Protein shakes?

Hello All I havent posted in while. Still dealing with testing positive for HepC after weightloss surgery. I've accepted it fairly well, just frustrated with getting approval from roche to send me the expensive meds for free that the doc prescribed. I will be on tx for 6 mths and pray that the virus will be undetectable by then. Weighloss still slow, down to about almost 210. I was wondering if I were to start doing my protein shakes again(2daily) would that pick up my weightloss? Any of you still doing protein shakes? I can still barely eat certain types of meats. Also I'm still walking everyday. This is what I admit to not doing (1) not drinking enough water, I'm drinking maybe 40 oz daily, (2) eating more pasta and potatoes, thay are soft and my pouch likes them, (3) eating sweets sometimes because unfortunately I dont dump anymore. Yes I know my own problem and solution, just need some support. My gastro doesnt want me to lose a lot of more weight right now, because she says she doesnt know the implications of a weightloss patient doing Hep C treatment which is a cancer drug (mine is pegasys/copegasys) and has a lot of side effects, fatique, nausea, weightloss, aches, pains , elevated temp etc. I've talked to people who have lost 40 lbs in two months!Also there is the problem of red and white cell falling dangerously low while on tx and having to take procrit and another drug for the white cell count. Oh me oh my!!! My face is already so small that it looks like a bird face. What will 40 more lbs lost make me look like: a cornish hen!!! LOL Anyway I was wondering if anyone almost a year out stilldoes the protein shakes. I really like them, but had started drinking them only once a week since i can eat reg food much better now. Havent been taking calcium either and the milk that I make my shake with will give me a little calcium which I shalll start taking again. Any advice is welcome. Carolyn Faye

Caroline, I had surgery a week after you. I still do 2 protein shakes a day. I feel better when I do. I admit I eat a bite or two of potatoes now and then, cannot eat pasta I . I try and drink at least 60 to 80 ozs of water a day, its hard. Don't tolerate some meats, chicken and pork Try drinking a couple shakes a day and see what happens. Can't hurt. Keep your chin up things will get better. Rhonda 312/185/155?

Hi Carolyn!!! I had lap rny on January 15, 2005. I have currently lost 110 pounds and need to lose between 20-25 more pounds. Although, many people have told me that I look fine now. I'm only 5 feet, so I think I'm still too heavy for my weight and according to the BMI calculator. I am still on the same diet that I was on since lap rny which consists of the following: Breakfast - Protein shake = 70 grams of protein Lunch - 3-4 oz. of chicken or fish Dinner - same as lunch plus a small tossed salad My surgeon says no snacks, and I'm never really hungry anyway. You may want to definitely increase your water intake, I drink approximately 130-140 oz. of water per day. Are you also take vitamins and any supplements? I'm taking 2 multi-vitamins, 1 B-12, l,500 mg. of calcium, 18 mg. of iron, and also still taking Biotin twice a week for nails, and hair. I'm still exercising, and have currently been working out at 24 Hour Fitness. Prior to that I have a treadmill at home. I will keep you in my prayers, in regards to the treatment you are receiving. Take care of yourself and remember that we are always here to listen and support you!! Have a blessed Holiday Season!!! Aloha, Pat 261/150/120-125

Carolyn sorry to hear that you will have to undergo treatment. Hope you do just fine you are strong(you would have to be to have gone through with the surgery in the first place). I am almost 11 months out and still suppliment with not shakes but protein puddings. They seem to go down better and are not bad to taste. I generally eat at least 2 if not three a day each one having 20 grams of protein. My food intake is not the greatest although getting better. I wish you the best with your treatment and continued success with your weight loss. Have happy holidays. Peg

Thank you all for the replies. I have already had a shake for breakfast and will have another one for lunch. I will drink as much water in between as possible. I know the little water I drink can cause dehydration. I do take a centrum multi vitamin and b12 everyday. Have a Mery Xmas!!! CArolyn Faye

Hi Carolyn, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis...keep the faith about the treatment working (I know some folks with HepC and they're now doing fine). I still do 2 protein drinks a day because still having issues with certain types of foods. Now that it's colder I mainly drink my protein as hot chocolate or protein lattes. I've always made my protein shakes & drinks with milk because I know I need the added calcium and protein from the milk. Some WLS patients and their docs feel you shouldn't add extra calories to your protein drinks, but mine is okay with it (and IMHO it makes them taste better!). Plus, the added protein will help you out once you start treatment. Take care and good luck! Mary Ellen 280/163/160