Question:
I live in Canada and had my surgery done in the States. I have 2 questions. I notice

Every one is drinking protine shakes. I was never put on them and i am now 2months out of surgery. Should i be using them? Another thing is i would so much love to have a place to go for group surport, does any one know of any in the Ottawa area of canada? Thank You    — susieQ47 (posted on March 28, 2007)

March 28, 2007
You don't have to drink protein shakes if you are eating a lot of protein. Most post-ops go on protein shakes because our surgeons tell us that we need anywhere between 40-80 grams of protein each and every day (every surgeon is different, some are as low as 40, some 50, some even 80 depending on your activitly level). So if you are getting enough protein then don't worry about it, obviously if you are not getting the protein then you want to find a good protein shake or protein drink. A good protein drink that is about the consistency of water is ISOPURE, it's kind of like a juice or flavored water. www.IsopureRX.com . My mother had the surgery 5 years ago and she has a protein drink every morning with some fruit in it for breakfast. Protein is just as essential as the rest of our vitamins. Good luck!
   — JGDugar

March 28, 2007
My doc does not believe in this,I think they are all different
   — Sandy Hanson

March 28, 2007
The majority of people don't get enough protein so the shakes are a good supplement. Since your pouch is so small it would be impossible to consume 50-80 grams of protein from food unless you were eating all day and that's not good. So if your doctor didn't recommend them, I'm quite surprised. They provide protein plus calcium and other vitamins. I like walker protein powder, you can order it from vitacost.com. It's only $9 for a can. There are many others to choose from, you can get samples and see which you like. I got tired of many of them until I found the walker. You can also get ready to drink protein shakes, worldwide makes some and there are some i get from vitacost called extreme smoothies. Hope this helps!
   — Sheri A.

March 28, 2007
Hi, I am logged onto this site in support of my daughter Barbara whose is a patient of Dr. Dent in Ottawa....her surgery will be done in Toronto by a Dr. Klein/Kline? Can I ask why you had to go to the States to have yours? And as far as a group support place, if you do find one will you pass it on to us....So many questions and answers can be discussed with each person's experiences....Glad you have been successful in your recovery...Protein is very important...eat lots of meat and many of your dairy products are full of protein as well as chicken/turkey..(meat being grounded/minced for starters) Cheers, Joyce in Kemptville On...close to Ottawa
   — ConcernedMom

March 28, 2007
REMEMBER Though if you start doing the Protein Shakes. Their a Meal Replacement which won't fill you up. Their NOT a Supplement Snack between meals. Watch the Calorie intake when adding Protein Shakes and try to use water rather than milk to cut the calories. As Support check above under Support Groups and if there isn't one in your area. You might think of becoming an OH Leader and start ine for those in your area for everyone.
   — Michael Eak

March 28, 2007
Thank you so much for the help EVERY ONE!!!
   — susieQ47

March 28, 2007
Hi Joyce, I also went threw Dr Dent. I live in Osgoode, just a couple of miles from you. I went to the States because the waiting period was a lot smaller and i have had to have back surgery and have nerve damage to one of my legs and foot, so it was important to have it done as soon as possible. They are great there. If i can help your daughter in any way please just ask questions and i will give you my most honest answers. I have found that there was a lot of things that i wasn't told threw the system and am finding out on my own. So feel free to ask...i wish your daughter luck and hope all goes well....
   — susieQ47

March 29, 2007
Hi Sue, thanks for writing. I don't live anywhere near Canada, sorry, I am in Nebraska, the middle of the country, so I can't help you in person. I don't know how far away you are from your doctor, or what plans Canada has. You may have to do some footwork and check with your hospitals or look for surgeons that do that surgery in your area, and see what support groups they have. They are usually free, and you should be able to visit even though you are not their patient. Regarding protein shakes, some doctors recommend them, some do not. We were told 50 gr. of protein a day after surgery, and truly every day is important. Most of us got that by protein drinks and shakes. They won't hurt you to do them now if you feel they will help you or if your protein level each day is low for what your doctor recommended. I did drink shakes for a short time, but I never liked them, and believe that God gave me food to eat, in moderation, but to eat. I get my sources from foods and am glad to do that. Milk is an excellent source of protein. I get gas from it, but I used Milk, cottage cheese, yogurt and put meats through my food processor to grind it up well and then added some stuff to flavor it. Some tolerate this and some tolerate that, so you will have to work with your foods to see what you like. Shakes and drinks can cause constipation, so keep your water up. You intestines are already tender from such a surgery, so that could be another reason they used caution for shakes and drinks. You may want to call your surgeon and ask them directly. It is important that you keep your check ups and your follow ups to insure you are healing right. Write down your questions and get them all answered. You pay and your insurance company pays plenty for their services. Use them completely! Take care, Patricia P.
   — Patricia P