Hello Gang!

Trying to plan for my upcoming surgery - purchasing shakes etc - and wonderfing if anyone has suggestions around "getting the Protein in." I keep hearing this as well as talk of "sip, sip, sip" and I'm not sure what to expect. I was told to get the protein in because you feel better and stronger and recup better from surgery. What are people doing, or did, right after surgery, to make sure you get it down? How does it look? Are you in essence drinking all day? Also, how do you get the rest of the fluids down? I was told 32 - 64 in total (including protein). Any help/suggestions greatly appreciated!~

My best to all on this journey!

MNB

My advice to you is don't worry about your Protein right now or for the first couple of weeks!

Focus on staying hydrated. It will be hard enough to get all of your liquids in. Drink broth, Water, decaf tea, and diluted juices. That will help with staying hydrated.

I too was worried about the protein, but was told by my nut not to even think about it until my pureed stage which was week after week 2. I was on liquids for 3 days, then full liquids for 2 weeks. BLAH!

So just drink as much as you can of those items to stay hydrated. You will be fine!

Best of luck to you!

Kelly

I agree that it's more important to stay hydrated at first, but I just want to put it out there to try the Premiere Protein shakes from Costco. They're the best tasting pre-made shakes I found, and contain 30 grams of protein. It's a nice alternative to the powders. At over 1 year out, I still enjoy them for breakfast every day or at night if I need a chocolate fix.

I had the best luck with unjury Protein powders. Seemed to cause less gas and diarrhea in the first couple of weeks.

Lynda

Isopue from GNC for first couple days, I also added protein bullets to water. Hydration is so important, but I tried to do both. The shakes were hard for me at first, and both of theses are clear liquids. Good Luck. Remember. Sip, walk, sip, walk.

Thanks guys, this is very helpfull. So I know I won't have to worry so much about the protien at first. The key is the hydration. Also, I will pick up some of the premier protein shakes to have when I am ready for that phase. Thanks guys. I really appreciate you taking the time to post!!!!!

Thanks Lots of hope! I googled the Isopure drinks and it looks like plain liquid but it has protien. Thats a good idea! Also, when you say "sip, walk, sip walk... etc." Should I just be sipping every couple of minutes??? Or every ten to fifteen??? I don't have a sense of the amount of "gulp" or "sip" or how it would be. I'm getting the idea that I'll only be able to just eak in a few drops at a time. Is this right??? Thanks for your imput!!!

Isopue from GNC for first couple days, I also added Protein bullets to Water. Hydration is so important, but I tried to do both. The shakes were hard for me at first, and both of theses are clear liquids. Good Luck. Remember. Sip, walk, sip, walk.

Yeah, getting fluids in the first few days can be overwhelming for sure. At home I woud drink some isopure, then water. The first day I was home I didn't do so well, nor the next. But as the swelling began to subside I was determined to get my fluid and protein requirements daily. Since I was now full liquids I threw the isopure out and began working on my Eas carb advantage shakes, and my bariatric advantage shakes, both of wich worked well together to keep me happy. The key really is hydration at first, but the sooner you can get those protrein drinks going, the better you heal. You will get there. Listen to your body and see what works for you.

Take care

Thanks so much Holly! I appreciate your imput!!!

Yeah, getting fluids in the first few days can be overwhelming for sure. At home I woud drink some isopure, then Water. The first day I was home I didn't do so well, nor the next. But as the swelling began to subside I was determined to get my Fluid and Protein requirements daily. Since I was now full liquids I threw the isopure out and began working on my Eas carb advantage shakes, and my Bariatric Advantage shakes, both of wich worked well together to keep me happy. The key really is hydration at first, but the sooner you can get those protrein drinks going, the better you heal. You will get there. Listen to your body and see what works for you.

Take care

Dr. Aceves told us to sip 2 oz every 20 min in the beginning. Get yourself some g2 gatoriade or poweraide, K20 Protein Water, crytstal lite, etc for fluids.

If you want to try some samples of driferent Protein drinks, go to the food

forum and there is a thread for places to order samples. If you have a GNC, they will let you sample protein drinks. Just don't buy a lot of anything because everyone says their taste changes after surgery.

This helps Daisy! Thanks for all the tips!!!

Dr. Aceves told us to sip 2 oz every 20 min in the beginning. Get yourself some g2 gatoriade or poweraide, K20 Protein Water, crytstal lite, etc for fluids.

If you want to try some samples of driferent Protein drinks, go to the food

forum and there is a thread for places to order samples. If you have a GNC, they will let you sample protein drinks. Just don't buy a lot of anything because everyone says their taste changes after surgery.

My doctor wanted me to try and get my Protein in from the very beginning- and I was released with a Clear liquids plus protein drinks order. However, I could hardly drink anything for the first five days- I set the alarm on my phone for every fifteen minutes and measured out 2-4 ounces and drank it. It was tough! At day five drinking became much easier and I started getting all my protein in from that point as I am a complier by nature and I am determined to make this work for me. Though some of the drinks I had liked pre surgery were now disgusting to me I did find a couple that worked and I had at least two a day plus added some greek yogurt and milk to my Soup etc. ( went to thin liquids after a week) and have gotten 70-80 grams since day five.

I suggest ordering different samples for sure- I like the Chike meal replacements- they are very tasty and though they have about 8 net carbs they are great for the first few months . I also second Unjury- their unflavored protein is great to add to soup and other things and the chicken soup is an absolute Godsend because believe me you will get really sick of sweet protein drinks!

Everyones tastes differ so you wont know what works for you until after- I advise you to have lots of samples on hand and don't stock up too much in case you hate the things you formerly liked.

The reason, btw, that my doctor wants you to have protein from the start is to keep your energy up and especially with the lower calories you tend to take in during this phase, to be sure you don't start burning muscle instead of fat. It is never too soon to start the right chemistry for weight loss!

Good luck to you!