Protein

I did some calculations and I'm not quite hitting 80g of protein each day, including a 40g protein drink supplement. All of my meals are protein-rich, so I think I need some new food ideas. What do you all do to get in your protein? Nicole

Hi Nicole, I sometimes just eat deli meat and cheese roll up. Turkey is better cause it lower in fat. I do that as a snack. Hope that helps Montego

My doctor's aftercare program strictly prohibits snacking between meals. I know they have their reasons, but getting in all the protein with 3 meals is rough! I guess it's time for me to talk to my nutritionist about it. Boar's Head makes a yummy deli chicken that I like to eat sliced, too. Thanks! Nicole

So, you only eat 3 meals a day. Wow, I would be hungry. My doctor has me eating 6 times a day that is including snacking. I mean like with the deli meat and I do yougurt with protein in it. May a protein bar as a snack mid morning. I also do sugar free pudding with skim milk. You should talk to your nutritionist about it. My Dr wants me to do 760 calories a day. Good Luck!!! Montego

Yep, 3 meals a day. No snacking. Period. The aftercare program at the bariatric center I went through is comprehensive and the nutritionist is on board with it all; she encourages patients not to snack at all. To be perfectly honest with you, I have yet to experience true hunger, so it's not a big deal for me. Another "rule" is no drinking 30 minutes before a meal, during the meal, and 30 minutes after the meal. If I were snacking between meals, I'd likely not get in all my water anyway. I think I'm going to investigate protein powders to add to my foods.

wow...is 80 what everyone was told? I was told 60 mgs of protein but more if I could. I've been stretching to get the 60 mgs in. Yikes!

I was told 60 minimum too and I get it most days but not all! I eat either 4 or 5 times a day depending on my schedule.

My program said at least 60 grams, not 80. I know I've mentioned it before, but I like the south beach protein bars that are 19g of protein in a bar. They are a Meal replacement and I usually will replace breakfast with that. I eat the low fat colby jack string cheese too. I like thin sliced deli meat or a ham and cheese sandwhich. For additional work lunch ideas: I like the microwavable vegatable and beef soups, they are easy and ready in 2 minutes. They have some protein, natural vitamins in the vegetables, and I find the broth soothing on my pouch. I also like to bring fresh fruit like grapes, cherries or the like. No protein, but they sure taste good! If you like ****tail shrimp, they are high in protein, and low in fat. I buy them pealed deveined, and frozen, then thaw as many as I need out by running under cool water, and then dip them in ****tail sauce. I can't stand tuna, so this is a good omega-3 source for me. Good luck all-- Dave

Hey Dave 80 is the max, but hell...I don't think I'm hitting 60 either! I'll keep some of your food ideas in mind for when I'm allowed to eat more of a variety. I've tested a few items not on my food list and found I tolerate them, but they're not on my approved list just yet. One more month! I really miss salads and tomatoes!

60 is a MINIMUM requirement... (anything less for more than a few weeks, and you will likely end up in hospital from malnutrition, getting a feeding tube or TPN). After you've had RNY you stop absorbing as well so your protein intake will progress. The general consensus seems to be around 100 grams protein and 100 oz water per day after about 3 months postop.... personally I can't make that goal, but that's the goal...