Protein, vegetable, and fruit powders & first week post-op diet

[Poji]

In addition to protein powders, has anyone used vegetable, or fruit powders?

Which protein powder is best?

The first week is about getting enough fluid, correct? Are there any of you who started with protein powder/supplements during this first week?

All suggestions are welcome, and very much appreciated!!!

Thank you

[MADR]

I started on protein powders 3 days after surgery. It took hours to get them down. I have stared cutting the servings in half (4os, 1 scoop of powder) and that's helped a lot.

[enh0177]

I'm still in my first week post op and found the unjury chicken soup protein to be really tasty. Of course I had to use less than a scoop due to the amount of liquid I can get down and everything needs to be really thin for me right now.

[Mfraz]

I love love the protein brand Unjury! They have a website

[Think]

If you look in my blog I did a bunch of reviews on the various protein powders and drinks I tried. The best one I have tried is Syntrax Matrix 5.0 Chocolate Mint Cookies.

[Poji]

Thanks for the input everyone!

[Poji]

How are you feeling? I hope well Best wishes!

[swarizonaone]

I know you think you'll be able to get a lot down, but you'll be drinking probably a 1/4-1/2 cup of fluid per meal per day. I found THE ONLY FLUIDS i got down for the first two weeks were those popsicles in the plastic sleeves.. (they would melt before I could finish). I'm two years out now, so i still remember those days.
Best protein powder I found was ISOPURE UNFLAVORED. you can add it to ANYTHING. looks like parmesan cheese, and has ZERO FLAVOR. so it's good on everything, ice cream, in soups on salad, etc. I used to put it on spaghettios.

remember these important things, no one told me, but I found out and have helped so many with it:

1. milk intolerance is normal, and will go away around 6 months, so don't panic.
2. spicy things that you used to like will wreak you havoc, until the one year mark, then all is well.
3. those little gassy champagne bubbles that your stomach produces for first 4-7 months are normal, and best way to counteract is, for first two months, use the gas-x strips on your tongue a few times a day. and after that, gas x those little green pills, one every morning. after the first year, that will stop too.
4. heartburn, extra burning in stomach, acid reflux, all normal. best thing? I used to eat an apple (no skin) every night before bed, starting at the third month. (apples from mcdonalds are perfect size, little bag, 50 cents already peeled) but the apple stops heartburn in it's tracks. and I slept on a bed wedge for first year, which stopped heartburn in the night too. Your stomach will produce the same amount of acid as when it was huge, so it takes a while for that to realize it doesn't need as much. at two years out, I still do the apple thing. and I sleep best in my recliner.

So with those 4 things, you'll be amazed how fantastic you feel. No one gave me these tips. Had to find out on my own, and plenty of research. But I made it. Two years later, 10 lbs over my goal ... that's not bad.

good luck and enjoy the ride!
Kris

[Poji]

Thank you! I really appreciate that you took the time to give me some solid advice!

[Poji]

Now I have more questions for you ~ How did you manage to get enough fluids in to avoid dehydration? And, did you add protein to your clear fluids? What I continue to hear/read is that you have to get in at least 64 oz of water in each day...How did you manage that? How did you ensure you were getting enough protein in? Did you ever use the protein shots? And, if you didn't manage to get all of the water/protein that's called for, how was your skin and hair? I am kind of freaked out about the loss of hair, and loss of elasticity of my skin...

[swarizonaone]

OMG. I just wrote two full paragraphs and my computer deleted the message. grr

Ok, again, I'll try this:
my doc told me you can only do what you can do. He said I had enough protein in my system to carry me for a few weeks after the surgery, to not panic. I did not lose my hair and my skin and everything was fine. I think your body spends it's time rejuvenating and healing after the fat damage that we've done to it. Popsicles were a godsend. stick with the ones in plastic sleeve. I bought 500 pack and went through them. I promise after about the 3rd day you will start wanting stuff. Just sip sip sip. don't get crazy on trying to get 64 oz in. it will not happen. my first week i was averaging about 8 popsicles a day, at 2 oz each, that's what, 16 oz? NOT ENOUGH. but I was fine. your body knows what you need, and it uses up the reserves if you give it nothing. after a week, I was getting more fluids in. Chicken broth and beef broth were also my saving grace. and when I felt absolutely crappy in my stomach, I took hot showers...really hot showers. it helped me relax. a heating pad on my belly (like when you have cramps) is a godsend too. get one. trust me.
when you are able to start getting things down, then break out your protein powder. those protein shakes sound like a great idea, but most people can't get them down, or are lactose intolerant for a while... (that goes away). protein powder, sprinkle on everything you put in your mouth. you will not even taste it if you get isopure no flavor. I can send you a baggie full if you want to sample before you buy it. I bought a gallon and still have 1/2 gallon left. just let me know. .....................after about 3 weeks, you can probably move up to cream soups... like cream potato and tomato soup, at 4 weeks I had spaghettios. then jellos too (homemade are better, not as thick) and whipped cream too. you won't eat a lot, but you will still cook like you do. get some little tiny plates. Trust me, it helps your brain deal with it. then start shopping in the baby food aisle. PEDIALYTE is a great source of fluid because it replenishes electrolytes ... it's for when babies are sick and throwing up a lot, I had it on hand from my kids and I drank that when I could sip stuff. Keep a beverage by the couch while you are resting. Walk as much as you can because that will help with any anethesia still stuck in your abdomen or in your shoulders... (hot showers helped there too).... remember, the more you move, the more you'll lose, because you are not stuffing your face with calories and candy.. I remember how much I loved candy and sweets, and after surgery for first couple months, I ate NO SWEETS. I saved m little stomach to eat anything only protein... ground chicken and turkey is now my friend. as is ground pork. but that took like 4-6 months. stick with canned baby foods, don't buy a lot, you won't eat many. juust get a couple to try. some meats, wierd on the palate, but they have the protein. and deserts.

[swarizonaone]

I didn't lose hair and My skin was fine................just take it day by day. each day gets easier.. I promise. and at 6 months, GO SHOPPING, but shop at thrift stores, because it won't fit long. I have gone shopping so much since my surgery. it's fun

[Watch out world]

I'm out a week and doing well. Injury is great and I have been able to get in all of my liquids and protein. Go to the doc next Thursday anmnot gong to weigh myself until then.

Goodluck to you

[swarizonaone]

at 5'9" you will be so skinny at 155 But you will hit that! keep us posted on your progress... do some photos along the way. I have a before and after on my page, and i still look at it from time to time, to keep myself in check.