bamber24

When I went to my post-op appointment I mentioned that my nails were breaking, one or two every day, and asked if it may have something to do with the diet. My nutritionist said that it may be that my body was using the protein I was getting to heal post surgery. She suggested I up my protein, and told me to try out Premier Protein Shakes from costco, which are 30g's of protein each. Maybe that's what you need. I was allowed to eat mashed potatoes that were thinned out, as well as Soup as long as there wasn't anything big in it. I bought Lipton's cream of chicken, which has no real chicken in it, but it still calmed my belly when I felt like I was starving. I hope this helps!

I don't know all of the rules to pre-op dieting, but to my understanding the reason we are to do this is so that our livers shrink, which makes it easier for the surgeon to perform the surgery. My surgeon said 1000 calories a day, suggested liquids but said that the only reason they suggest that is because it provides the nutrients you need and you don't have to worry about putting together a balanced 1000 calorie diet day to day. I hope your meeting goes well, but I was given short notice for my surgery date, I had 2 weeks notice, and I lost 20lbs on 1000 calories a day, with exercise only a few times a week. Perhaps that is something your nutritionist can help you work out. Definitely keep moving, but try not to get discouraged because you're still losing!

Your insurance company should have a percentage of body fat they want you to lose before surgery.. if not then do whatever feels right for you. The only thing to watch, like someone already said, is that you don't go below weight before surgery. I lost 100lbs leading up to surgery and I was still approved. I could only lose 2 more lbs before going under the 35% bmi required by my insurance company. The best thing you can do is go to the nutrition appointments with an open mind, learn it, follow it, read your insurance requirements, and see what happens.

I was told that the sooner you start to feel hungry post-op, the less swollen you are, and that means you're healing. Some go faster than others. This is a good thing from what I understand, but it is frustrating! It will get better!

I'm just over 3 weeks post-op and was having the same issue. I was drinking Special K protein drinks, and they only have 10gs of protein in them so I asked my nutritionist what was best. She suggested a brand of protein shakes called Premier. They have I believe 32g's of protein, they aren't too big, and taste good. In addition to that, I eat/ate a lot of cottage cheese once I was able to. Approximately 12g's of protein per serving. The Premier shakes can be found at Costco, and they are about $18. for a box, which I believe has 18 shakes in it. Not too bad to get you through to the next step.