Question:
Do DS POST-OPS need to worry about protein supplements?

I have tried several "shakes" and bars trying to find one I like, but my favorites have a lot of carbs. Any suggestions? Thanks! Suzi    — sm S. (posted on May 5, 2003)

May 5, 2003
Let your own bloodwork do the talking for you. Have your doc check your protein levels and see how what you're doing now is working for you. From what I know about the DS and malabsorption, you probably do need to supplement. But instead of getting opinions, get your results and see the numbers for yourself, then make some changes (if necessary) get the work done in 3-6 months and see if there is any difference. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

May 5, 2003
Suzi, I'm 2 yrs post op(ds)and I have never had a protein shake. My Dr. dsn't discourage them but they want the bulk of protein to come from food, not liquid. What does your Dr. or nutritionist recommend? You may only need a shake temporarily unitl you can ear more. On occasion I do protein bars but usually from meat, eggs, yogurt, cheese and nuts.
   — Linda M.

May 5, 2003
Suzi, I'm 10 months post-op from the DS, and I still do a protein shake every morning. I plan to keep that up indefinitely, because 1) I like them now, and 2) I'm a vegetarian, and it's too much work to get in 100 grams of protein a day through food. So I drink a big shake every morning (ProBlend 55 Mocha Cappuccino - 1.5 scoops) and then I don't have to worry too much about protein the rest of the day. I just eat the foods I like, and I always come up out above 100 grams. Plus, I know that a good fraction of that is highly absorbable, pre-digested whey protein, which gives me confidence that my body is actually getting what it needs. My protein levels were a bit on the low side at 3 months post-op (before I started doing the shakes consistently -- they made me nauseous in the early weeks). Now my blood work is perfect and I feel wonderful.
   — Tally

May 5, 2003
I am 27 months post-op DS and haven't had any protein problems except right before my emergency surgery to repair a strangulated internal hernia (I've been told that low protein levels are not uncommon in this situation). I haven't always had protein shakes daily but have tried to get around 80 gms/day in (mainly with food). However, after my emergency surgery last NOvember, I've had a protein shake in the a.m. most days. It certainly has helped - my protein levels are back to 7 (where they had pretty much consistently have been as a pre-op and post-op). I've found that the Isopure STrawberries N' Creme meal replacement is very palatable. It can be easily mixed with a fork and mixes well in water or milk. I usually have it while commuting to work and am done for the day. I split the pack in half (25 gms/each plus about 8 gms if I have the shake with milk). Then, I just try to have protein with each meal. There is also a pre-made Isopure drink and those are really quite good (like Koolaide). They are very light and clear. I've found that the 'heavier' shakes really don't appeal and make me too full. The pre-made drinks aren't as easy to find and also come in inconvenient glass bottles. They are kind of pricey, but worth it to get the protein in. Perhaps you could divide them into two servings and put in a plastic sports container.. I'll have to try that! ROFL If you know you're getting at least 80 gms/day, then you really don't need an extra shake -- but I totally agree that your labs will best be able to tell you and you should add accordingly. :) You definitely don't want to get a protein deficiency - they are slow to develop but can be deadly adn are not so easy to correct. All the best, (lap ds Jan, 2001 emergency open internal hernia repair: Nov., 2002 27 months post-op Pre=op: 307 lbs/bmi 43 now: 155ish/bmi 21ish/22 (5'9 1/2")
   — Teresa N.