Questions

Hey Everyone, Well, I have some questions and concerns. I had my surgery on November 20th. I am having a hard time getting my protein in. When I actually get hungry, I don't want meat. I usually end up eating a cracker or cheese. So, I am really worried about not getting enough protein in. Is it ok to go back to protein shakes? I was not sure since I was post-op. When I get myself to eat meat, I barely eat any. On top of that, lately pretty much everything has been making me sick feeling...Blah... But I am getting tired of the same old things, so what are some good recipes. I feel bad that I am already having these problems and I am barley a month out. I hope I have not been a burden on anyone! I would love some advice! I hope everyone was a wonderful and Blessed night!

Jennifer, I had my surgery 11/28 and the doctor told me I have to get in 75 grams of protein a day. I use the "New Whey" liquid protein and do not have any trouble as I'm actually getting in 84 grams! They come in little "test tube" looking plastic containers and each one has 42 grams of protein. The best part is it is only 3.1 oz!!!! It's really thick, almost like syrup so I mix mine with water and it's actually okay. You can buy these at GNC, Vitamin World and Smoothie King. You can also order them online. I would caution you with the flavors though as I've only found the grape flavor to be tolerable. You really need your protein in order to heal and stay healthy. Good luck and if you need anymore suggestions, I have a list I can give you! Beth

A list would be great whenever you get time!

Jennifer: GNC also makes a Protein Shake called "Designer Whey" in fruit flavors. I have the Orange/Mango and the Pomegranete. I found these easier to deal with in the beginning. I would say that if Protein Shakes are the only way you can get your protein in, then so be it, but make sure your doctor is aware. Protein is the most important way you help yourself to heal, whatever way you can get it. I was on liquids for three weeks after my surgery, and am still on puree. Hopefully, I will advance to full diet this Thursday when I see my nutritionist. ~Shirley

I had a 4 week appointment yesterday with my nurse clinician, and she told me I should probably still take a shake as a meal replacement, cause I am still (and will be for a while) unable to eat all that I need for protein. She said use it as a replacement because otherwise it could cause an overload of calories for the day, and because to sip on it through the day would be similar to grazing, which is the equivalent of snacking. However, that is my surgeons program. you really want to call your surgeon and find out what their rules are. They would really rather we call and ask questions, rather than cause ourselves harm because we were afraid to ask. Hey, my surgery was also on November 20th! Cheese is good. One of the things they told me to try was to get a peice of thinly sliced deli meat (real stuff, not the pre-packaged stuff) and wrap it around the cheese stick. Loads of protein and flavor. Probably won't (and shouldn't) be able to eat the whole thing, but it's a boost. I don't know what you are allowed to eat according to your program. Have you tried corned beef ha****'s good stuff, there is a reduced fat version available. You can also mix a little egg in with it and boost the protein that way too. Refried beans with nacho cheese on top? Turkey chili without beans with or without cheese (this can also be put on top of a little bit of baked potato. Do you like seafood. Crab meat is an awesome source of protein, and you can mix it with a little creamed cheese to put on a cracker (you can find canned crab in the same area as canned tuna). Salmon is good. Are you eating cottage cheese, or yogurt? Some protein powders are good when mixed in with these items. Unjury unflavored is fine this way. Also, look for Eggface on the main board, and click on her picture (easy to find cause her avatar is literally a face made of bacon and eggs). She has a wonderful site where she has tons of tasty looking recipes for protein rich drinks. I just got some of the ingredients, so I haven't tried any of them yet. Anyway, that's about all I've got for now.

Have you not been doing shakes since your surgery? Did your surgeon tell you not to drink them? Did you get an actual eating plan from your nutritionist that you're suppose to follow? If so, go back and read it again to see if there's anything in there that you forgot or missed (I read mine often and refer to it almost daily). My NUT wants me to drink 3 shakes a day. This might change after I see her for my 6 week check up next week, though. However, I'm only doing 1 or maybe 2 a day depending on what I'm eating. Here's a typical day's food for me. 7:30 am - protein shake 10:00 - breakfast (Vanilla Egg Custard - link below) http://www.wlsgourmet.com/node/41 1:00 - lunch (usually tuna or chicken salad w/ crackers) 4:30 - small snack (cheese stick, deli meat, etc.) 7:30 - dinner (either more tuna/chicken salad or fish or chicken w/veggies) 9:30 - cup of hot cocoa -- if I am short on protein, I'll make it a protein hot cocoa instead My goal is to hit at least 75 grams of protein per day. (My NUT's goal is 60-80g.) If I follow this schedule I am at 49g after breakfast, so it takes the pressure off for the rest of the day. Meat is pretty hard for me too, but tuna salad and chicken salad go down pretty easy. I also have Wendy's Chilli pretty often and that's loaded with protein -- and it is easy on my pouch as long as I chew the beef really well. If you're not hitting your protein goals every single day --- you run the risk of very dangerous complications such as loss of muscle mass (your heart is a muscle), hair loss, lack of energy. So getting in all your protein should be your #1 daily goal (with hitting your water goal being a very close #2). Good luck, Pam

Hi! i haven't been doing shakes since my surgery. Was led to believe I didn't have too. I really feel lost. How do you find out you can eat certain things, ex. Wendy's Chili? Do you make your own or get it from there? Hot Cocoa?? Is it the regular kind without sugar? Does it not have caffeine. Am I allowed oranges and tangerines if I don't eat the seeds and stringy part? I need help! Thanks, Lynn

Lynn - It's very unusual for post-op folks to NOT have shakes after surgery. Your new pouch is so small that there's no way you can possibly eat enough food to be getting in your required 60-80 grams of protein per day. So to boost your protein intake you need to supplement with shakes or some other type of protein snack. I was instructed to drink 3 shakes per day - but right now I'm doing just 1 or 2 depending on what else I eat. What's your typical protein intake per day right now? Did your surgeon or nutritionist give you a target range of grams of protein to get in everyday? Did your surgeon's office give you any kind of information about food choices, menues, approved foods at certain stages? Is there an after-care program at your surgeon's office at all? If you didn't get any information and they don't have any to offer or don't bother educating you --- I'd be happy to share the info I received from my surgeon with you. When did you have surgery and what type? As for the hot cocoa. I generally make Protein Hot Coco (recipe in my profile), but at work I have a stash of Swiss Miss Diet Hot Chocolate that has 2g protein, 2g sugar and 25 calories. Not sure about caffine, but if there's any in there I'm sure its minimal. I was told no raw fruit (like oranges and tangerines and pineapple) for at least the first 6 weeks. I can have canned peaches and pears and applesauce and bananas - but otherwise most fruit is off limits for me right now. I should get clearance to add fruit at my 6-week check up next week though. Feel free to PM me if you have further questions. I'm always amazed when surgeon's don't give their patients any clear direction on their eating plans. I'm happy to help in whatever way I can. Pam

hi jennifer,try spiru-tein,it comes in great flavors and tastes good!! good luck