Prealbumin Blood Test Before Surgery

[BettyBoop 28]

Anyone have this test done? It measures the Protein level in your blood. Apparently, I am at 17. Normal is 20-24, I think.

So this means I am not getting enough protein or because I am overweight, I am malnourished?

Is it as easy as just drinking some Protein drinks before surgery this coming Tuesday??

P.S.

I'm going to e mail my surgeon about this, but at the moment their website is down for maintenance! UGH!

[Foxbins 625]

My prealbumin is 17 as well and has been since right after surgery. Prealbumin is a measure of how much Protein you have ingested over the past few days. My albumin levels have always been above 4 (which is where it should be) and so my doc and dietician aren't worried about the prealbumin as long as albumin stays good.

Drinking some Protein shakes should help boost your level before surgery.

[BettyBoop 28]

My prealbumin is 17 as well and has been since right after surgery. Prealbumin is a measure of how much Protein you have ingested over the past few days. My albumin levels have always been above 4 (which is where it should be) and so my doc and dietician aren't worried about the prealbumin as long as albumin stays good.

Drinking some Protein shakes should help boost your level before surgery.

Thanks for commenting!!

I e mailed my surgeon and he called me this morning. He said it was concerning, but told me not to worry to much.He says they're finding out that overweight people are malnourished. So he did think it was a good idea to start drinking the protein drinks along with my food. So I'm drinking 2 a day now and that is upping my protein by 50 grams, plus the protein from my meals.

How long have you been post op??

[Foxbins 625]

Thanks for commenting!!

I e mailed my surgeon and he called me this morning. He said it was concerning, but told me not to worry to much.He says they're finding out that overweight people are malnourished. So he did think it was a good idea to start drinking the Protein drinks along with my food. So I'm drinking 2 a day now and that is upping my Protein by 50 grams, plus the protein from my meals.

How long have you been post op??

My surgery was January 13, 2011. I've had three sets of labs since and albumin has always been 4.5+ and prealbumin has always been at 17.