At CF Nutrition, our goal is to help support patients through the entire journey of surgery. This not only includes the days leading up to surgery but the weeks prior to and immediately following surgery. It is crucial to prepare your patients as best as possible in order for them to recover quickly. Protein is a key macronutrient in helping support your patients through surgery.
What is CF(Protein)® ?
CF(Protein)® is a plant-based protein drink that provides a concentrated dose of natural electrolytes, antioxidants, and essential fats. CF(Protein)® is a great choice for anyone who is preparing for, or recovering from surgery. Plant protein is the modern way to give the body the best nutrients with the lowest impact on the digestive system. CF(Protein)® contains13 g of delicious, clean plant protein packed into an 8-oz bottle.
Some benefits of drinking CF(Protein)® are:
· Promote muscle maintenance, repair, and recovery
· Strengthen the immune system
· Reduce risk of malnourishment
· Antioxidants & anti-inflammatory ingredients
· Concentrated nutrition on-the-go
· Healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fats
· Naturally derived vitamins & minerals
· Essential amino acids
· Natural fiber sources
· No artificial colors or flavors
· Shelf-stable
· Gluten-Free, Kosher, Non-GMO, Vegan, Dairy-Free
· Convenient on-the-go protein source
How often should your patient drink CF(Protein)® before and surgery?
Each CF(Protein)® has 13 g of protein per bottle. Prior to surgery, drinking 1-2 bottles per day (in addition to a well-balanced diet) for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery, will help your patient to feel strong and well-nourished for their operation. CF(Protein)® is not designed to be a sole source of nutrition. Therefore, consuming whole foods, high in protein, is recommended before and after surgery in order to meet protein and calorie needs.
What else does CF(Protein)® contain that can support your patient for surgery?
In addition to the protein content in CF(Protein)®, it also contains chia seed oil and turmeric which are anti-inflammatory. These will also help you to ensure your patients are at optimal nutrition status for their surgery as well as strengthen their immune system. The antioxidants in CF(Protein)® will help your patient to fight off diseases and strengthen their immunity.
Are protein needs increased before surgery?
There are a variety of factors that determine specific protein needs. These include age, activity level, chronic diseases, weight, and fitness goals. Typically, someone who is preparing for, or recovering from surgery has increased protein needs. This is to help the body ensure a speedy recovery.
If your patient is malnourished, it is important that you ensure they are consuming adequate calories and protein leading up to their surgery. Nutritional status is crucial prior to surgery. A nutritional assessment should be completed prior to any surgery to reduce the risk for postoperative complications, increased length of stay, and risk for infection. A patient can be diagnosed with mild or severe malnutrition by the MD. A Registered Dietitian can also assess the patient for mild to severe malnutrition.
The following criteria from Academy Adult Malnutrition Criteria (ASPEN) is used to identify moderate malnutrition. A patient must have at least two of following to be diagnosed with moderate malnutrition: weight loss >2% in 1 week, >5% in one month or >7.5% in 3 months; Energy intake less than or equal to 50% compared to estimated needs for greater than or equal to 5 days; Moderate body fat depletion; Moderate muscle mass depletion; Moderate to Severe Fluid Accumulation; and reduced grip strength. Furthermore, a patient must have at least two of the following to be diagnosed with severe malnutrition: Weight loss 1-2% in 1 week, 5% in one month, 7.5% in 3 months; Energy intake <75% compared to estimated needs in 7 days; mild body fat depletion; mild muscle mass depletion; mild fluid accumulation; and reduced grip strength.
What if my patient is malnourished?
It is imperative to correct malnutrition in a patient prior to their surgery. Research proves that malnutrition is a leading reason for poor outcomes postoperative. Studies show that preoperative nutritional deficiency is a strong predictor of 90 days mortality and poor overall survival. Nutrition status can be improved with recommendations from a Registered Dietitian. Common recommendations include high protein supplements such as CF(Protein)®. Other ways to improve nutritional status can include enteral or parenteral nutrition. For obese patients, it is often required to lose excess weight prior to surgery.
How do I determine the protein needs for my patients before surgery?
To determine how much protein your patient needs before or after surgery, take their body weight in kilograms and times it by 1.5 to 2.0.
If your patient’s weight is 150LB.
· Divide the weight in LB by 2.2 to get the weight in kg
o 150/2.2 = 68.2 kg
· Next, multiply the body weight by 1.5 to 2.0
o 68 times 1.5=102; 68 times 2.0=136 g
· They should consume 102-136 g per day of protein
Now that you understand how crucial protein is before surgery, head to our website to order samples or purchase CF(Protein)® today!