Question:
Protein in the 1st six weeks? How?

I've read though a lot of the forum questions and protein comes up a lot, of course. I'm wondering if anyone else has been on my suggested schedule and yet able to find a way to get in protein. My surgeon had me on clear liquids for the first week and nothing but cream soups, malt-o-meal, cream of wheat, plus the recommended amount of liquids, for the following 5 weeks. So, for 6 weeks post-op, I am not even eating soft foods. Short of protein drinks, which my surgeon has discouraged the use of, I don't see how I can get in much. The nutritional supplements (such as Ensure) do offer some, but I'm wondering if all the protein will just have to wait until I'm off the liquid diet. I think between one nutritional supplement drink and the light smoothie in the morning, I'm only getting about 25-30 grams of protein a day at best. I do have to say, I am looking forward to soft foods. It seems my surgeon has his patients on a 'longer than normal' liquid diet post-op. I'm already tired of soups and such and I have 3 1/2 weeks to go!    — heloize (posted on May 14, 2007)

May 14, 2007
You may want to try those New Whey protein bullets that you can buy from Vitamin Shoppe. I love the grape, and alot of others like the Fruit Punch. They come in 24 or 42 gm of protein. If you get the higher one, take 1/2 at a time, and spreading it out during the day. Good luck, Diane
   — Diane C.

May 14, 2007
I would ask your doctor why such a long clear liquid diet? My surgeon's office (Dr Titus Duncan, Atlanta) is ranked number one in Georgia Bariatric surgeon's and number 2 in the United States and even his office doesn't put his patients on that long of a liquid diet. He's been doing this surgery only for over 4 years now, so he has the research to back everything up. Dr Duncan prefected the surgery laproscopically and has traveled all over the U.S. to teach other surgeons' how to do it laproscopically. I had to attend a seminar before surgery and he even states, if you can't get your protein in with food, then you MUST supplement with protein powder, shakes, drinks etc. He also stated that if we didn't get our protein in, the probability of losing our hair starting in the 3rd month will increase dramatically! I would have a long serious talk with your surgeon and find out how long he's been doing these surgeries and what he bases his facts on as to why he discourages the usage of protein supplements. We are, afterall, going to NEED these for the rest of our life in addition to our vitamins. I feel for you about the liquid diet. I couldn't stand regular protein powder that I added to milk after 2 weeks. I had to switch to AnyWhey tasteless protein powder (yes I tried already mixed drinks as well yuck!) that can be bought at GNC, and since then, I am able to get my protein in. Good luck kiddo!
   — crystalsno

May 14, 2007
If he thinks Ensure is a "protein drink", I can see why he'd run in terror. That's what I used to put weight ON my aging dad. Have you looked at high quality whey powders? You can make a 30g serving in as little as 4 oz of water. Less than 5g carbs, many are 0g sugar. We're on clears for 4 weeks, also, but protein drinks start at 7 days. And at that, 90-120g per day!
   — vitalady

May 14, 2007
Send me your email address and I will send you a good list for newly post op foods, etc. That is a long time on clear liquids. I was on full liquids leaving the hospital and then progressed to soft within 1 wk. I wonder is something went on during surgery that he wants you on a fluid diet longer.. or this his/her standard post op diet. Ensure, Slimfast, etc are VERY high in sugar. Try the EAS brand. I use these and there is lots of protein and minimal sugar. I would ask him if you can try advancing your diet slowly. The worst he can say is no. hope this helps.. my email is [email protected]
   — Kari_K

May 15, 2007
hi Aleesia. You pose a very good question. I think surgeons forget what they say doesn't make much sense. They may discourage protein drinks, but the bottom line is early on, you may really need them. I did not have the length of liquid that you did, I was off liquids when I left the hospital and I never liked protein drinks, so I worked hard to get my protein in on soft foods right away whenn I got home. I do encourage you to follow your surgeons advice, but regarding the protein drinks, it is better to drink them and get your protein in then try and cram in more food to a pouch that you can only get a few ounces into. Living on protein drinks should never be, bur during recovery, it could be your best option. Take care, Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

May 15, 2007
My daughter works at a drive-thru Smoothie place and they have several high protein shakes and smoothies. If you live in a city with one of those places, call and find out what they have! Ours had 70 grams of protein, way more than we needed, but still good every other day or so. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get the shakes made with powder at home to be good (too grainy!). Also, I ate Chile Con Queso at my favorite mexican restaurant as soup!!!!! It was great - protein.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 15, 2007
Every surgeon is SO different! I'm 10 months post-op and 110lbs. less...my surgeon had me on liquids for 4weeks following surgery and I couldn't wait to start soft foods! I did what he suggested and haven't regretted it at all! I use Whey protein shakes daily and have between 60 to 90 grams of protein this way PLUS I follow the protein first, then vegies, the fruits when eating solid foods (I can tolerate almost EVERYTHING now!) Try Vitalady.com for a variety of shake flavors (95); she ships anywhere....Good Luck! You CAN do this!!! Trish
   — zoeysgrami