Best spinal fusion post-op recovery diet? Weight Gain?

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backpaingirl

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Hi everyone,

HAs anyone here had experience (doctor advice, etc) with the best post-op diet for a spinal fusion? I am severely Vit. D deficient, so I'm sure I will continue to take those supplements, but I'm just not good at eating regularly in general. Has anyone used Ensure products or meal bars in order to get enough nutrients?

Also, I am very worried that I will gain weight during my 6 weeks of recovery due to inactivity. Did anyone experience this?
 
Not sure if had the same back surgery, I had L4-L5 non pedical screw fusion.
I am eating a high calcium diet, Cheeses milk etc. Haven't gained any weight. I didn't really eat the first week. Week two and three, lots of walking 2 miles or so and eating smart.
 
Actually, you don't feel much like pigging out or eating heavy. I ended up losing about 24lbs. over the surgery and recovery. My surgeon said that his patients usually lose between 20-30 lbs. and it tenRAB to stay off. I started with a 3 level fusion. It's almost like your body is too busy healing to worry too much about food.
 
Thanks picnica and ibake.

I've gained so much weight since I started having back pain (due to inactivity) that I was worried about inactivity during the recovery period. It sounRAB like, though, that I will be able to move much more after the surgery than I have been able to for years (can't walk or stand more than 30 seconRAB).

The only time I can really move right now is when I'm in a swimming pool--I love it! I'll be asking my doctor how long it will be before I can get in a pool again. If anyone out there has never tried water aerobics, do look into it--the pool has been my saving grace in the last 6 months (and I've lost 15 lbs!). And one tip--don't do an arthritis foundation class--I thought I needed that due to my lack of mobility, but I didn't--the water is really hopt is those courses. Regular shallow water aerobics with a no-pressure instructor is fabulous.

I'm going to ask about calcium and protein supplements so that I can get all of the nutrient I need for healing.
 
I took two month's worth of water baby classes-as my hubby calls it. It really helps with you getting everything moving again. you have to be healed-incision wise enough that you have no open areas. So the incisions need to be closed. I think I went at around 2.5 months.

BUT don't push it when you first get in as you will be so worn out that you can barely get home. When I was first going I still couldn't drive so my hubby would take me to and from the classes. He brought work along and sat and worked while I bobbed along...:)
 
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