Protein

[wp69]

Hi , still quite new here , diagnosed with cirrhosis April 23 , looking for suggestions for protein bars and shakes , especially off the shelf pre mixed shakes which you can pick up and go during the day , muscle wastage , though not severe , weight approx 95Kg , Hight 5ft 8ins , and still very active , thanks in anticipation , Will.

[golly123]

Hi Will. I would check with your GP on this. I have cihrossis. I'm 60 and female. Mine is a long story really but when my son brought a bag of a protein drink into a nursing home for me, they would NOT allow me to have any. I had to check it with my gp. My gp said he wouldn't recommend it and told me to speak to the hospital dietician and especially my hematologist. In the end I was allowed to go on complain (strawberry / choc / vanilla) with semi skimmed milk until I regained some of the weight Iost. I had an operation on my right leg, went into a coma for 5 weeks after the op and pulled out the feeding tube. Hence the severe weight loss. Not sure if I have been any use really. Good luck with everything. Best wishes Golly

[wp69 in reply to golly123]

Thanks Golly , you sure have been through the mill , hope your out the other side now.

[Pumptrainer in reply to wp69]

hi my liver consultant recommended Myprotein.com several years ago when I was first diagnosed with cirrhosis due to alcohol. I hate milkshakes so have been using the ones mixed with water since then, lots of tasty flavours

[AnxiousPete]

I am 98kg 5ft 8 and my BMI is too high. Although I have lost 20kg I need to lose about another 10-15. Are you sure you want to gain weight ?

[wp69 in reply to AnxiousPete]

Not gain weight but add muscle

[Roy1955]

Your BMI is 32 and we'll into the obese catagory.

Consult your Dr about a healthy diet and don't go for the high calorie bars and shakes.

[wp69 in reply to Roy1955]

I want to add muscle mass , always hovered around this weight.

[AnxiousPete in reply to wp69]

Eating protein does not automatically add muscle it contains calories and is only converted to muscle with exercise

[Ericabear]

Hi Will,

My husband has been advised to increase his protein to prevent muscle wastage due to Cirrhosis too. We are under a dietician and not in the UK, but I am also a bit of a foodie so tend to go whole foods and not off the shelf. We have been told to try plant based protein where possible so I tend to carry nuts around for snacks ...... They do say you are what you eat! Ha ha Boiled eggs another option (bit smelly though) and I make protein balls, salt free peanut butter with oats, Coco powder and if you fancy it coconut and / or dark choc chips and a little honey, these are no bake so pretty easy. Always oats for breakfast, normally overnight variety and if you have access to a fridge during the day these make a great snack too, or smoothies with added oats or again peanut powder or peanut butter. Good luck and try to get with a dietician for guidance.

Liz

[wp69 in reply to Ericabear]

Thanks Liz , very useful information , unfortunately boiled eggs are not an option for me as their smell make me vomit 🤢 , thanks a lot , Regards , Will.

[CaptLou]

Be careful with the protein bars. Some of them have "sugar alcohol" listed in their ingredients.

[wp69 in reply to CaptLou]

Thanks

[Aotea2012]

I’d keep away from off the shelf shakes unless they are prescribed by your GP/ Dietician. I had a lot of muscle wastage when I was first diagnosed with cirrhosis. I’d been in hospital for a while and along with the effects of cirrhosis was very weak. My dietician was brilliant and given I had no appetite to start, she prescribed me complan milkshake supplement and ensure drinks. Both were fine to start with but she was keen to get me onto a more normal diet as soon as possible. My diet at first was high in protein and calories as I’d lost a lot of weight. It’s changed a bit as I was putting on weight as I got better and is now a high protein Mediterranean diet. I eat about 75g of protein a day. This is through plant based foods such as chickpeas, lentils and nuts as well as chicken, turkey and smaller quantities of red meat. I’ve managed to combine my love of cooking with her dietary advice and easily get the right nutrients everyday. I use a lot of herbs and spices to make food tasty as I have a low salt diet and I find it keeps my food interesting. With support I’ve found I don’t need the supplements, they were merely a stepping stone whilst my appetite was poor. Talk to your GP before you take any supplements, with cirrhosis you have to be very careful what you consume as you can cause more damage to your liver if you are not careful.

[wp69 in reply to Aotea2012]

My appetite for food has now rocketed , lean meats , fish and dairy with plenty of fruit and veg , im seeing a difference already , and the fat around my waist is also diminishing , thanks.

[Tp807]

İ too have a decompensated diagnosis. İn hospital (Birmingham QE) i found drinking mikshakes very struggling. They made me heave. İ dont like sweet things. İ now have a permanent prescription, with all the pills, for renapro shots. 3 a day. They are doable.