Question:
Has anyone's doc recommended increasing protein before surgery?

I have read that when you lose your hair post-op it is not reflective of your current intake of protein but instead it is reflective of your protein intake 3-4 months earlier.Has anyone's doctor recommended to try to beef up (no pun intended) your stores of protein before surgery so that you have enough protein on board to prevent or slow down the hair loss associated with WLS? I am trying to do this by starting Protein supplements now before my surgery date of 1/15/03. Think this will help?    — Joy A. (posted on December 11, 2002)

December 11, 2002
Many pre-load with protein (I did it before my revision) because it helps the healing. The docs say the tissue is easier to work with. If you're doing protein supplements made with water, though, be aware that you might lose wt. So, if you BARELY qualify, just be careful. If you have lots to lose, your doc will thank you for it.
   — vitalady

December 11, 2002
My doctor recommends it to lose the required weight before surgery. Two shakes a day and two small healthy meals. To see a chart comparing all of the best protein drinks go to www.protein-solution.com
   — Marie I.

December 11, 2002
People who lose hair with wt. loss are generally the same people who would lose hair with any major surgery. I, for one, am one of those people that lose hair from general anesthesia. Just keep in mind, that altho hair is nearly 100% protein, lack of protein is usually not the reason for your loss. It can be, but is usually tied to the anesthesia they used to put you to sleep and it will grow back. I lose everytime and mine usually comes back in slowly.
   — Delores S.

December 11, 2002
I think pre op MOs are over nourished. After all with all we eat how could it be any different? Most probably go into surgery like a warehouse bulging at the seems, with inventory overflowing everywhere. I too believe hair loss is more from trauma than nutrition. I wonder if anyone has doine a study on hair loss, comparing Lap with open? I will have to ask our surgeon who Jen sees tomorrow for her one year check up. In any case hair loss is temporary, I have never seen a bald post op.
   — bob-haller

December 12, 2002
The main reason for hair loss after surgery, according to my doctor, is due to the shock that your body is going thru. You body is going thru a lot of changes after surgery and it because of this "shock factor" that you might have hair loss. I started using Nioxin about 4 months ago thinking the samething, that I could get a jump on it, but my doctor told me otherwise. However, you should still increase your protein in prep for your surgery, that is really important.
   — newjen1969