Fluids
• The goal for fluid intake is 64 ounces ( 8 cups ) per day .
• You are not expected to reach this goal until after you are home from the hospital .
• Do not use a straw when you drink fluids .
• Stop drinking fluids 30 minutes before a meal and not for 30 minutes after a meal .
• All juices on your tray must be diluted 50:50 with water to prevent dumping syndrome .
• You will be given standard portions of liquids on your hospital trays .
• Do not try to consume all of it . This is the time for you to begin to pay attention to your body ’ s feeling of fullness . Try only what sounds good to you .
• Maximum amount for each meal is 1 / 4 cup in the hospital .
Protein
The protein intake goal is 65 - 75 grams per day or 11 - 13 grams per meal .
• It is very important that you reach and maintain this level of protein intake long term to help prevent malnutrition and prevent muscle wasting .
• You are not expected to reach this goal until after you go home from the hospital .
Protein Supplements
• Plan to put protein powder in most foods and beverages to help you reach your goal .
• The supplement that you buy should be a whey , or soy protein ISOLATE .
• An acceptable protein powder should contain between 15 - 20 grams of protein per scoop and little or no fat or sugar .
• We recommend unflavored and flavored protein powders .
Where to Buy
Unjury ® protein powder , and Syntrax ® Nectar ® protein powder sold by Mount Carmel Bariatric Program .
You may also obtain protein powder from any drugstore , health food store or grocery store .
Proteins cannot be over-blended or heated past 140˚F . They can clump and become " gritty " in texture .
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