A Few Questions About Post Surgery Diet

lucypstacy
lucypstacy Posts: 178 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I had to lose down to 232 in order to have massive hernia surgery. (I started out as 267.) Well, I'm down to 230 and have made the appointment to see the surgeon. I don't see him until July 19th, and I'm not sure when the surgery will be scheduled. I've read posts in the past that you shouldn't try to eat so much in deficit when recovering because you body needs to heal. Does this mean I just set my stats here that I want to lose 0lbs or how to find my calories for maintenance? I know that might be a dumb question, but I want to do this right. I definitely don't want to gain, but I don't want to do anything to hurt my body either.

Secondly, I have to stay in the hospital for a least a week because I'm on immune suppressants. How on earth do you log hospital food? I have no idea what they put in it. Should I just log the closest things I can find? I do want to keep logging because, as soon as I'm over the healing process, I want to get back on track. I still have a long way to go until I reach my goal weight.

Replies

  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    Yes, you would set your goal to maintain. Initially you will gain weight as your body refills glycogen and as you are recovering from surgery. Even a small surplus for 6 weeks or so isn't going to harm your weight loss.

    I wouldn't log the hospital food because when you leave the hospital you'll likely be up 5-15 pounds anyway from the fluids and the inflammation. Logging it then seeing the weight spike will be disheartening. Take the time in the hospital to rest and reflect on your plans for when you get out.
  • musicfan68
    musicfan68 Posts: 1,143 Member
    It should be simple for you to figure your maintenance. What do you have your deficit set at - .5lb, 1lb or 2 lb a week? .5 is 250 calories a day, 1 lb is 500, 2 lb is 1000. Just add those calories back in. Or just set your app to maintain.

    I wouldn't worry about the one week in the hospital. You aren't going to gain weight in one week that will be of any significance. It's more important that you eat to heal. Plus, I hate to tell you, but you will gain water weight - you swell up and gain water weight because your body is trying to heal the wound.
  • cross2bear
    cross2bear Posts: 1,106 Member
    If you are staying in the hospital for any length of time other than a couple overnights, usually a steward will ask you what you would like to eat, and there is a selection to choose from. Sometimes the selections include calorie counted diets, so you may be able to choose a "1200 calorie" diet, or any other that they offer. That way you are somewhat assured that the total calories of what they put in front of you are of a certain number.

    At least, the last time I was in hospital for a week or more, that was my situation (in Canada)

    Ask about it when you go through the admission procedures.
  • lucypstacy
    lucypstacy Posts: 178 Member
    I'm currently set to lose 1.5 lbs a week. I wanted to log the food to be honest, although I hadn't thought about water weight. When I had this surgery before, to fix the hernias on my left side, I actually woke up nearly 10lbs lighter. This time they are putting in mesh - from my ribs to my hipbones. I know that I won't be as active for some time.

    So, basically I just need to take it easy and heal before getting back on track.
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