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Nutrition for surgery

seof
seof CSN Member Posts: 819 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello ladies (and Gents, if you are there)
I just wanted to share something I have learned the hard way. I have had reconstruction surgery (DIEP procedure) and have had some complications with recovery. Each visit to the Dr. he kept asking me how my nutrition was, and if I was getting enough protein. Being a layperson and not a nutritionist or a Dr. I said I thought so. After all, I eat meat 3 times a day and eat a variety of veggies as well, so why not? To make a long story short, his nurse finally said I should be taking protien supplements, and suggested protein "shots" (fruit flavored liquid in small plastic bottles that look like oversized test tubes). Each one has 23-25 grams of protein. I started taking 2 of those a day plus 1000 mg vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin E, and recovery has been MUCH faster! Sooo...if any of you are planning surgery, ask your Dr. aabout taking the above supplements.

Live as well as you can for as long as you can. seof
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Comments

  • always
    always CSN Member Posts: 256
    #2
    Thanks
    Thanks for passing on the advise. Glad to hear you are recovering better.

    becky
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  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn CSN Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    #3
    Good to know
    It seems like most of us can have a tendency to trust a little too much and either be afraid to ask a question (like, What is "enough" protein, doc?) Or just not know what to ask.

    That's what I love about this board - so many real experiences!

    Thanks again,
    Cindy
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  • VickiSam
    VickiSam CSN Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #4
    cindycflynn said:

    Good to know
    It seems like most of us can have a tendency to trust a little too much and either be afraid to ask a question (like, What is "enough" protein, doc?) Or just not know what to ask.

    That's what I love about this board - so many real experiences!

    Thanks again,
    Cindy

    Thanks for the great information
    and advise.

    Surgery pending .... I appreciate the information.

    Thank you,

    VickiSam
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  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 CSN Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #5
    VickiSam said:

    Thanks for the great information
    and advise.

    Surgery pending .... I appreciate the information.

    Thank you,

    VickiSam

    Thanks for the info. Never
    Thanks for the info. Never heard of this.
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  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me CSN Member Posts: 2,188
    #6
    Where to get?
    Thanks for the info! Where can you purchase these protein shots? Drug store or grocery store? I am having a difficult time healing from my most recent surgery and was also told extra protein on my very first surgery. I am considering this option. Thanks...♥Pammy
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  • Momof_4
    Momof_4 CSN Member Posts: 11
    #7
    Where and What name is this protein supplement?
    Thanks so much for the recommendation. I am planning to have DIEP surgery in a few weeks - any other tips on how to help my recovery would be appreciated! Blessings on you, Momof_4
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  • 20questions
    20questions CSN Member Posts: 24
    #8
    There is a formula for that.....

    This is from the reconstruction booklet we provide to our patients.....

    "Protein Status: Protein is a very important component to the healing process. There is a recommended formula to calculate the amount of protein you should have in your specific diet pre and post operatively:
    Your Weight In kg x 2 = Grams of Protein Daily
    (to convert pounds to kg you divide your weight in pounds by 2.2)
    Take Multivitamins: Start taking multivitamins (with Vitamin C and iron) twice daily to improve your general health prior to surgery."
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