How on Earth Do I Get It All in, in One Day?

I'm going on 6 weeks out from my surgery and I've noticed that, for the past couple of weeks, I'm having a horrible time getting in all my protein and liquids. It's like I can't eat as much as I originally could and things are making me sick more often. Even though my doc's program encourages "real food" as opposed to protein shakes, I've had to resort to at least one shake a day to even get close to my goal. Have any of you experienced the same thing?

Yes. I cannot tolerate the protein drinks and have stuggled with it. I am now on fish and chicken and on my first day did more than 70 in protein. So therefore I will not need the drinks.

That is why one protein drink a day with about 20-25 grams of protein is a good thing. Without it, it is very difficult to eat enough protein with our limited capacity. I have found the egg substitutes to be extremely helpful, good protein and light on the pouch. I am reading all the labels on everything all the time looking for high protein sources.

I can tolerate food alright but I still have trouble getting in my liquids. I drink protein drinks (not the shakes ick!) protein ice is great. I have alot of trouble getting in all the water. It was real hard at first to drink and all that but my stomach finally is completely healed and I can take regular drinks of liquid now instead of teeny sips. So I just have to personally get on the ball and drink... but around 6 weeks is when I juuust started to notice that I could sip bigger sips. Best Wishes. Elizabeth M -45lbs

what is protein ice. the shakes are getting bad for me too.

Hi Tracey!! I understand exactly!! I am 5 weeks today and food does not interest me. I have tried some different things but they did not like me. Even if they did I'd never be able to eat that much food to get the protien in. I was really dissapointed in me. I also struggled to get my minimum 64 oz of water in. One day I had only 189 calories with 31 grams protien. TERRIBLE. However, I have discovered something. I have a 5 pound tubb of "all the whey" unflavored protien. (I bought it pre-op.) I've had it in yogurt and as a milkshake...YUCK! Couldn't gag it down. Was told by someone at OH to try 16 oz sf kool aid. Yesterday I finally got up the courage to try it again. I use 32 oz crystal light with one scoop. I LIKED it! The taste stayed the same. The texture did too. you can't even tell it's there!! I was thrilled!! I had 57 grams of protien yesterday!! 1st time since surgery. it takes me a little while to fini**** but I can!! and just 2 drinks like that meet my minimum water intake. I do drink at other times which is extra. And today i feel better than I've felt since surgery!! ~~Kym~~ open 3/25/04

Tracy, are you relaxed when you eat? The program that I am on with Dr. Wallace in Milwaukee Wisconsin has me NOT drinking thirty minutes befor,during, and thirtyminutes after a meal. I was put on pureed real food in the hospital and high calorie drinks of any kind are not allowed. The protein goal at first was 60 grams and now I am to try to eat 70 to 75 grams of protein befor really trying to eat alot of new fruits and veggies. The liquid goal is 64 ozs and now aiming for 80 up to 100 ozs a day. Fruit 2 O I really like alot and the crystal light teas and Tang. Milk is also included as the dailey liquids. The dietician gave me a reciepe for high protein milk. It is 4 cups of milk with one cup of powdered milk blended in and is best drank the day after mixing. It makes one cup of milk 14 grams of protein. Eggs are a good source too 12 grams per egg. Cheese added to stuff helps. I found I like the chicken in a can better than a cooked chicken breast. Tuna and shrimp or fish is also good. Refried beans with cheese and taco sauce is also a favorite of mine. All along they have told me protein first and if any room is left then veggies and fruits. Protein shakes are not allowed because being a liquid is goes straight through the pouch, and learning how to get the protein in and down will become harder and harder. I had my RNY open on 03/25/08 and have not had any problem reaching the 60 grams a day. Flavor has become a big issue and I find myself using taco sauce A LOT. Good luck to you and I hope you can get your protein in with food very soon!

I find it so strange how all doctors have a different food program. My doctor encourages protein drinks. I have found a good one. It is called Isopure. It has 40 grams of protein. It is a drink as opposed to a shake (not a milk product). They have some good flavors. I like the blue rasberry best. So even if you drink one of these a day and then eat "real food" you can be sure to get in your protein. You can buy this protein drink at GNC, or Vitamin Shoppe. Or any other sport nutrition place.