Question:
Do any post-ops climb mountains, run marathons, etc? How do you eat to prepare?

I'm not sure I'll ever do those things, but I'm wondering if it's even an option. My husband is really into serious hiking and mountain climbing, and all those guys eat on the mountain is candy, trail mix (I'm allergic to nuts and can't imagine dried fruit in a tiny pouch!), and protein bars (soy &/or nuts, both things I'm allergic to!) How would a person eat post-op to do those things? From what I can gather, I'd be reduced to protein drinks (whey protein), Atkins bars (the few flavors without nuts or soy), and complex carbs like potato and bread, but the carbs are definitely frowned on by my surgeon's nutritionist. Are there any post-op RNYs running marathons out there?    — Julia M. (posted on August 19, 2001)


August 19, 2001

   — Mark B.

August 19, 2001
It doesn't sound, to me, like you have seriously researched protein bars. Go to Nutri Sport or GNC and read the labels on the hundreds of bars that are available. There are dozens which are better than Atkins...higher protein, less sugar. I suspect this is one of those bridges you will want to wait to cross. Through normal every day eating, you will start to understand which of the foods you eat would be okay to stick in your backpack and take up the mountain. I do take protein bars...and several bottles of water. Also trail mix. beef jerky is good. I take fruit. crackers. cheese. whatever. lots of choices.
   — Anne G.

August 19, 2001
Many of our types participate in charity runs and normal hiking activities. They usually use a protein drink and some carbs (not sugar) before and a regular protein during, as well as another protein drink within the hour when finishing. LOTS of water, of course. We still need to feed ourselves that small increment thing due to malabsorption. Although you are not as distal as I am, there is still some malabsorption. I know hikers normally use the trail mix, which is simple & complex carbs. On us, the sugars will just go right to fat without providing much energy. You might want to try crackers & string cheese right after your protein drink pre-activity, then just the protein drinks along the way. I'd be referring to real proteins, not Boost or Ensure or CIB + milk, of course. Something you can shake up in a little water & down easily.
   — vitalady

August 21, 2001
From a soccer perspective, as well as moderate biking and weighttraining, I need more carbs for energy than protein before and during exercise or I get totally wiped out. I use alot of protein afterwards. For weightlifting, I start breakfast with 2 cups of water, a banana (after the water)- weight train, then have my protein shake. For all day on the soccer fields refereeing, my snacks include animal crackers (2 gr. sugar per serving), crackers, granola bars, grapes, cherries, and tons of water. Again, afterwards, protein (steak, chicken, turkey, or my favorite- fish). I will also do an extra protein shake in the early evening. Good Luck!
   — M B.




Click Here to Return
×