I'm trying to make a list of foods to buy before my surgery for AFTER my surgery. What brand/flavor of protein shake? How much do you typically eat/drink for a meal & how many times a day? Just trying to figure out what to buy and how much. Thanks for the help!

I'm trying to make a list of foods to buy before my surgery for AFTER my surgery. What brand/flavor of Protein shake? How much do you typically eat/drink for a meal & how many times a day? Just trying to figure out what to buy and how much. Thanks for the help!

Hi BB,

First of all, just want to wish you all the best and hope your surgery and recovery are smooth and simple.

As far as suggestions go, don't buy too much, you won't be very hungry the first week(s). Your surgeon will probably give you advice on what he/she would like you to eat and for how long. Follow your surgeons guidance as best you can, he/she is the expert and has your best interest in success at heart. My surgeon wanted me on liquids for the first week following surgery and mushies for the second week. Then I was told to start solids.

For the liquid phase, I drank a lot of apple juice (found it real soothing and refreshing), cranberry, blueberry, etc., low sodium vegetable juice, tomato Soup, EAS AdvantEDGE low carb Protein shakes (those were my staple, and my favorite flavour was the Cafe Caramel), and I also really enjoyed sugar-free popsicles (again a soothing treat, with practically no calories). I liked having warm soup, but it had to be very runny with no chunks in it, and I bought low sodium vegetable, chicken and beef broth, but it was rather bland, to be honest. I have heard some people suggest that you buy the regular chicken noodle soup and strain out the bits and enjoy the broth on its own. I missed out on that.

And, for the mushy stage, there are all sorts of puddings and Jello (no sugar added varieties, if you wish or your doctor suggests) and I made runny mashed potatoes, pureed cooked cauliflower (that was a real treat) and practically any soft food that you puree will work fine. I LOVED having mashed sweet potatoe as by the time you have gone a few weeks of pre-op and liquid diet, anything with some taste and even a bit of substance is a nice treat.

I am sure people will have other suggestions, but the time does fly fairly quickly and you will not be hungry much at all the first two weeks. It was almost necessary that I reminded myself that I need to eat and I only ate a tiny portion of all the food I bought, so I advise you not to go overboard on the shopping. You will definitely be eating A LOT less than before!

Cindy

You gotta watch those protein drinks. It's hard to find high protein, low cal AND taste good! I have tried a few so I wouldn't buy too many at first.

I just got jello cups, some Bob Evans pre-made mashed potatoes. Those are so good and the pan for about $3 bucks lasts me many meals!

youve already gotten some good advice. i just want to add that im hearing from lots of bandsters that your tastes can change after surgery. that has made me reluctant to stock up TOO much on shakes and things because liking them now doesnt necessarily guarantee that i'll like them later on.

also, check out the favorite Protein shakes thread...there's lots of reviews in there!