songbrook

I am so NOT an expert on human nutrition, but I can't see how you can get enough protein on only 800 calories a day. I only got banded two weeks ago, but I have lost 23 lbs just from the presurgery fast to now. I was told to try to get 72 grams of protein daily. I have been able to do that with use of Unjury protein powder in milk. It comes to about 200 calories per serving, and 4 a day gives you 80 grams of protein (20g per 8 oz serving). I actually LIKE the stuff, especially the chocolate. Now that I am starting pureed foods, I probably will cut that to 3 a day, and add some pureed meat as suggested by my doctor. I have been getting some of my fluids from V8 juice as well. I understand not wanting to lose muscle mass. I'm rather proud of my physical strength. Before I blew out my knees, I could out lift many guys. I still have my "guns" (biceps) because I have to use crutches to get around, and I can still curl 20 pounders with my sons rep for rep. Just can't walk. (Sucks, huh?) Don't worry aobut offending me. I am past the whole self pity/depression thing, and accept the fact I'm a cripple. Wasn't an easy road, but I got through it. So stick with high protein fluids and mushy-fied lean meats for your first line of nutrition, and you should be OK.

Thank you all. I deeply appreciate all th help. I do have a question for you bdbmamaw..I was told not to drink form a straw. Is that forever, or just for a little while after the surgery?

Thanks Kiz. I was hoping someone would say that a tic tac would be OK. I know I'm not supposed to have gum, but I'm not fond of gum anyhow, so no great loss.

Thanks Joanie. You are right. I am struggling to get as much water in as they want me to. I never was a big water fan, and diet non-carbonated drinks too often have Splenda/sucralose in them. That stuff makes me violently ill. I never know which end to stuff in the toilet when I accidentally get some of that in me. :bored:

I am two weeks post surgery. One thing that has been bugging me now that I'm on pureed food....dryness of mouth after eating. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to hydrate your mouth since you aren't supposed to drink for a half hour or so before and after your "meal"? I am experienceing the bad taste/dry mouth thing even after my protein drinks.

Wow. Guess I should consider myself lucky. I was banded on 9-08. I had some bruisy feeling around my port site that lessened daily and was pretty much gone at 9 days. I wasn't seriously in pain at any point. Sore yes, but pain that meds didn't dull to acceptable levels, no. My big gripe was feeling bloated with air. That annoyed the snot out of me. Glad that is gone.

Hi. I just had my surgery 2 weeks ago today, 9-8-09, and it was one of the easier surgeries I've had. It's a breeze compared to knee surgery. I think it's probably normal to be a tad nervous anytime you are preparing to let somebody carve on your carcass, but to me, the anticipation is always worse than the actual surgery. You'll do great I am sure.