Question:
I'm 3 weeks post op and have no idea how many grams of protein I should have a day.

I'm not eating hardly anything, and I'm getting concerned. I have absolutely zero energy and find it difficult to even go from the living room to the kitchen. My doctor didn't seem too concerned when I told him about my lack of energy, he said this is to be expected and would get better with time. I've also been feeling nauseous a lot. Thanks for any advice.    — Shelli M. (posted on July 11, 2000)

July 11, 2000
I am very pro-protein, so I'd say go with 60g a day of protein supplement. NOT milk, not CIB, but good protein supplement that mixes well with water or sugar free juices. Take 30g and 30g, not 60g at once. Be sure you are getting all your water in, 64 oz +, because even a slight shortage there can make you feel all wobbly, too. The protein supp will nourish your muscles and tummy and help curb cravings for the rest of your life, not just right this minute.
   — vitalady

July 11, 2000
Shelli, I agree that at 3 weeks post op you may still be feeling tired and wiped out, but hon, you gotta eat! My surgeon insisted that we keep our calorie consumption up (to keep our metabolism from dropping which will also contibute to that overall "tired" feeling) as well as consuming a minumum of 50-60 grams of protein a day. WLS is a procedure to help you lose weight...not starve yourself! I'm not unsympathetic here, but Shelli, use your own God given common sense. If a friend or even one of your children came to you for advice on the same subject, what would you tell them? You'd tell them to eat! Get a good protein suppliment (low sugar content) and take that at least 3-4 times a day until you're able to actually take in more "solid" type foods (even if they are still pureed). Are you taking your vitamins? If not, start...now. Yes, your body is still healing and you will experience fatigue and an overall listlessness, but you've gotta TRY to get in the nutrition you need to help the healing along (and keep your metabolism up) so you CAN feel better. Rest when you have to while you have the time to do it, but please, please don't get yourself sick by not eating anything. Good luck and God bless, sweetie. We're all pulling for you. cj
   — cj T.

July 11, 2000
Hi Shelli, You really need to be getting 60- 70 gm of protein every day. Protein is important for energy but is very important for tissue regrowth after surgery. Immediately after my surgery I was a little nauseous and seet things made it worse (like yogurt, jello, etc). I found that chicken broth and more salty things like that were more apealing. Hope this helps!
   — Laura P.

July 11, 2000
I am 9 wks post-op and down 60 lbs. I feel great. I never drank the protien stuff and still don't. I can't tolorate the taste. My doc says I should be fine now that I am eating more solid foods. I was still worried about it so I had my PCP perform a full lab test last week. Everything, including the protien came back in the normal range!! I have not yet experienced any bad side effects from not having the supplemental protien, so I hope it continues this way. Good Luck and don't worry too much about it right now.
   — rosemary I.

July 11, 2000
Shelly, I can't give advice about what or how much to eat as I am still waiting for my surgery. However, I have had Major Abdominal surgery before(gallbladder removal) and what you are feeling is NORMAL after that type of Major Surgery. Your body has been abused by the invasion of the surgery! All it's Energy is going to the Repair of the Damaged tissues. This leaves little energy left for Moving around. Your energy level will increase as you heal. But it will take time. Give it at least 2 months, if you are still having probelms check with your doctor. Everyone is in a hurry to begin their "New Lives", but don't hurt yourself by being in a hurry:) Warm Healing Skinny thoughts to all:)
   — Barbara I.