Background: Started pre-op diet at 299 pounds. Was 284 on day of surgery (3/14/16). At one week check-up was 268.

Anyway, when talking to the nutritionist at the one week appointment she said not to spend all my time worrying about getting 60-80g of Protein a day during the pureed phase (which they recommend for 3 weeks total). She said that protein can help with the healing but that I'm basically burning fat to live, and that's a good thing. This is different than what I've been reading, and wanted to know if anyone else had a similar comment?

I'm eating protein first, doing Premier Protein shakes, not eating any appreciable real carbs, etc. but the portion size is still small and I'm not trying to force protein g into the day. And I'm at 259, down 25 pounds in the two weeks since surgery so it's not like it's killing me yet.

• Sounds like your doing great with the plan you are working. Be sure to keep up with the Water intake.

At that stage, I was augmenting my pureed foods with Protein drinks and had no trouble getting in 60 grams of protein.

If you can do that, I'd say try to do that much protein.

In any event, the first month or two is definitely a time of many transitions. So many things happening -- your stomach healing, your throat / esophagus healing, the behavioral changes required, possibly some emotional upheavals, just getting used to the idea of having a permanently much smaller stomach -- you've got your plate full (so to speak).

My doc wants me to focus on fluids first, calories second, protein third. Today is a hard day, I'm focusing only on the fluids. I've thrown up my protein shakes so I'm scared to try them again yet.

My program put Protein and fluids on the same level. Since the first month they expect you to use a protein supplement there is no reason not to hit both goals in their opinion since protein supplements count as liquids too.

I would have never got my strength up enough to walk and heal if I didn't get my protein in. Each day that I was able to increase my intake, I got stronger with more energy.

They want to make sure that you don't dehydrate because that is a huge post op issue. You have to really work on getting your nutrition in. It is easy to not eat or drink enough especially when you are still swollen and everything hurts.

Don't let the emphasis of fluids stop you from working on your protein intake, it all matters.

@@OutsideMatchInside, I DO understand that, but what doesn't stay down, doesn't stay down, period. I'm on Zofran around the clock and even brushing my teeth gives me dry heaves. My ribs are so sore from vomiting I can't bear to cough or sneeze. Please understand I'm doing the best I can.

My doc wants me to focus on fluids first, calories second, Protein third.

This was my program as well. My surgeon doesn't use protein supplements or shakes. They don't expect you to get in your protein until you're on solid food.

I was back at work less than a week after surgery. Everyone heals at different rates.

I did read that the body needs protien during the rapid weight loss in the beginning & if drastically deprived of it will turn to muscle instead of using the fat that we are all trying to burn. I would and do mix the flavorless protien powder in my fluids to stay energetic and to keep losing! Having the protien certainly won't hurt you. Better pro-active than sorry later!

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Interesting. My surgeon was adamant that I do everything I could to get in all of my Protein as soon as possible. He said that there was no physical reason any of us couldn't get down three Premier Protein shakes (90 grams protein), the day after surgery.

I am convinced that getting in all of my protein and fluids has been a major critical success factor in healing and weight loss.

Interesting. My surgeon was adamant that I do everything I could to get in all of my protein as soon as possible. He said that there was no physical reason any of us couldn't get down three premier protein shakes (90 grams protein), the day after surgery.

I am convinced that getting in all of my protein and fluids has been a major critical success factor in healing and weight loss.

You could always have a glass of wine.

(Just trying to make you smile a little.)

My Nutritionist states Protein is very important must consume 1 Protein shake a day 60 grams.

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My NUT said something similar. No real guidelines yet. But I've heard she will give me some at my 6 week appointment.

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