Question:
How much Protein do I need the first month post-op? Does this change as time goes on

I hear everything from 60 - 120 grm of Protein a day...can't imagine how to get it unless all I do is drink protein drinks. HELP !!    — lydean F. (posted on May 27, 2003)

May 27, 2003
My nutritionist used a formula to determine that I need 75g at first to promote healing. I'm not sure what that is -- something like Xg per kg of body weight. Once on full liquids, I started adding a flavorless protein powder to my drinks, yogurt and sf pudding. That helped. It takes a while to build up to the 75g mark. Inga
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 27, 2003
Hi. I'm 8 months out (down 135+lbs)& feeling WONDERFUL. I didn't have protein drinks after the first 2 weeks. I get 60-100 gr protein every single day. I eat cottage cheese at breakfast, a protein bar as a snack, chili or fish for lunch, and some kind of meat for dinner. Veggies and fruits with each meal too.......
   — Debby M.

May 27, 2003
Right now I'm taking in at least 77 grams of protein daily. It will be this high for at least the first year. I can't do the protein drinks at all. I eat a lot of fish, beans, peanut butter, etc.
   — Jessica C.

May 27, 2003
Lydean, 60-120grams is the ultimate goal (actual # varies person to person). But the first month or two post-op many people are not able to get this much, and that is really okay. My surgeon, and have found many other surgeons, put a stress on getting all your liquids in at first. Getting atleast 64oz a day. Ocourse, try to get in as much protein as you can, but the first few weeks or month or two, if you can only get, say 30grams, it's ok. If you can get more at first, great, if not, it won't kill you. SO don't stress too much. BUt eventully you will need a minimum of 60grams a day, always better to get more though! Goodluck to you :-)
   — Lezlie Y.

May 27, 2003
My Dr said initially after surgery not to worry about protein, but to concentrate on not dehydrating. The protein(food) would be too harsh on your stomach. I would have started a protein drink but could not find one I liked. I started concentrating on protein at about the second month. I get 90 grams a day. I eat lots of eggs, cheese, meats, peanut butter and some beans. I watch my carbs and keep them low. I use the site Fitday.com and journal my food.
   — Leslie E.