Protein and fluid after surgery, and how to hit them
These two numbers do more work than anything else in the first months. Loopa tracks both against the stage you are in, and the sip timer exists because the early stages are the hard part.
The published targets
Protein. The guideline sets "a minimal protein intake of 60 g/d and up to 1.5 g/kg ideal body weight per day", with higher intakes up to 2.1 g/kg ideal body weight per day assessed individually (Mechanick JI et al., Obesity, 2013 · doi:10.1002/oby.20461).
Fluid. The same guideline puts adequate hydration at more than 1.5 liters a day (Mechanick JI et al., Obesity, 2013 · doi:10.1002/oby.20461), around 64 fl oz.
Your care team may set different numbers for you. Theirs win.
Why hitting protein is hard at first
Capacity is tiny, appetite is often gone, and the things that are easiest to get down are rarely the things with protein in them. That is why the early stages lean on protein liquids: they are the only realistic way to reach 60 g in a stomach that holds a few ounces.
How to actually hit it
- Spread it. Small amounts, often, rather than a target you attack at dinner.
- Protein first, always. Whatever else is on the plate waits.
- Sip continuously. Fluid is a habit of the whole day, not something you catch up on.
- Keep drinks away from meals. About 30 minutes either side (Scarpellini E et al., Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 2020 · doi:10.1038/s41574-020-0357-5). Fluid takes up the room food needs.
When you cannot face another shake
Very common, and it means nothing is wrong. Thin it with more water. Change the temperature. Plenty of people who cannot manage one cold can manage one warm, and the other way round. Sugar-free flavourings. A teaspoon of powdered peanut butter changes it completely.
Protein is the thing that matters most in the early stages, so it is worth experimenting to find one you can finish.
Signs you are behind on fluid
Dark urine, going less often, a dry mouth, headache, feeling light-headed when you stand. Sip continuously rather than trying to catch up at once, and keep something to hand wherever you are.
If you cannot keep fluids down, ring your care team the same day. Not being able to keep fluids down for 24 hours is on the red-flag list.
Related
Where this comes from
Everything on this page is drawn from published clinical guidelines and peer-reviewed research, cited above. The full list, with a link to every original, is at loopahealth.app/sources. Loopa does not give medical advice. It does not decide whether a procedure is right for you, does not recommend one over another, and never sets a dose. Your care team does all three, and where they give you an instruction, theirs is the one to follow.
