I am totally ignorant when it comes to protein. I am scheduled for surgery next Wednesday & I know protein is supposed to help you heal but I know NOTHING about protein. Which is best- powder, premade shakes, pills??? I am so confused! Anyone have any suggestions? Please help

It's a not a matter of which is best, it's a matter of what you prefer. I personally use whey Protein, make shakes out of it in different flavors.

You can also make pudding, etc.. there's also some products out thre like Isopure or "whey up" that give you 20-40 grams of protein in every bottle.

Greek yogurt is low in sugar and HIGH in protein, usually 20 grams in a serving.

I mix greek yogurt into things like Jello, etc.. to add a lil' protein to everything I eat.

Before your surgery I would suggest upping your protein, I for example ate chicken breasts and protein style cheese burgers (cheeseburger without the bun or mayo, etc) then I fasted the two days before surgery drinking only whey protein.

I had surgery on friday and was off pain meds and back to normal by sunday.

Every body is different, it's important that you listen to yours. Mine craves red meat, so I made sure I gave it what it needed to promote healing, etc.. pay attention to what your body is telling you and you should be ok.

Also what is your pre-op diet like? does it allow you to have food and not just liquids? every dr is different. I was allowed 3 shakes and 2 meals per day, with an option for a snack during my pre-op diet. It all just depends on you and your doctor.

But now is the time to prime you body and promote healing. Up your Vitamins, etc.. and go in with a positive mindset.

My understanding is that you are supposed to ingest 8 grams of protein for every 20 pounds of weight you carry -- so, for instance, a 200 pound person would need about 70 grams of protein per day. My nutritionist suggested that I check all labels and keep track of how much protein I'm getting every day. There are a lot of ways to sneak extra protein into your day, as ymjackson1 pointed out. My nutritionist also suggested adding powdered NF milk to casseroles and such.

My Dr preop diet is 1 day of liquids & fasting after midnight. I am planning on 3 days of semi liquids & trying to beef up my protein before Wednesday. I am trying to take it easy on holiday meals. Saturday is the last one (I hope)! So beginning Sunday I am planning on liquids for 2 meals & 1 low fat meal high protein meal. Does that sound ok?? I really haven't been given any preop diet other than the day before. I was just told I need to loose 3 pounds before the day of surgery. I think I am down 10 right now. Really unsure but thankful for the forum!

My Dr preop diet is 1 day of liquids & fasting after midnight. I am planning on 3 days of semi liquids & trying to beef up my Protein before Wednesday. I am trying to take it easy on holiday meals. Saturday is the last one (I hope)! So beginning Sunday I am planning on liquids for 2 meals & 1 low fat meal high protein meal. Does that sound ok?? I really haven't been given any preop diet other than the day before. I was just told I need to loose 3 pounds before the day of surgery. I think I am down 10 right now. Really unsure but thankful for the forum!

Protein is body fuel. You need the best fuel when you stomach is made smaller. You will be on liquids for a week or two, so you will need Protein shakes. They are made using Whey. My nutritionist recommended unjury (available on the web at UNJURY Medical Quality Whey Protein Isolate. Best Tasting Whey Protein Powder. Most Trusted Whey Protein Powder Supplement.) bur you can buy protein powder shakes at any health food store or even most supermarkets. Make sure that the shake will give you 20 grams of Protein per serving. You will blend it in a blender with milk, and using 1% milk it will give you about 220 calories per serving. You can throw a banana, berries, or other fruit in to change the taste and give you more healthy stuff.

After your liquid stage, you need to EAT. Protein is usually meat, fish, cheese, milk and some other things. You need to eat them first since your stomach is smaller. Then, you need to eat veggies to add Vitamins. Here is a list of proteins: List of foods by protein content - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You need to learn more about nutrition. Read. Search. Information will help you succeed.

Good Luck to you....

TJ

There are also books on weight loss surgery that explain a lot about diet. If you dont want to outlay the money, you can always hit up your library. I know mine also has a online ebook site where you can read them with a free software download.