What are you eating?

Hi All, This is my first time posting to the July 2004 board. I have been active on the Michigan board since February. I was just curious what my fellow surgery sisters and brothers are eating about now. I am 5 weeks out tomorrow and NOTHING tastes good to me. I'd rather not eat at all, which is becoming a big problem because I am not getting in all my protein. And to top it off, I'm not getting in all my fluid. Only in the past week have I been able to get all my meds in. I have tried several different protein shakes and a protein drink called Isopure. So I've been trying to get my protein in with food only. On good days I get up to 47-53 grams of protein....but today happened to be a bad day. Soooo, I would be ever so grateful for any ideas.... Mary

Hi Mary, I know the feeling you are talking about. I had it about 2 weeks ago. The thought of food or protein shakes made me want to vomit. I switched to Procession Protein from GNC and that helped some. But mainly, it was the threat from surgeon that if I didn't eat and drink, I could end up in the ER. After that comment, I just focused on getting my water in for a day, then started focusing on the protein. Good luck, I hope it gets easier soon!!! Paige

I've been pretty lucky...I discovered Isopure fairly early on, but haven't had to resort to it, because I've been able to tolerate just about anything. I stay away from sugar (haven't dumped, exactly, but felt tired and lightheaded), and I've discovered that rice doesn't sit well with me. I eat extra lean ground beef (I don't like the ground turkey) and a lot of tuna and chicken. Chicken is kind of painful going down, though. Do you like string cheese? I eat a piece of that wrapped up in two or three thin slices (Oscar Mayer deli stuff, like on the commercial) with a dap of chipolte mayo for breakfast almost every day. I make a lot of tuna salad, which is major protein. I also usually drink a cup of milk each day. I almost always meet my requirements for protein. Liquids are anothe rmatter...I struggle with that. Pamela 352/323/135

Hi, Mary--I'm new to this board too. I'm on the Texas board alot but clicked in here and find so many working with the same challenges. I hate the taste of water!!!! I finally have settled in on iced tea with a little sweetner and a drop of lemon. Crystal lite lemonade is ok and occasionally s.f. tang. I concentrate on drinking more than anything. I called my dietician and she said just be sure to have protein at every meal no matter what. Yogurt, eggs, cheese tend to be my breakfast choices. sometimes peanut butter on two saltines with peaches (natural juice) on the side. I finally am getting real food down so I take a little meat (chicken, tuna, egg, etc.) that is very juicy with cooked vegetable (all total never over 4 oz. in all) and the same for dinner. I haven't tried raw vegetables yet. I have a s.f. popscile or s.f. jello if I need a snack. My biggest problem is I get tired of the same meal if I eat it more than 2 times. So I throw out a lot! Keep experimenting. Some things make me want to be sick with just the thought so I move on to something else. I even like refired beans, cheese, little salsa if you can do it, and I have even crumbed a little chicken in with it. spices don't seem to hurt me--just high fat or high sugar. Fruit does well if I eat it on the side with the protein (lowfat cottage cheese etc.) this sounds like a lot of food but I never have more than I safely can put in my pouch. I stop the minute I feel pressure or disinterested. Hope that helps and good luck on the protein. My dr. wants me getting it from food vs. protein drinks. I know this sounds crazy but put turkey pepperoni slices on a paper towel in the microwave 30-45 seconds and pat all the fat out. They are like jerky and a good snack. Put in the plastic bag to keep fresh. They are spicy so watch out on drinking! Good luck Bunny

Hi Mary And Bunny, welcome to the July board. Its a nice place to find folks in the same boat. I'm just now starting on solid foods. I drink a protein shake everyday made with 2 scoops of egg whey chocolate flavor and 1 pkg SF CIB, ice and water which gives me about 50 grams of protien and 12 ounces fluid. Then I drink at least 1 lg Propel which is 24 ounces, so far thats only 36 ozs. As the day goes on I try to eat hi pro foods like a scrambled egg made with milk and cheese (super soft and fluffy) homemade spinach dip, refried beans with salsa and cheese, meat ravioli with meat sauce (1st time tonight, we'll see how it goes), lean deli chicken, etc. Last night I had a small piece of meat with cheese from a Philly Cheese steak. I haven' tried any veggies, breads, taters etc. I have had low fat crackers with low fat soft cheese. I take chewable vitamens and calcium, blend the biotin and vitamin C into the shake and take my night time meds cut into small pieces with SF/FF pudding. I'm just starting to try and get regular exercise, I feel like I'm in hibernation mode. Once I get to bed I don't want to get up, I'd rather just stay there and sleep. I know I need to get my fluids up, but drinking is hard. The propel is the only plain liquid that sits well and it's hard to drink when your sleeping!!! I'm waiting for the big energy boost everyone keeps talking about. I'm hoping the energy I had in the hospital wasn't it!! Anyway, keep in touch and let us know how you are doing and what is working! CJ -34.5

CJ, Did you know that your body can only absorb 30 grams of protien at one sitting? So you saying that you are getting 50 in one meal isnt correct. You are actually wasting 20 grams. ~Debra

Thanks Debra, but it takes me 2 to 3 hours to finish the shake so I figure over that time frame I'm okay. CJ

I've been having lots of problems with a stricture and ulcer, etc. I really have no appetite, but I know I have to eat. I get real mozzerella and add some roasted red pepper and balsamic vineger and cut it up small. That seems to stay down well. I also have a problem with protein shakes - if I never drink another one I will be happy. I found GNC Liquid Protein. It is a fruit flavored syrupy type drink, but 3 tablespoons is 18g of protein. 3 tablespoons is much better than 6 oz. of protein shake! I can't keep eggs down for some reason. Guess they'll have to wait for awhile. I'm going to try some tuna today mushed up really good and some mayo for moistness. I have to find more options. With the ulcer I don't want to eat too many spicy foods. I too am having problems getting in all of my liquids. I feel like I have to be drinking all day long. It's a chore, but hopefully, it will get better..... Hugs, Nancy

Nancy, Did you go to NYC already? Were they able to dilate the stricture? I hope so and that you are feeling better. CJ

I spoke with the surgeon today and he said that he has conferred with a few other WLS surgeons and since I'm not vomiting and I'm able to keep food down, we're going to give it a month and see if I'm still losing weight at a good pace. He said I can leave it this way forever if I'm getting the desired results. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but we'll see. I'm happy not to be in the hospital, I'm happy that I'm able to eat without pain and vomiting , and I'm especially happy that they're coming to take my PICC line out tomorrow!!! Thanks for asking CJ. Hope all is well with you. Hugs, Nancy