supplement with tuna fish (pureed) and eggs. My
doc said not to worry about calories, but concentrate of protein. Good
luck,
— Kay S.
August 30, 2002
Try mixing your protein with water vs milk and that eliminates a lot of
sugar g and empty calories. I've always been able to drink up til the
first bite, and then wait after. I don't wait before or after protein
drinks.
— vitalady
August 30, 2002
— jkb
August 31, 2002
Hi, I am the original poster of this question. Thank you all so much. You
guys are great. I was getting so uptight over how to get the appropriate
amount of protein. I appreciate all of your insight and experience.
Love Grace
— Grace H.
August 31, 2002
Here a just a few more tips that I got from a book a doctor sent me for
incresing protien in your diet.
1. Try adding 1/3 cup of dry milk powder to 1 cup skim milk. This will
double the protien in your milk. (I personally think this is a good idea,
plus you can add it to more that just your milk).
2. if you don't lke the taste of milk, try adding a low calorie instant
Breakfast, sugar free Nestle Quick, Alba or low calorie flavorings.
3. If you have a hard time digesting milk, try Lactaid or Dairy Ease. These
are enzymes that help digest milk.
4. An omelet, scrambled egg or low calorie yogurt makes an excellent
breakfast.
5. When yo are able to tolerate soft food, a simple meal of canned fruit
and cottage cheese is a great source of protein.
6.Try Tuna or chicken salad made with low calorie mayonnaise on a few low
fat crackers (e.g.,saltines)at mealtime.
7. Most drugstores carry non-milk-based protein supplement drinks such as
Ensure and Sustacal. You may use these if there are times whe you need more
protein and can't manage any of the above.
Obviously some of these you may not be able to use yet since your tummy is
still so new, but I really like the idea of the Dry non-fat milk powder.
You can use that in so many different things to boost your protien. Any
way, hope this helps. Good luck and I hope you are a big fat looser!!!
*wink* ;)
— Tammy O.
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