Protein Shakes VS. Real Food

[Ellenenchanted 12]

I am 2 weeks post op/ gastric sleeve; My sister in law had the gastric sleeve 7 mths ago and has done extremely well. Her doc has had her on solids since day one. I am just starting soft foods, and am drinking mainly Protein Shakes. Is there a big difference with the success rate if you are drinking shakes or eating real food. Why do doctors have differing diets? Do shakes increase your sugar cravings because they are sweet? I just want to do the absolute best for my body and I want success! Any opinions on the subject?

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

My response is only my opinion - I am not a doctor or a nutritionist.

I am 2 years and 7 months out from surgery. For the first 2-3 weeks, I primarily drank Protein drinks, then my doctor started moving me into real foods. There is no agreed upon "one best way" for VST post op care - so doctors do what they think is best. I think the doctors who work with dieticians in their practice are probably better informed. But I am the kind of person I did a bunch of reading on my own outside of what my doctor provided.

Also a lot of it is personal preference and how much an individual wants to have to think / plan / prepare their food. Protein Bars and drinks can give you a balanced diet (except for fiber) with very little effort and can keep you out of the kitchen. I use to make a Protein shake (with powdered Protein, fruit and yogurt) every morning since Breakfast food isn't my favorite. I use Protein Bars and drinks when it is convenient (flying on a plane, etc). I don't get as much satisfaction from them as I do with "real" food.

I think the important things are to make sure you get sufficient protein, liquids, Vitamins and Fiber during the first year after surgery. Making sure you get quality protein in is more important than what the protein is. BEWARE - all Protein shakes / powders are not the same quality of protein.

As you move into year two, you will find the things that work for you and it will become more routine.

Best of luck to you

Sharon

[joatsaint 2,814]

I would venture that there is a different diet for every WLS doctor because each doctor gets a little different training and experience. If they have lots of experience, then the doc knows what combination of diet and recovery plan works the best for his patients.

[Band07 374]

Solids since day 1 !?!? I have never heard of that !! Wow, what is his rate of leaks ? My doc is very conservative with post op diet and has never had a leak. Yes nutrition is very important but so is not giving your new recovering belly more than it can handle the first couple of months ..

[MindiJean 93]

My surgeon is at a Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery. There are a few surgeons there, as well as nurse practitioners and nutritionists.

I have only one day pre-diet which consists of high Protein low carb foods, and then post-op will have pureed foods while still in the hospital.

[MindiJean 93]

My surgeon is at a Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery. There are a few surgeons there, as well as nurse practitioners and nutritionists.

I have only one day pre-diet which consists of high Protein low carb foods, and then post-op will have pureed foods while still in the hospital.

[MindiJean 93]

My surgeon is at a Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery. There are a few surgeons there, as well as nurse practitioners and nutritionists.

I have only one day pre-diet which consists of high Protein low carb foods, and then post-op will have pureed foods while still in the hospital.

[sbarbiegirl 109]

Are you sure it's not 2 weeks after like the menu in pic 2 says?

[BayshoreBuddy 58]

I am 2 weeks post op/ gastric sleeve; My sister in law had the gastric sleeve 7 mths ago and has done extremely well. Her doc has had her on solids since day one. I am just starting soft foods, and am drinking mainly Protein shakes. Is there a big difference with the success rate if you are drinking shakes or eating real food. Why do doctors have differing diets? Do shakes increase your sugar cravings because they are sweet? I just want to do the absolute best for my body and I want success! Any opinions on the subject?

Opinions - everyone has one, even doctors. Before my surgery (9/3/13) I tested 5-6 different Protein supplements and found chocolate Premier Protein ( Costco) my favorite. 30g protein, 1g sugar, 3g fat - and it tastes good too. My nutritionist recommends getting 60g of protein daily and 64 oz. of Water.

I drink two boxes daily to make sure I get 60 g of protein as between meal Snacks. There is no sugar craving and I know my body is getting at least 60 g protein while meals may, or may not, provide sufficient protein to replace my shakes. I also take daily multi-vitamins, Calcium, B-12, and papaya enzyme (my wife's idea).

It is important that you find a diet regimen that works best for YOU!

Good luck and don't give up, never surrender!

Edited October 23, 2013 by BayshoreBuddy

[MindiJean 93]

Are you sure it's not 2 weeks after like the menu in pic 2 says?

It's for two to four weeks after. Cornell has a very similar diet for their program. I believe that Cornell doesn't discharge until you can eat soft foods or pureed. Checking that now.

[MindiJean 93]

Are you sure it's not 2 weeks after like the menu in pic 2 says?

I found it!!

http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf

[jess9395 5,448]

My doctor does the Cornell post op plan too. Purées before you leave the hospital and continue on that for anywhere from 2-4 weeks' time post op.

Only pre-op diet is 48 hours of liquids and nothing by mouth midnight prior.