I'm 9 days postop and have been getting back to my preop activity levels, since I need to be back at work and school tomorrow. My surgeon specifically prohibits protein supplements. I've been tracking my protein and calories. The problem is that I'm getting around 400 calories a day and expending 500ish just through regular activity. My protein is around 20-30 grams a day. I'm a shaky, grumpy, tear-filled mess and a tough semester of school and work restart for me tomorrow. Anyone else been in this boat? Should I call to beg my surgeon for protein?

Edited March 13, 201610 yr by yarnismyantidrug

I'm with the others. My surgeon is the leader of a practice that's a Centre of Excellence certified by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). And Protein shakes and protein powders (especially in the early months post-op) are recommended for all WLS patients as supplements to protein-rich food.

Below is an excerpt from the ASMBS Web site describing acceptable sources of protein for patients post-op (including shakes and even bars). Based on this, I think your doctor is really uneducated about what's necessary. I would recommend you ignore his ill-considered advice and eat a helluva lot more protein than you're getting now.

Nutrition (food and supplements) and Fluids

Healthy lifestyle choices give the best results for health and Quality of Life after surgery. Protein-rich foods are important, with patients advised to take in 60-100g of protein daily, depending on their medical conditions, type of operation and activity level. The ASMBS warns patients to avoid excessive carbohydrate intake, such as starchy foods (breads, pastas, crackers, refined cereals) and sweetened foods (Cookies, cakes, candy, or other sweets). Limiting carbohydrates to 50 grams per day or less helps avoid rebound hunger problems which can lead to weight regain.

Q: How should I get my protein? With shakes? Bars? What if I’m a vegetarian?

A: There are many options even for those with special dietary needs or preferences. Your dietitian can provide additional information on protein sources. meats, eggs, dairy products, and Beans are common protein sources in everyday foods. Protein extracts made from soy, brown rice and whey are commonly sold in stores. Protein shakes or bars may offer additional ways to meet your protein needs. You may find it helpful to calculate your daily protein intake to be sure you’re not falling short. As you are able to tolerate more regular foods, you get a higher portion of the requirement during regular meals and supplements become less necessary.

Q: What happens if I don’t take in enough protein?

A: The body needs additional protein during the period of rapid weight loss to maintain your muscle mass. Protein is also required for your metabolism to occur. If you don’t provide enough protein in your diet, the body will take its protein from your muscles and you can become frail.

http://asmbs.org/patients/life-after-bariatric-surgery

Thank you for posting this! It should be required reading.

I'm with the others. My surgeon is the leader of a practice that's a Centre of Excellence certified by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). And protein shakes and protein powders (especially in the early months post-op) are recommended for all WLS patients as supplements to protein-rich food.

Below is an excerpt from the ASMBS Web site describing acceptable sources of protein for patients post-op (including shakes and even bars). Based on this, I think your doctor is really uneducated about what's necessary. I would recommend you ignore his ill-considered advice and eat a helluva lot more protein than you're getting now.

Nutrition (food and supplements) and Fluids

Healthy lifestyle choices give the best results for health and Quality of Life after surgery. Protein-rich foods are important, with patients advised to take in 60-100g of protein daily, depending on their medical conditions, type of operation and activity level. The ASMBS warns patients to avoid excessive carbohydrate intake, such as starchy foods (breads, pastas, crackers, refined cereals) and sweetened foods (cookies, cakes, candy, or other sweets). Limiting carbohydrates to 50 grams per day or less helps avoid rebound hunger problems which can lead to weight regain.

Q: How should I get my protein? With shakes? Bars? What if I’m a vegetarian?

A: There are many options even for those with special dietary needs or preferences. Your dietitian can provide additional information on protein sources. Meats, eggs, dairy products, and beans are common protein sources in everyday foods. Protein extracts made from soy, brown rice and whey are commonly sold in stores. Protein shakes or bars may offer additional ways to meet your protein needs. You may find it helpful to calculate your daily protein intake to be sure you’re not falling short. As you are able to tolerate more regular foods, you get a higher portion of the requirement during regular meals and supplements become less necessary.

Q: What happens if I don’t take in enough protein?

A: The body needs additional protein during the period of rapid weight loss to maintain your muscle mass. Protein is also required for your metabolism to occur. If you don’t provide enough protein in your diet, the body will take its protein from your muscles and you can become frail.

http://asmbs.org/patients/life-after-bariatric-surgery

Thank you for posting this! It should be required reading.

You will feel better when you get all your Protein in. I use isopure lean from GNC low carb 25gm protein.

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Thanks, guys. I did go to a center of excellence. I'm not sure what the difference is between my surgeon and the asmbs suggestions, but I have upped my Protein and feel a ton better.

I track my food every day and when I start getting more nutrients from food, I'll start tapering the supplements. I think listening to my body is the right choice, here.