I am 6-days post-op and I have been on a liquid diet for 14-days before surgery and now these last 6-days after surgery. I have not had any issue with getting my Vitamins and liquids down. I would like to try a Protein shake today, but I am unsure if it is time. My Stage 1 diet plan doesn't list Protein shakes.

Suggestions if this is a good or bad idea?

I drank protein shakes as soon as I was home after surgery. You could call your doctor or nutritionist.

I was given a protein shake IN the hospital, in fact my surgeon prefers that her patients finish 2 shakes (and hold them down without issue) before they are discharged.

I am 6-days post-op and I have been on a liquid diet for 14-days before surgery and now these last 6-days after surgery. I have not had any issue with getting my Vitamins and liquids down. I would like to try a Protein shake today' date=' but I am unsure if it is time. My Stage 1 diet plan doesn't list protein shakes.

Suggestions if this is a good or bad idea?[/quote']

What does your plan list? How long are you supposed to be on Stage 1? While it is really important to get your fluids in, you NEED protein, too. All surgeon's are different in what they recommend diet wise and how quickly they advance people. Before leaving the hospital my surgeon puts you on at least two meals of level 2 foods (puréed/blended) and recommends 60-70 grams of protein a day. Are you getting ANY protein?

If you are unsure about this or anything, call your surgeon's office - that is what they are there for.

It says Stage 1 should just be Vitamins a fluids until you start to feel hungry, which can last anywhere from 7-14 days. It is electrolytes, Water, tea, broths.

Then you advance to Stage 2 for mushy/puréed foods.

I feel puny though. Absolutely, no energy and I have a lingering head-ache that I think is from not eating.

Protein shakes were part of fluids. I was given them straight through. They were the only thing I had for a while! They are an awesome source of protein without being rough on our stomachs. If you have no energy up the protein for sure. Make that shake!

Well, I went with your advice and had a protein shake. I feel much better. My head-ache has gone away and I am in a much better mood (just ask my husband, LOL).

You really have to get your protein in or you will feel awful. They may not be a taste sensation but two a day got me this far and I'm feeling strong!

Same here I was to have at least 40-60 gms of protein as soon as I got home the day after surgery. So I mixed crystal lite with my water and added either protein powder unflavored or I happened to like strawberry-watermelon crystal lite and added strawberry protein. By adding it to my water I felt I was killing two birds with one stone. 64ozs of water and at least 40 gms of protein.