...after surgery? What kind of exercises did you do? Were you getting enough Protein? Did that matter?

I'm still having a hard time with the protein intake. Whenever I do anything (go to the store, chores around the house, etc.), I get sweaty and tired and out of breath. It sucks.

I began working out prior to surgery. The evening after surgery I started walking, and never stopped. I listened to my body and rested when I needed to, but everyday I tried to do just a little more. By the time I was three weeks out I was back at the YMCA.

Regarding Protein, I use Premier Protein shakes which you can get at Sam's Club and Cosco. They have 30 grams of protein in one shake. In the first weeks I added Protein powder to Greek Yogurt and pureed tuna and chicken. By doing this I was able to meet my protein goals. My original goal was only 50-60 grams each day, so it was very doable.

GOOD LUCK!!

It may not be protein it could be fluid intake or both.

I played an indoor soccer game 8 weeks to the date of my surgery. It was tough on me. Too much too fast. Ease into it, and follow doc directions.

I guess I feel lame because I just went for a walk in my neighborhood, got home and felt AWFUL. Breathing hard like a ran a marathon. I actually recovered quicker than I thought I would (about 5 minutes or so) which is an improvement in itself, I suppose.

I know about the Premier Protein shakes but I am over the "creamy" protein shakes. I cannot drink but 3 sips and then I'm full to the brim. I've been drinking Isopure and getting about 40g of protein a day with those drinks and my full liquids. I just got my unflavored protein mix in the mail so I'm going to use that in everything I can!

May I suggest Unjury chicken soup. It has 20 grams of protein per serving and it's tasty IMO.

Getting all your protein will help you heal. Lack of protein will slow down the healing process and make you weak.

You could get unflavored protein and add it to sugar free jello or sugar free pudding.

As for exercise I was back at the gym one month after surgery but I walked every day and did the stairs as much as I could. Listen to your body and go according to what your surgeon tells you about the exercise.

Good luck.

I've heard a lot of great things about Unjury. I just ordered some samples, including the chicken soup. I'm hoping for the best! Thank you for the advice!

I hate protein shakes!! I get my added protein from egg whites. I add the egg whites to my drinks. It is a special mixture intended for that purpose and other than a change in texture a little I don't notice it at all.

I was surprised when I asked my surgeon about exercise -- even with a hernia repair, he told me I could start working out with weights again 3 weeks after surgery. I'll have to see how I'm feeling then but I hope I'll be doing great by then and ready to roll. Guess it depends on the surgery and your recovery.

...after surgery? What kind of exercises did you do? Were you getting enough Protein? Did that matter?

I'm still having a hard time with the protein intake. Whenever I do anything (go to the store, chores around the house, etc.), I get sweaty and tired and out of breath. It sucks.

Hi ladykatie - I felt the same way for the first few weeks - don't worry, it gets better. I had to pace myself - they had me up and walking the day after surgery in the hospital and set a goal of 15-20 minutes every day when I went home. I started out just "strolling" but got up to "leisurely walking" in about 10 days. After 2 weeks, I increased my walking by 2 minutes a day until I was up to 40 minutes and now I feel much stronger. Take my dog for a walk in the park almost every day - I'd say I'm moving t a "moderate" pace now. Also swimming, cutting the grass, doing housework again (yuch!) At first your calorie intake is so low that you don't have much energy - hang in there.

I know I'm probably expecting too much of myself too soon - I've always done that and I'm really impatient. I guess I'll just take it easy for now and just focus on getting the protein in.

OH and thank you for all your input and advice! It really does help.

I'm almost 7 weeks out. I'm walking the dog, well more like he's walking me for 20 minutes. I was not able to exercise prior to surgery due to a cardiac issue so I'm really out of shape. I figure any exercise is better than none. I'm wearing my Fitbit with the goal of increasing my steps each week.

I'm going to be hitting the pool a few days a weeks starting this week. Some lap swimmjng, some treading Water, some underwater exercises.

I was cleared to do anything I wanted at 3 weeks but i did not have enough energy until about 5. I do not use Protein supplements at all.

I am now 9 weeks out and I still have not joined the gym yet. But I walk a lot cause that's just how we get around in NYC. I don't own a car and my legs and public transportation is all what I have...my surgery was on a mon and I was home by thurs. Started to walk the following Monday and stepping outside of my home. I was told by my surgeon to not lift anything for the first 6-8 weeks cause your staples need to heal. No crazy exercising but just walking would do. I couldn't have worked out so soon cause at least for 4-5 weeks I was still very sore. As far as protein goes I am still struggling but I love my protein shakes from GNC the lean 25 and I eat cheese, cottage cheese, tuna, chicken, soy milk, peanut butter, other types of fish, ground turkey is what I have been eating. I would recommend that.

Thai Wednesday I will be 4 weeks out. My doc said I can start back up cardio kickboxing this week. I am scared cause I have been having dizzy spells when I stand up.