Low calories and protein during first post-op weeks

[temkins 71]

Tomorrow will be one week of VSG, feeling well so far. I feel no hunger at all, and simply force myself to put something into my stomach. I manage to meet my Water goal of 64 oz/day, maybe even more (with a few sips of chicken broth every day). But I really fail to manage my Protein goal - getting around 15g with my Protein Shake. I just can't force myself to drink more than 1/2 serving /day. I tried other protein supplements, but they are too sweet -- after the surgery all artificial sweeteners taste really bad. Once I'm allowed to go to the pureed phase, I think I'll be able to get some Proteins through unsweetened real foods, like greek yogurts, meats or Soups. But I still have to wait for about one more week.

As a result, my current daily intake is about 200-250 cal. Is there any risks, like stalls or else, related to low calories? Could I keep my Clear Liquids diet for one more week without harming myself?

Edited October 11, 2017 by temkins

[sundog 8]

Hi.. I had surgery on the same date. I"m getting about 400 calories. I bought lots of different Protein powders and some are too sweet and icky for me. But the Celebration Essential 4:1 is one that I can drink. Its not so sweet. 25g of protein. The orange flavour is good. I'm sick of chocolate and vanilla.

I think at 200-250 calories you will find that your brain just isn't functioning too well. I feel fine but I am having a hard time getting all my words out properly. And I'm really forgetful. Feels a bit like my brain is fuzzy. My instructions are to aim for about 45-60 g protein per day. My dietician also said to try to get at least 25-40 g carb to help with the brain fuzziness. I need to function.

Also, I bought Zoup! Bone Broth, which seemed insanely expensive at $6 per bottle, but OMG it is delicious. I mix it with some creme of mushroom Soup I also got from Celebrate (powdered). Tastes nice and savoury and its about 20 g of protein.

Also - i tried this. Mixed low fat pudding with 2 cups skim milk and whey Protein Powder and some good quality pure cocoa. Pour into ice cube tray and freeze. Take a little while to get them out. But I can eat a couple of those (well, stick them on a fork and lick them) and it has a real chocolate flavour and a decent little protein punch as well.

If you don't maintain protein intake, your body will attack muscle. That's the risk.

Good luck, surgery buddy

[Berry78 4,261]

If you can tolerate milk, then drink lots of that. 8 or 10g/cup for regular 2%. More for Fairlife. Milk also counts as a Fluid and has Calcium and Vitamins. It does have carbs, but that's a judgement call. I didn't worry about the carbs during the healing phase. (I stayed under 100g).

[temkins 71]

13 hours ago, sundog said:

Hi.. I had surgery on the same date. I"m getting about 400 calories. I bought lots of different Protein powders and some are too sweet and icky for me. But the Celebration Essential 4:1 is one that I can drink. Its not so sweet. 25g of Protein. The orange flavour is good. I'm sick of chocolate and vanilla.

I think at 200-250 calories you will find that your brain just isn't functioning too well. I feel fine but I am having a hard time getting all my words out properly. And I'm really forgetful. Feels a bit like my brain is fuzzy. My instructions are to aim for about 45-60 g protein per day. My dietician also said to try to get at least 25-40 g carb to help with the brain fuzziness. I need to function.

Also, I bought Zoup! bone broth, which seemed insanely expensive at $6 per bottle, but OMG it is delicious. I mix it with some creme of mushroom Soup I also got from Celebrate (powdered). Tastes nice and savoury and its about 20 g of protein.

Also - i tried this. Mixed low fat pudding with 2 cups skim milk and whey Protein Powder and some good quality pure cocoa. Pour into ice cube tray and freeze. Take a little while to get them out. But I can eat a couple of those (well, stick them on a fork and lick them) and it has a real chocolate flavour and a decent little protein punch as well.

If you don't maintain protein intake, your body will attack muscle. That's the risk.

Good luck, surgery buddy

Thank you so much - very valuable suggestions!

[Lannie 135]

Your body needs calories and Protein to heal. I would suggest trying other types of protein powder. Isopure makes a decent unsweetened one. Syntrex nectar also mixes with Water to be a more juice consistency rather than milk based. I like the lemonade flavor....sweet but not too sweet.