Going in for surgery...should I maintain my low-carb diet?

I'll be having surgery and then will be in the hospital for a week.

I've been low-carb since the middle of December, and would like to
continue it even while I'm in the hospital (I'll probably have to talk
to the dietician).

Does anyone reading this know of any compelling reason why I should
not? Would it somehow impede healing?

Gary

writes:

I'll be having surgery and then will be in the hospital for a week.

Good luck with it!

I've been low-carb since the middle of December, and would like to
continue it even while I'm in the hospital (I'll probably have to talk
to the dietician).

Since there are so many misconceptions in the medical community concerning
low-carb diets, here's how I'd put it: "I've eliminated the processed foods
from my diet, like sugar and white flour, and I'd like to stay with that way of
eating to the extent possible." That's descriptive, which they can probably
work with.

Although hospital kitchens are hectic places, they do have to accommodate the
patients' needs. And IMHO, it's highly unlikely that a dietician will force
you to eat sugar. Other carbs could end up on your plate anyway, though.
OTOH, my father was in the hospital 6 times last year (he's much better now),
and they never once made him clean his plate. So if, for example, they give
you cooked carrots, a piece of chicken, mashed potatoes, and a slice of apple
pie, you can eat the carrots and the chicken, pick the apple out of the pie,
and send the rest away. If they ask, tell them you'd like more veggies. It
could happen.

And talking to the dietician might get you a better meal -- maybe with broccoli
instead of the hypothetical potatoes, or sliced strawberries instead of the
pie.

Please let us know how your surgery goes, as well as how the negotiations with
the dietician work out.

Daria
166/144/140
sugar-free since 2/1/04
low-carb since 2/17/04

In article ,
Gary wrote:
I'll be having surgery and then will be in the hospital for a week.

I've been low-carb since the middle of December, and would like to
continue it even while I'm in the hospital (I'll probably have to talk
to the dietician).

Does anyone reading this know of any compelling reason why I should
not? Would it somehow impede healing?

Shouldn't be a problem. You need protein to heal. Taking a vitamin
supplement would probably be a good idea.


Chuck Demas

--
Eat Healthy | _ _ | Nothing would be done at all,
Stay Fit | @ @ | If a man waited to do it so well,
Die Anyway | v | That no one could find fault with it.
| \___/ | http://world.std.com/~cpd

What kind of surgery are you having?


I'll be having surgery and then will be in the hospital for a week.

I've been low-carb since the middle of December, and would like to
continue it even while I'm in the hospital (I'll probably have to talk
to the dietician).

Does anyone reading this know of any compelling reason why I should
not? Would it somehow impede healing?

Shouldn't be a problem. You need protein to heal. Taking a vitamin
supplement would probably be a good idea.


Chuck Demas

--
Eat Healthy | _ _ | Nothing would be done at all,
Stay Fit | @ @ | If a man waited to do it so well,
Die Anyway | v | That no one could find fault with it.
| \___/ | http://world.std.com/~cpd

If it is gall bladder sx you should cut back on the fat intake until you
know what your body can handle.


" What kind of surgery are you having?


I'll be having surgery and then will be in the hospital for a week.

I've been low-carb since the middle of December, and would like to
continue it even while I'm in the hospital (I'll probably have to talk
to the dietician).

Does anyone reading this know of any compelling reason why I should
not? Would it somehow impede healing?

Shouldn't be a problem. You need protein to heal. Taking a vitamin
supplement would probably be a good idea.


Chuck Demas

--
Eat Healthy | _ _ | Nothing would be done at all,
Stay Fit | @ @ | If a man waited to do it so well,
Die Anyway | v | That no one could find fault with it.
| \___/ | http://world.std.com/~cpd

It's on my spine, for spinal stenosis,

On Wed, 05 May 2004 01:39:47 GMT, "KS1911" wrote:

What kind of surgery are you having?


I'll be having surgery and then will be in the hospital for a week.

I've been low-carb since the middle of December, and would like to
continue it even while I'm in the hospital (I'll probably have to talk
to the dietician).

Does anyone reading this know of any compelling reason why I should
not? Would it somehow impede healing?

Shouldn't be a problem. You need protein to heal. Taking a vitamin
supplement would probably be a good idea.


Chuck Demas

--
Eat Healthy | _ _ | Nothing would be done at all,
Stay Fit | @ @ | If a man waited to do it so well,
Die Anyway | v | That no one could find fault with it.
| \___/ | http://world.std.com/~cpd

Gary wrote:
It's on my spine, for spinal stenosis,

I'll be having surgery and then will be in the hospital for a week.

I've been low-carb since the middle of December, and would like to
continue it even while I'm in the hospital (I'll probably have to talk
to the dietician).

Does anyone reading this know of any compelling reason why I should
not? Would it somehow impede healing?


I am having surgery on my neck soon, I been asking myself the same questions
too. Not all hospitals are so nice about creating menus just for you. Unless
you can get a outside source to bring in meals.

Was reading on a website my neurosurgeon sent me to, read about recovery in the
hospital for after surgery. It will be IV fluids the first 24 hours, then it
says that fruit and fruit juices will be added into the diet. Then whole grain
foods. I swear, thats what it says. Thought it over in my head. Just going to
deal with it, then when I get home, back to low carbing again. I will take
multi vitamins and drink lots of water too.

My stay in the hospital depends on what sort of support I have at home. Which
is not going to be much. So I may stay more than a few days. The surgery plus
recovery in the hospital.. is normally just 2-3 days. In my case.

I bought a mini fridge for my bedroom also. When I get home, and cannot walk up
and down stairs, and I want a snack that is low carb.. I can stock the mini
fridge up with low carb snacks. Bottles of water. Or have my boys do that for
me. Easy access.

I have three kids, they can be of help, but they also have their own lives to
lead too, cannot rely on them all the time.

Planning ahead helps. I'm trying to plan ahead, but you know.. things pop up,
things happen that you just have no control over.

I could argue with the surgeon and the hospital about the diet while there. But
don't feel like its a good idea to argue with ones that are going to be cutting
along my neck and spine. I guess..yes.. you can talk to the dietician.

I hope it all works out well for you, wishing you luck!

Gary,
I read the diet wrong for after surgery, here is what I read about it..

Nutrition
Intravenous (I.V.) fluids will be ordered during the early recovery period and
continued until you can tolerate regular liquids without nausea or vomiting.
Your diet will then be adjusted back to normal as your appetite returns.
Constipation will be treated with laxatives and a diet of whole grain cereals,
fruits, and fruit juices.


Nutrition (For at home diet after surger)
A well balanced diet is necessary for proper healing. Include foods from each
basic food group: dairy products, meats, vegetables, and fruits. Since you will
be less active during recuperation, avoid rich, heavy foods and those high in
calories but low in nutrients.

I got the info from this site, my neurosurgeons site. I know, it may be
different where you live at, and where you are having surgery at, or even your
surgeon. Just thought it may be of some help anyway.

http://www.esurgeon.com/dixon/

(Click on treatment options, then click on recovery to get the info I
described)

Sunshyne wrote:

I could argue with the surgeon and the hospital about the diet while there. But
don't feel like its a good idea to argue with ones that are going to be cutting
along my neck and spine. I guess..yes.. you can talk to the dietician.

I would. A recovery starting with IV fluids (probably glucose), moving
to juices and then grains would make me sick as a dog - I'd never feel
well enough to go home. I don't need that much against me when
recovering from surgery.

I'd request a diet going more like... non-glucose IV fluids, then broth
and bouillon, then steamed veggies.

When back on "normal" food, I'd request meat and veggie-only meals...
but I'd also bring my own food to make up for the inevitable error when
my dinner ended up consisting of a plate with half it's calories from
instant mashed potatoes and sugared jello. I'd check in the hospital
with a bag of pepperoni and individually wrapped packs of string cheese
and a couple kinds of nuts and I'd ask vistors to bring salads instead
of flowers.

I don't see any reason to prolong feeling like crap just cause I'm sick.

--
As you accelerate your food, it takes exponentially more and more energy
to increase its velocity, until you hit a limit at C. This energy has
to come from somewhere; in this case, from the food's nutritional value.
Thus, the faster the food is, the worse it gets.
-- Mark Hughes, comprehending the taste of fast food

Bones are the only thing that seem to need the extra boost that carbs
give (or so I've read). Protien is mandatory for repair though. I
haven't found anybody at the hosptial that understands what a lowcarb
diet is-- if you get them to reduce your sugar, they tend to make up for
it with starch instead. Bring a few things with you to tide you over if
it gets really bad-- cheese, jerky, nuts, and meal replacement bars.
These don't require refrigeration. Then there's always pizza delivered
(several pizza parlors make 'lowcarb' pizzas-- toppings in a bowl
usually). Do you get chinese delivered in your area? Steamed veggies
and your favorite protien. Yum.

I did not think of that, there are low carb pizza places near the hospital.
Then most likely chinese too. Most of the hospitals around here also have a
McDonalds or a Wendys on the premises. Could send someone there to get some
salads, or bunless hamburgers. Great ideas on taking along them food items you
mentioned.

I am having surgery on my neck soon, I been asking myself the same
questions too. Not all hospitals are so nice about creating menus
just for you. Unless you can get a outside source to bring in meals.

Same suggestions for you as for Gary.

Was reading on a website my neurosurgeon sent me to, read about
recovery in the hospital for after surgery. It will be IV fluids the
first 24 hours, then it says that fruit and fruit juices will be
added into the diet. Then whole grain foods. I swear, thats what it
says.

The standard diet post surgery. It is easily and quickly digested and
causes the least GI problems (for them anyway). They want you back on
your feet and all your organs working like they're supposed to as soon
as possible. That isn't always conductive to rest and recovery for you
however.

The hospital staff wanting us up on our feet walking around is a good thing I
believe. It reminds me of after giving birth to my sons.
They have you walking some distances, then working your way up to longer
distances. If I lay in bed too long also, my joints lock up easily, because of
the Fibro, arthritis. But then got to create a balance, too much pain can be a
sign of overdoing it, going at it too soon.

Thought it over in my head. Just going to deal with it, then
when I get home, back to low carbing again. I will take multi
vitamins and drink lots of water too.

You'll probably gain quite a bit from water retention. Just don't let it
upset you too much-- you'll pee it all away within 3 days after you get
home.
revek www.geocities.com/tanirevek/LowCarb.htm

Thanks for the help revek!