Question:
3 wks post-op and drink NO protein/Will this stop wt.loss?

I am 3 weeks post-op and can't tolerate protein drinks. I stay nauseated ALL the time. I go days without eating. I am scared if I don't start getting protein I won't loose any weight. I have become lactose intolerant and the only liquids I can keep down are Crystal Light and water. Please help    — Vanessa H. (posted on October 7, 2003)

October 7, 2003
Hi Vanessa. I was nauseated all the time @ 3 weeks as well. I started taking Nexium and I felt much better. I had a hard time even drinking water until I stated it. As for the protein drinks. My Dr didn't believe in them so I wasn't drinking them I felt I was losing to slow and started drinking them last week I lost 4 lbs the next day. I am 2 months out tomarrow and have lost 43 lbs. I hope this helps.
   — Michele Peck (Warwick now)

October 7, 2003
Going days without eating is just WRONG! Don't do it. The nausea needs to be addressed by your PCP or surgeon. I take Zantac 3x a day to help my foods and drinks to settle and digest. If I don't take it, I get heartburn and I will throw up alot. My surgeon's program is 6 weeks of clear fluids, 2 weeks of full fluids, 4 weeks of puree/soft foods, then solids. I just started protein shakes at 6 weeks postop. They may be too thick for you now. Wait a few more weeks before you try them again. You will be ok without the protein for a few more weeks. But for now you need to get as much clear fluid and full fluids going into you as you can. Broth from cans of soup, powder or cubes of bullion, sf jello, regular tea with ice and splenda or hot tea with splenda and a squeeze of lemmon, nsa juices. SF FF yogurt with blended fruit is also good for some energy. LOTS OF WATER OF COURSE. As for the shakes, try starting out with half the amount of powder and the full amount of water + add a flavour of something-a half jar of babyfood peaches or a quarter of a banana, SF hot chocolate mix, a few frozen berries. Over a couple of weeks, use a little more powder until you are using the full scoop. The idea here is for the shake to not be so thick, you could be having trouble with it because it needs to be watered down. At 3 weeks po, you are still healing and still swollen inside. You are weak, tired, getting the drugs out of your system. You are trying to find your way in a whole new lifestyle. Try some suggestions here and give yourself some time. I was a mess as a new postop and I'm doing ok now. :)
   — mary ann T.

October 7, 2003
Hi- I agree with the others to see the doc about the nausea - could be related to your staple line. I had the same thing and was on Prevacid for 2 months. Everything is fine. However, you will lose weight whether you eat protein or not. The small pounch and malabsorption is what causes us to lose weight, not the protein intake. However, protein will be your priority later on, as you'll need it to LIVE! Most protein drinks can be made with water (personally, I think milk makes them gross!). So don't worry so much about your protein yet and make sure you are healing! Good luck!
   — toolio