Question:
HOW DO YOU GET in 45 GRAMS OF PROTEIN ?

I have been prescribed a liquid diet weeks 1-3 post op. I don't imagine you can drink a whole lot week one. How can I posibly get in 45 grams of protein week one post op?    — Wanda R. (posted on September 20, 2002)

September 20, 2002
I am post op and there is NO way i could get 45 grams of protein in the stage, do try the protein shakes my favorite is designer whey un flavored. Good Luck, it well get better.
   — paulsgirl

September 20, 2002
I don't know about your doctor, but mine didn't expect us to get the protein in the first few weeks. I was on full liquids the first week I was out of the hospital and parctically lived on V8 Juice. I started soft foods the next week and started with cream of wheat and progressed to eggs, potatoes, refried beans, and other soft foods. I ate salmon and tuna but could not eat anywhere near enough to get in the amount of protein I thought I should have. I asked my surgeon about it and he said not to worry -that it wasn't that important the first few weeks. He did not want us using a protein supplement at that time. I now get from 50 - 70g of protein daily. I eat a lot of fish, have one protein supplement daily and have high protein snacks like jerky or nuts or peanut butter. You need to ask your rnutritionist or doctor about your needs for those first weeks post-op as all doctors are different. By the way, I am 9 1/2 months post-op and have lost 149 pounds. So, something is working.
   — Patty_Butler

September 20, 2002
Wanda, my surgeon dosn't want me to worry about the protien requirement until I am on more solid food at about 6 weeks out. Ask your doctor, but don't worry too much about it.
   — Amber L.

September 20, 2002
The protein is definitely important and you should try to get in as much as you possibly stand. One way I found helpful (and still look forward to) is to make a frozen cappacino...2 scoops of vanila Designer protein powder, skim milk, 2 T of General Foods International Flavored coffees--decaf & non-fat,no-sugar of course , and 1 cup ice in a blender. Tastes like heaven to me and gets in about 40 grams of protein. I still use this 6 motnhs post-op to make sure I get enough protein in addition to my food at meals. Good luck and be creative!
   — Kim M.

September 20, 2002
Wanda, the first 2-3 weeks, all that is really important is LIQUID...Just make sure you get enought to drink and don't get dehydrated. If you can drink the protein shakes, fine...If you can't just drink...You will have plenty of time for all that protein later. Good Luck.
   — heathercross

September 20, 2002
Early on you cant, and as others have said dont worry about it. For not more than the first month HYDRATION is what matters. Pre op we MOs are like a warehouse bulging at the seams, with stuff overflowing. So a month of malnutrition is not a hazard. Our surgeon doesnt like protein drinks and thats fine by me they are YUK! I get all mine from real food and my labs are fine. Just DONT get dehydrated and let time fix the protein issue.
   — bob-haller

September 21, 2002
I have to tell you, I found the most wonderful protein drink. You can get it at the Vitamin Shoppe... I'm not sure where else you can get it because I haven't had to go searching for it. It's called Protein Blast and it's by Designer Whey. I drink one a day. It has 40 grams of protein and 1 gram of carbs. I am 10 months out and I drink one a day. They taste great... they come in all different flavors. Iced tea, grape, orange, kiwi, strawberry... and a few others. They are a juice consistency, not shake. No more powders, no more shakes, no more mixing. I buy about 12 or 13 at a time. They cost a bit more... I pay around $30 for that many, give or take a few dollars, but sooooo worth it!
   — Janet C.

September 21, 2002
I meant to tell you... it is in the refrigerated section.. They are 16 ounce juice drinks. Good luck!
   — Janet C.