Question:
4 days post op MOM-RN vs me on Protein, help!
Okay, 4 days post op, walking, using restroom, drinking, and eating small amounts--- but there is NO WAY I can do 60 grams (Dr. recommended). Old question right?...New twist, Mom's an RN (taking care of me for a while) and is not flexible on the amount at all. Is hiding protein powder in my food and making it GROSS!! Please tell me that you don't need the full 60 right off the bat! Any ideas for new foods? I love her very much and I know she is doing this for me but I'm 24 not 5! — Leah S. (posted on February 9, 2003)
February 9, 2003
Leah, I just posted something to the Message Board in response to your post
there, but thought I'd answer on here for anyone else going through the
same thing. It is pretty rare for anyone to be able to get in 60 oz. of
protein when they are as early post-op as you are. I can't think of
anything you could have when you're still on clear liquids that contains
that much protein. As you get farther out and can have full liquids and
then soft foods, you'll be better able to get in the 60 grams. For the
time being, try to get your mom to understand that getting that amount of
protein in will come in time. Good luck.
— garw
February 9, 2003
Leah, You can try Isopure Juice. It's sold at GNC and it offers 40 grams of
protien for 20oz bottle. I also used it to do Sugar Free Jello, that way I
was getting my protien while eating something different. Hope it helps.
— Elisabet B.
February 9, 2003
My nutritionist says that the concentration in the early weeks (you are
eating at 4 days post-op?) is hydration, not protein. If you can do the
shakes or drinks and tolerate them, great. If you can only get down
Carnation Instant Breakfast No Sugar Added, that's fine too.
<p>
If you are up to pureed food, then try tuna fish, and other pureed meats
(stick in a blender with a bit of water or broth)...JR (open RNY 07/17 -152
pounds)
— John Rushton
February 9, 2003
Although I know your mom means well, you are not meant to get 60g protein
from DAY ONE. That's why there is a "clear liquid" phase, to
give your body and insides time to heal. Every phase has a purpose. I was
told by my surgeon that I would be at least 2 mo. out before I could get
60g a day in. Worked out that way too. Renee D
— Renee D.
February 9, 2003
I am 5 months out and still cannot get close to 60g!....Karen (lap rny-
9/20/02- down 100 pounds)
— karmiausnic
February 9, 2003
I went home from the hospital on soft liquids and could have had carnation
instant breakfast in Lactaid milk but NO protein drinks yet. I didn't have
the go ahead for protein drinks until 10 days post op and even then it was
about 20 grams per day. I am at almost 5 weeks postop and cannot tolerate
more than 30-40 grams per day but I try to increase it each day.
— susanje
February 9, 2003
My first two weeks were clear liquids so I was getting next to no protein.
I think the first week or two you should be concerned about staying
hydrated and healing. Drinking 1-2oz every 30 minutes. I am 3 months out
and don't always get in 60grams of protein. So tell your mom not to worry
you will be fine on water and jello for a bit. **kelly
— Kelly T.
February 9, 2003
LOL! That sounds like something *I'd* do! Mom knows best! How is she
making protein gross & what is she doing to it? There are plenty of
tasty ways to get it in. I LOVE mine, can't wait til the next fix. But I
had to kiss a lot of ugly toads before I found my perfect blend, you know?
— vitalady
February 10, 2003
I TOTALLY agree with Michelle about LOVING my protein supplements. There
are so many on the market that it shouldn't be necessary for anyone to have
to drink one that they hate. I look forward to mine as a treat each day.
I do have two comments. 1.) I know Mom loves you but I take exception to
her hiding protein in your food. I think most of us would agree that this
is a journey we have to find our own way through. My mother-in-law, whom I
love dearly, used to love to tell me "if you don't stop eating those
fat free pringles you're going to gain all your weight back". I
finally had to tell her that I appreciated her concern for me but that I
had to learn to make decisions that were both emotionally and physically
good for me. Once I lost down to goal weight I think she FINALLY
understood this. It's one thing to need some help from your mom but it
isn't good for either of you for her to be calling the shots. This is YOUR
journey and you must do what works for you. You need to find a way to
lovingly (if possible) tell her to stop making your nutritional decisions
for you. 2.) I teach a preparation for bariatric surgery class each week.
I tell my patients that NO WAY are you going to get all the fluids, protein
and nutrition you need in the first 6 weeks after surgery. It's a goal
that you work toward - it won't happen at 4 days post op. I strongly
encourage you to get some samples from Michelle. It's a much, much cheaper
way to try lots of different proteins. Also consider purchasing from GNC
because they'll cheerfully refund your money - no questions asked - even if
it's just because you don't like it. We love moms and dads who support us
but sometimes we have to stand up for ourselves and make the decisions
about what's best for us. You can do it - mom will understand. Hang in
there!!
— ronascott
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