Question about Protein Shakes and Post-WLS Diet

[Jen - a work in progress 178]

It's interesting that in the US the bariatric teams seem very keen on the use of Protein shakes. I'm in the UK and there has never once been a mention of them from my team.

Advice I was given: Pre-op diet consisted of yogurt, clear broth and SF Jello. Post-op, first 3 days Water then clear broth but only 50 mls per 15mins. Days 4-14, diluted fruit juice, smooth Soups, diluted yogurt, milky drinks and SF Jello. Days 15-28 add in mashed-up/puréed food. After that, introduce more solid food but chew to a purée consistency before swallowing. Make sure eat each meal in PVC order ie Protein then veg then carbs. So far there has been no mention of target grams of protein, but expect to see the dietician again at the 4 week stage.

In fact I had a stock of Protein Shakes at home as I had used them before to lose weight and chose to use them pre and post op to make sure I had some protein intake. I'm on day 11 now. Generally I have a vanilla shake with coffee in it as a hot drink in the morning and may have a savoury shake later in the day although it depends what kind of Soup I've made and whether it's veggie only or contains protein such as lentils, chick peas or something.

The problem I'm having at the moment is drinking slowly enough. I am taking small mouthfuls and not gulping anything down, but am definitely drinking more than 50 mls per 15 mins. It's going down very easily with no discomfort so it's hard to stop myself if I'm thirsty as I'm absent-mindedly drinking whilst doing other things.

I'm in the US, but my program is similar to yours, with the exception of the time line for introducing different consistency of foods. They want us to get in at least 60 grams of protein a day. One meal should take 45 mins to eat or we're eating too fast. They want milk as a snack for added protein between meals and drinking Water for the 2-3 hours between meals and Snacks. Protein is eating first before anything else to make sure you get your protein in before getting full.

When I get back home I'll try to post some of the sample meal plans they gave me and options for protein intake.

[Jen - a work in progress 178]

These are sample meal plans they gave me for my preop diet, Stage 1 postop - 2 wk pureed, Stage 2 postop - weeks 3-4 mechanical soft, and Stage 3

[maggiemayuk 106]

Thanks for posting your sample meal plans Jen - that's useful.

When my surgical team did their follow-up they said to increase my intake of milk both to make sure I get enough Protein and also to avoid Constipation. I'm really trying to have more milky drinks but even with skimmed milk I'm finding them quite sickly and am definitely not enjoying them. I've gone from Americanos to small skinny Lattes but have trouble finishing them.