Hi! Super excited for my sleeve scheduled for Wednesday, May 25th! I'm on Day 9 of a two week liquid diet consisting of protein shakes and clear liquids. I've been managing fairly well so far, except today I noticed overall body stiffness and more moderate cramping in my legs. I called my PA, but she is off until 5/23. I left a voicemail for her secretary, waiting for a call back. I've been following the diet with no cheating. I don't think I'm dehydrated as I've been drinking 64 oz. of water along with everything else including Gatorade. Between all the broth, Gatorade and shakes, I don't think it's an issue of low sodium. My guess is low potassium. I'm wondering if anyone knows how much daily potassium is needed on this type of diet? I've been drinking 3-4 protein shakes each day, which is a total of 1200-1600, is that enough?

Those sound like very high calorie protein shakes.....mine are only around 100 to 120 calories......sorry I don't know the answer to your question regarding potassium....but it sounds like you may be drinking too many calories......pre-op I was closer to 600 to 800 calories.

I'm sorry, my wording wasn't clear on the last sentence/question. My calories are also around 800 tops. I was asking about total potassium levels. Thanks for your reply, though!

You should be getting 60 to 80 grams of Protein a day I'm not sure about the potassium but my legs after surgery would go numb and my problem was I needed more magnesium

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I'm sorry I don't know much about the potassium part of it

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Can you add a banana to your protein shake? I would not wait to hear from PA if they don't call you back right away. Low potassium is too dangerous.

I had that in my arms and my Doc labeled it Ketosis flu - my surgery is same day as yours!

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Thanks to all for your replies! The info and advice are great!

I heard back from my surgeon's nurse who suggested taking two Tums twice a day (apparently my latest labs indicated a slightly low Calcium level) and to make sure to have the full 4 Protein shakes. That seemed to improve the cramping and stiffness, though not totally eliminate it. She also mentioned that I will most likely have labs drawn on Monday to look at electrolyte levels. She mentioned it could be magnesium as well. In the meantime, if symptoms worsen, I'm supposed to use the on call number over the weekend. When the PA calls on Monday, I will definitely ask about the ketosis flu! That's my first time hearing of it!

FYI - I have been drinking the Premier Protein Shakes and noticed there is quite a difference in potassium levels for each flavor. chocolate = 450mg, vanilla = 310mg, strawberry = 170mg. Needless to say, I went out to Sam's to get two more cases of chocolate!

I had that in my arms and my Doc labeled it Ketosis flu - my surgery is same day as yours!

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And good luck to you, soecialkiddomom! I will say a prayer for you as they wheel me into the operating room!

PS - I'm just getting the hang of posting in a forum, so not sure how my replies are showing up. Lol