Question:
Does anyone have a sample menu for someone 3 wks. post-op?

I am 3 weeks post op. My Dr told me I should eat 1,000 calories per day, and eat 5-7 times per day consuming at least 10 grams of protien per meal. I am really struggling to get that many calories and protien in everyday. Does anyone have any meal plans, or suggestions that may help?    — Erin S. (posted on October 6, 2003)

October 6, 2003
At 3 weeks we encourage our patients to get their protein from eggs, low fat cheese, ground meats-moistened with fat-free gravy, tuna fish, sliced turkey breast. We also insist on 3 meals a day. Breakfast: 1 egg or 1/4 cup of low fat cottage cheese. 1/2 cup oatmeal and 1/4 cup diluted OJ. Lunch: 2oz stewed chicken, 1/2 cup mashed potato, 1/4 cup lite peaches. Dinner: 2oz soft baked fish, 1/4 cup white rice, 1/4 cup cooked vegetables, and 1/4 cup of pear slices. We tell our patients that if they are full at their meal to save the fruit for a snack later on. We also encourage 10-16oz of water or sugar and caffeine free beverages between each meal. Skim milk is also a great source of protein, 1 cup has 8 grams. Just be warned some people are lactose intolerant after surgery, drink milk with caution.
   — anyce

October 6, 2003
My only comment is that's a lot of food for the stage you are at. You are probably going to need to do protein drinks. I most likely would be able to eat like this at 8 months now but never at 3 weeks. However, I did not use protien drinks just real food. With supplements you should be able to get there.
   — zoedogcbr

October 7, 2003
At 3 weeks post-op, my surgeon and dietician wanted me to focus more on the water than the protein. I used protein shakes to get my daily protein. My dietician also wants us to eat 6 small meals daily for the rest of our lives. They say (and I agree) that it keeps our metabolisms operating more efficiently and our blood sugar levels aren't fluctuating drastically. I agree with the previous poster that right now, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, string cheese, pudding (with a couple of scoops of protein powder added) are going to be your best protein choices right now. It's too early for meat. The stoma is still swollen and healing and we don't want to aggravate it. Good Luck
   — Carolyn M.