I'm now officially a loser --- but having some probs.

Hi all. My surgery was June 13 and at last count I was down 26lbs. I think I've lost about 10 more since my last weigh in. I'm really struggling with the protein. I've tried the sugar free carnation instant breakfast in milk, lactaid, soy... I've tried the Isopure, I've tried 100% all the whey in various things, I've tried the carb solutions vanilla... NOTHING agrees with my stomach when it comes to protein and it is so frustrating. The past two days all I could do was cry. Prior to surgery I picked up some of the EAS drinks, they tasted good I thought I was home free.. well thats until I got the taste of rotting flesh in my mouth.. LOL I'm sure you all know what I am talking about. My partner says it smells like gasoline and sugar. I'm told that it is because of all the fat that my body is burning and it takes about 3 months or so to go away. Because of the ickiness, I am having a hard time getting anything down, nothing tastes good. I'm still on a soft/puree diet.. I'm hoping to change to solids on Thursday as long as my dietician approves. I think that will be easier for me since I can munch on the protein bars to get more protein in me. Any of you have any suggestions for this funk in my mouth? I've always got some type of sf mint with me and some gum but that only hides it for a while.... I need some help!

Hi Jen, I also had my surgery on June 13! It would seem like forever ago if it were'nt for the horrid pain in my left side that keeps reminding me. I had an infection in one of my laparoscopy sites that just keeps nagging. Are you on antibiotics or notice a white coating in your mouth? If you do you might have a yeast infection in your mouth. If not it probably is just your body going through ketoacidosis. I've heard of several different "internal deodorizers" that are supposed to help. For the most part they all have chlorophyll in them and they are supposed to help internally as opposed to a temporary fix like sucking on mints. I haven't tried any yet but I keep making my husband do the "smell test" to tell me if my breath is getting stinky. I did have a yucky taste in my mouth when I was on antibiotics but just brushed my teeth and tongue alot and tried to eat or drink yogurt at least once a day. Hope it gets better for you! Hanan

HI Jen, Sorry to hear that you are having such a hard time.... I have read about Nectar Protien, it comes in fruity flavors, and seems like it would be pretty good. They also have unflavored whey protien, at any health food store, you can add this to anything at all, drinks, food and it has not taste, I would look into that if you can.... do a google search that is what I did. I hope things get better, great job with the weight loss.....I just had my surgery on June 30th. Lots of Luck, Lori

Lori - 100% all the whey is supposively unflavored, however when mixed in drinks, it makes everything extremely heavy and it has a horrid aftertaste, in my opinion. I am able to mix about a teaspoon in some crystal light without noticing it THAT much but with the way my tastebuds have changed and because of this nastiness in my mouth (no white stuff) nothing tastes good. Prior to surgery I was able to eat yogurt and all that, now the thought of even putting in my mouth makes me want to vomit. I knew going into this it was going to be hard, however.. not this hard. I am lucky that I have a great support system that is keeping me in step and making sure that I am following my guide laid out by my dr and physician. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they could put the protein in a pill? lol

Jen, thanks for letting me know that because i was gonna run and buy some, i have been looking endless here today on where to purchase it locally. I have a little yucky feeling in my mouth but not really that bad.... How about the Nectar Protien Have you looked into that yet. THanks for the warning...... Lori

Sorry to hear you are having a hard time right now. I know what you mean on the monster breath and bad taste. Yuck! I was told that this was normal and because we are burning our own body fat (ketosis). Watch out for one thing though...Keep checking the inside of your mouth for white patches on your tongue or cheeks. If this develops, you have a yeast infection in your mouth called "thrush" and you will need a script from your doc for it. One thing that helps me with the monster breath is Listerine orange flavored mouthwa****'s a little strong....but it lasts a long time. I have a hard time getting all of my protein in too. The few things I CAN tolerate are Carb Countdown Chocolate milk (12g protein) and Unjury Chocolate shakes(20g protein).....but I lean more towards the Carb Countdown because it is not as thick.....thick seems to bother me. I can also tolerate Adkin's Advantage Strawberry shakes (20g protein) in the can...but there are some days that I just can't. Hoping you feel better soon..... Pam

Jen, I think that almost everyone that has had the surgery is having a hard time with the protein. Have you tried Premium whey protein? It is put out by body for life.(www.bodyforlife.com) It is at Wal-mart and cost about $14.00 for a 30 serving container. It is 20 grams of protein and mix with a 8oz. glass of skim milk adds another 9 grams of protein giving you 29 grams in 8oz. I add a few ice cubes along and put it threw the blender and it taste great. Gotta have it cold for a better taste. I make my own s/f puddings with the skim milk to get my protein that way. You can add another 1/3 c of dry milk to your drink/pudding for another 9 grams of protein. I know it has been hard for me to get mine in everyday, but to keep the weight coming off and the hair staying in we all need the protein. Hope this helps you out a little. Sandy