Protein is extremely important after surgery as it will build, repair and maintain tissues including your body’s major organs and the skeletal muscles.
Protein deficiency, when continued over a long period of time, can cause a disease known as protein calorie malnutrition (PCM).
Common symptoms of PCM are:
Poor healing
Hair loss
Muscle loss
Lack of energy
Protein sources include: lean meats, seafood, low-fat dairy products, beans, eggs and soy
75 to 90 GRAMS OF PROTEIN IS REQUIRED DAILY
Protein Supplements
Protein supplements are to begin on day five following surgery. If you are not passing gas when you leave the hospital, do not start the protein supplement until you do. Once you are passing gas regularly, you may start the protein supplements.
8 ounces 1% milk plus 1/4 cup dry milk = 14 grams
16 ounces 1% milk plus 1/2 cup dry milk = 28 grams
24 ounces 1% milk plus 3/4 cup dry milk = 42 grams
32 ounces 1% milk plus 1 cup dry milk = 56 grams
8 ounces of 1% milk or lactose free milk = 8 grams
8 ounces of soy milk = 6-7 grams
Flavoring as desired with extracts, sugar free syrups or powders, sugar free jell-o or pudding mixes, sugar free coffee flavorings, decaf coffee, blended fruit or baby food fruit and artificial sweeteners.
It is not uncommon to struggle with consuming all of the protein that is required directly following surgery. If you are struggling to get all your protein in after two weeks from being released from the hospital please contact the dietitians.
LIQUID PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS
We recommend a protein supplement that provides at least 20 grams of
protein and less than 5 grams of sugar per serving.
Liquid protein supplements are widely available in the pharmacy section of Wal-Mart, Target, Meijer, Walgreens, CVS and many grocery stores. Cosco and Sam’s Club sells many products in bulk. Almost all communities have a health food store available to include Whole Foods, GNC, and The Vitamin Shoppe.
At St. Vincent Carmel, products are available in the Women’s Health Boutique
located at door 3 or order online at http://womenshealthboutique.ofgproducts.com
(317)582-8080
Some products you may consider:
Protein Powders
Body Fortress
Six Star Muscle Whey Protein
Isopure
Nectar
Unjury
Any Whey
Celebrate ENS Plus Protein
Inspire
Bariatric Advantage
Protein
Sci Fit
Designer Whey
Syntrax Matrix
CytoSport Muscle Milk
Pure Pro 50
Lean Body
Chike
For lactose intolerance try:
Genisoy Natural (soy)
Jay Robb Egg White Protein
Powder
Egg Pro
Premixed Protein Drinks
Slim Fast Low Carb
EAS Advantage Carb Control
EAS Myoplex
Muscle Milk Lite
Isopure
Atkins Advantage
CytoSport Monster Milk
Pure Protein
Met-Rx Protein Plus
Oh Yeah
Extreme Smoothie
Premier
Nutrition
Fortified Gelatin
Gelatein (protein fortified jello)
Mix protein powders with:
Water or sugar free flavored water
Milk or soy milk
Ice
Sugar free flavoring
Blended/pureed fruit