PS instructions to eat 30 extra grams protein

Ashweb901
Ashweb901 Member Posts: 67
edited August 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

My PS says eat 30 extra grams protein daily leading up to surgery. I haven’t had a chance to ask: what kind? Whey? Pea? Meat?

Anyone else get this instruction? How are you going about it?

Ashley

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Comments

  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited August 2018

    No PS for me but I have made a point to increase my protein through chemo. We eat red meat 5-6 times a week + I'm drinking a protein shake (Odwalla/Bolthouse Farms) most days. I know those pre-mixed shakes have way too much sugar and extra crap in them, but they go down so easily and my MO told me whatever I'm doing, keep it up. My bloodwork has been really good--in fact she said I'm the only patient she's seen who's actually making blood through chemo. Bottom line is I'm not sure source matters, but red meat + store-bought protein shakes have worked well for me.

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  • JaBoo
    JaBoo Member Posts: 520
    edited August 2018

    I eat meat every day: veal or lamb 5-6 times a week and fish the other days. 6-10 eggs a week (not counting eggs in cakes I make). lentils mostly in soup a few times a week.

    I'm no doctor, of course. I just seem to crave protein. when I miss an egg during the day, I would cook it in the middle of the night! So I just listen to my body. the meat and the eggs are home-bred, so I believe of excellent quality, that's why we don't restrict it.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2018

    Some may consider it less healthy, but I buy Walmart's Equate High Protein Nutritional Shake. When my daughter compared it to her Bolthouse Farms shakes, Equate had less sugar, less sodium and carbohydrates than Bolthouse...I don't remember the exact numbers. Equate has 15 grams of protein, 26 minerals and vitamins; vitamin D and Calcium; 240 calories for 8 oz.

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  • Ashweb901
    Ashweb901 Member Posts: 67
    edited August 2018

    thank you, ingerp, jaboo and viewfinder!! I’m so glad to hear from people who add red meat and don’t mind a little sugar because we need what we need and being “plant based” is great when your body can get enough iron and protein but when it can’t, we must give in! My RBCs are always too low, too large, even when I supplement with b12 (my deficiency circa 1995) and folic acid.

    I’ll be eating some as-clean-as-I-can-find red meat for sure, and those Bolthouse smoothies are good - almond banana especially! Maybe I can figure a way to make them myself. No chemo for me, at least for now, so maybe I can throw some stuff in a blender now and then.

    Ashley

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2018

    I was not instructed to eat extra protein in advance of surgery but was told to aim for 100g daily afterward to aid healing. Greek yogurt is a great source, fortified cereals, beef, poultr, pork, eggs, quinoa, nuts and nut butter, and shakes made with protein powder, almond milk and frozen berries.

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  • Ashweb901
    Ashweb901 Member Posts: 67
    edited August 2018

    Hi, SpecialK, you may be right about “after but not before.” I was going from memory. I figure i will practice now by trying to find more grams daily. 100 is a y’all order! Maybe they tell you that so you will get 80.... Good to know that the “eat more protein” is a real thing that will help. I know i don’t eat enough now. Thanks for the info

    Ashley

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2018

    ashweb - there are also a few supplements that aid in healing - bromelaine, zinc and Arnica Montana. Alternatively you can up your intake of fried shellfish (other cooking methods aren't as high) and other regular sources of protein - notably meats/dairy/nuts to get the zinc, and pineapple for the bromelaine, but supplementing is easier.

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  • Warrior2018
    Warrior2018 Member Posts: 380
    edited August 2018

    Here’s a couple of quick lists of some plant protein sources:

    image

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  • Ashweb901
    Ashweb901 Member Posts: 67
    edited August 2018

    thank you, Special K! I had read brimelaine and arnica but not zinc! And thank you, Warrior2018. I need all the lists I can get. I haven’t added mine up for today but I’m pretty sure I only met the rda, if that. Plus I’m small so

    I can’t go around eating my way to protein grams if it means a bunch of e tea calories. My plan is to replace the calories I am eating with higher protein choices

    I


    Ashley

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  • oxygen18
    oxygen18 Member Posts: 164
    edited August 2018

    Warrior2018, that is a handy list.

    Complementary proteins need to be selected, to ensure inclusion of all essential aminoacids. So for example beans plus nuts or plus cereals, (consumed at same meal or next meal , or some say, same day), give the full complement.

    Often (not always), after surgery, it is also advisable to up one's iron intake. The above contain varying amounts of iron, and of course spinach is a great source.

    Organic spinach is best, as the regular kind is too junk-laden. Adding a spritz of lemon, or consuming other food high in vitamin C at same meal, will enhance iron absorption.

    Wishing all an easy recovery from surgery.

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  • Ashweb901
    Ashweb901 Member Posts: 67
    edited August 2018

    thank you oxygen 18! I needed those reminders. I’ve asked onco to prescribe my fave iron, multigen. I used their portal so it may take a few days but I’ll get it in plenty of time. My college kid works at sprouts so i get an extra discount and I can buy clean meat too. (I go both ways! LOL)

    Ashley

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  • oxygen18
    oxygen18 Member Posts: 164
    edited August 2018

    ashweb,

    I don't know what total dose of iron you'll be consuming daily, but iron supplements could cause some constipation, which can be an issue when recovering from any surgery (especially one that involves the abdomen, such as the Deep Flap procedure). Maybe something to discuss with the surgeon or their nurse.

    Best wishes.

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  • Ashweb901
    Ashweb901 Member Posts: 67
    edited August 2018

    Yes - I have chronic constipation on a good day....extra long colon, IBS, etc. Multigen doesnt constipate me and I take Trulance daily all the time and “extras” like prunes whenever I have surgery. Thank you!

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  • gaspasser
    gaspasser Member Posts: 34
    edited August 2018

    Warrior2018 I love that list. Thank you! I'm vegetarian and trying to pack on the protein as well. It's great! I was told 1.5 gm times your weight in kg. So I'm 58kg so 58 times 1.5. I think everyone has slightly different recommendations. Best of luck!

    Gaspasser (sara)

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