Question:
How long after wls should i start protein shakes

I am 16 days post op and on the puree diet...not fun...i was wondering how long after wls should i start my protein shakes. I don't want to get malnutrition. Also tums are makeing my sick does anyone have any suggestions on how to get my calcium intake without tums?    — Luvmyjrt (posted on December 2, 2005)

December 2, 2005
i wasn't allowed a calcium supplement till 4 weeks after surgery, then its the chewable calcium by VIACTIVE. its good it taste like caramel. so maybe its too soon to try any calicum
   — hjdj70

December 2, 2005
We start protein shakes (made with water, not milk) pre-op, then stop day of surgery for 7 days, then pick up again. We don't use calcium carbonate supplements at all. Good you found out now, huh? Look at calcium CITRATE supplements that include magnesium and vit D3. The chewie candy types are still carbonate, as are OScal & Caltrate. Citracal is citrate form. There are chewable citrates out there, you just have to shop around. Citrate also comes in capsules, tablets (big), tasteless powder and liquids.
   — vitalady

December 2, 2005
I started taking protein shakes in the second week from surgery, not that I could drink that much of them. I was allowed to drink as much milk as I wanted the second week which had everything that I needed fat,protein and in liquid form. I found a liquid calcium citrate with magnesium and vitamin D that tastes great and can be used in anything, it is the brand name blue bonnet and I found it in a natural foods store. It comes in orange, lemon, and blueberry. I just mix the 2 tablespoons in my oj in the morning and I am good to go. It can also be split and taken 2x's a day, it is up to you.
   — 1968 Loser

December 2, 2005
Michelle- You should have been advised to start sipping immediately after surgery a clear protein drink (drinks like Isopure Zero Carb and Myloplex). At 2 weeks out, if you are on pureed foods, you should be able to tolerate most of the shakes. Obviously, sip them very slowly as some have relatively high fiber contents (which can be tough this early to digest). Try the Worldwide Protein (it is available in cans at Trader Joes, or go to an informational site like bariatriceating.com and pick up some samples (they carry some great high protein mixes). The thing to be careful of is avoiding any drinks with sugar in them-- you will want to maintain a ratio of at least 5 grams of protein to every gram of carbohydrate (although there are several great-tasting protein drinks that are closer to 10-1). As for calcium, you won't absorb calcium carbonate following RNY, but can absorb calcium citrate. Many brands (Twinlabs, Solar Ray) make no-sugar chewable tablets; but, be cautious as they can be slightly constipating and it may be a little early to digest them for you. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi

December 3, 2005
I was on Carnation Instant Breakfast the day I came home from the hospital. They contain quite a bit of protein. I am also taking Caltrate chewable tablets two a day. My nutritionist reccomended taking calcium citrate instead of the carbonate because it is more absorbable.
   — lisacote

December 4, 2005
Check with your Doctor--They know what is best for you plus each one has their own way of doing things. Keep up with the post op support from your Doctor--That will be one of the best ways to keep your program in high gear. Best of luck. 2 1/2 years out and down 100 pounds. Mindy
   — MindyM152

December 5, 2005
I just had Lap RNY on Dec 1st and came home on the 3rd. Before I was discharged, I had to be able to drink 120cc of fluid within 60 minutes. (an ounce every 15 mins) I was instructed well in advance by my PCP, Nutritionist and my Surgeon that protein was vital, as are fluids. I am shooting for 40 grams of protein daily and 64 ounces of fluid. (including the protein, not in addition to!) So far, my favorite protein drink has been AcheivOne.mocha java....9.5 ounce bottle with 20 gr protein, 0fat, 0 sugar. It is good cold or warm. I also have unjury protein in unflavored to add to soups. Yesterday I consumed a total of 42 ounces of fluids......short of goal but not terrible for the first full day home. I drank water, had a 4oz s/f jello, 4 oz chicken broth, 4oz cream of chicken soup (98% f/f) and 4 oz cream of tomato. I was a little concerned about the tomato, but it went down easily, caused no discomfort and tasted heavenly! There are MANY protein supplements out there and you need to start using them as soon as possible. Good luck to you! Btw, I am supposed to be on liquids a week or two, then pureed a week or two. We will see what my Dr. advises. Laura
   — LauraA

December 5, 2005
I started the shakes when I was off clear liquids and on pureed food.
   — Novashannon