Protein Shakes and Warfarin

[dubsta]

Hi everyone, hope you are all doing well. I used to have regular protein shakes prior to my OHS, but since my operation I have been treading very carefully with food as trying to keep things "consistent" so not to affect my INR. I am now 19 weeks post surgery and have a mechanical valve. I am coming close to the end of my cardiac rehab and am feeling fabulous, but I want to concentrate on weight loss now and want to have the ability to have a protein shake as a quick breakfast when I train. So, anyone out there have one which is low in fat, low in sugars and particularly low in vitamin k. I've done some research but not all brands show the vitamin k levels, so I am wondering do I just try them and see how my INR is affected?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[LGBE]

I too am post surgery for mechanical valve and similar age to you. The rehab has also been great and I feel healthier and fitter although I was fairly fit and ate well before. My biggest change has been to up the protein I eat and cut back on sugars whilst monitoring vitamin K.

The biggest help has been to get my own blood monitor. It’s really helped to identify blood levels when my diet varies. I’d also talk to the cardiac nurses .

[dubsta in reply to LGBE]

thank you for your reply. Oh we sound very similar. Yeh i do have a blood monitor, i guess i am still scared of trying something for the first time post op. I will do a bit more research on protein shakes, i did think about just making my own! Thanks again.

[Yorkshirehead]

Hi, My mechanical valve was implanted more than forty years ago and is still going strong. My INR readings do tend to fluctuate. It may be stable for several weeks or even months but then it changes. After all these years I still haven't been able to identify any specific causes.

My advice to you is simple. Maintain a balanced diet and stay fit. I do this through walking and cycling. It really is that simple. Well, it has worked for me!👍😀

[dubsta in reply to Yorkshirehead]

thank you for responding. Yes i walk daily and am now getting back into jogging and i eat a very healthy diet. Thank you again.