I am 74. Before surgery I did a lot of walking (4 or 5 miles per day at a 4 mph clip). I also did several weight lifting exercises but mainly “planks” and leg-lifts. My nurses at the hospital provided strong encouragement to walk with my IV tower, claiming they wouldn’t release me until I could prove I could be mobile.

As for protein, I found the Shamrock Farms chocolate shake which has around 30 gm protein per 12 oz with no added sugar. I also bought lots of cans of chicken breast, tuna and salmon at Costco. I added mayo, relish and onion to make 3 flavors of salad that I ate with crackers and/or toast. Lots of protein in those “meals” and I rotated through them for a change of flavor. To help with weight gain, I added Keto Brand and Nick’s Brand Ice Creams. They are low carb, high fat. They also have about 7 gm protein per serving.

I am making good progress and it is not easy. As a friend told me, it’s the PATIENT in PATIENCE. I hope you find something that works consistently for you!