Question:
I am pro-op and am thinking about taking a protein supplement several times

I am pre-op and am thinking about taking protein supplements NOW 2-3 times daily to see if I can speed up my metabolism and lose some weight prior to surgery. This would also help me in case Aetna says I have to be on a diet 6 mo prior to OR. I also want to start getting weighed in the Drs office bi-weekly, and think it would help if they could see I am losing now. I usually eat one meal a day (supper) since I work night shift, and don't eat when I come home from work in am. Do you think this would be beneficial to me now? Thanks in advance for answers!!    — bufordslipstick (posted on July 15, 2003)

July 15, 2003
Good idea -- for the weight loss, certainly, but even moreso to prepare your body for surgery. I was using three shakes a day (55 grams protein each) when I had to have emergency gall bladder surgery (open) and I came 'round wonderfully -- I am 69 and have se.vere Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia, so any stress debilitates me. When I was preparing for my hernia surgery three months later I upped my shakes to four per day and was out of the hospital three days early and did NOT have to go to the nursing home as my surgeon expected (huge hernia, took two hours, I have mesh from navel to breastbone and it's hooked to my ribs. Anyhow, what I'm trying to say is that I firmly believe in prtein loading before surgery and truly believe it helps you heal. Of course, YMMv and this is just my opinion. Nina in Maine
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 15, 2003
I began drinking protein drinks about a month before my surgery. I also worked out 3 days a week as well. I believe that those two things helped me recover much faster. Becuase I was active pre-op I found that I could walk farther post-op. In fact by 2 weeks out I was walking 1 mile 6 times a day. I believe the protien assisted in the healing of my incision. It was fully healed within 2 weeks with no infection. You also may want to start eating 6 small meals a day. That way you will become used to how you have to eat post-op. - Janine
   — jmusser

July 15, 2003
First of all, eating one meal a day is not good for your blood sugars. And did you realize that your body doesn't really store protein so you need to eat it a bit at a time thoughout the day so when your body needs it, it is there? Why do you think body builders & athletes consume protein before (and many times after too) they work out. The only thing I really wanted to say though is to drink, drink, and drink your water. You know the recommendations for post-ops. Do it now. Besides getting you ready for post-op if you're going to be going high protein you'll need it for flushing your kidneys out. Protein is hard on them and thats why as a post op you're required to drink so much. Just a heads up. I think its great you're starting to make changes ahead of time!
   — Shelly S.

July 15, 2003
It couldn't hurt, and it's probably a good idea--the surgical program at Pacific Bariatric in San Diego requires its patients to start on protein supplements and vitamin C before surgery to strengthen the tissues and speed healing. My surgery went well, with no complications, and my incision healed up pretty fast!
   — Maggie T.

July 15, 2003
I agree protein will help you heal faster but it takes a while for the affects of added/decreased protein happens in the body. But it can always be more healthy. I did the same thing (although not quite as much) just to experiment with the different brands/flavors...what disappointmented me most, was that after the surgery the ones i like or tolerated now make me gag...so if its for that reason dont be surprised if you like them now but not after. Good luck!!! lap rny 4/22 -60
   — Kerry R.

July 16, 2003
I just want to say that if insurance companies require immediate-preop dieting, it is always medically supervised, so unfortunately your protein drink thing won't work, unless of course it's under supervision. A really disgusting and dangerous requirement IMO, and be careful you don't diet yourself right out of eligibility!
   — Chris T.

July 16, 2003
I'm also pre-op and I have lost 11 pound in 2 weeks. I start my day with a 25 gram proteing drink and then a eat several small proteing meals doing the day, but keep the carb and fat very low. I do eat dark leafy salad every day. My diabetic has improve and I have been able to cut one of the meds out for that (I was getting 3). I no longer need to take Nexium for upset stomack and my energy has gone up dramaticly. I also try to excersise everyday and my over all health has improved. I feel better prephered for the surgery also and is getting use to counting and messurering every thing I eat. ~Hugs Tove
   — Tove Annelise H.