anyone else?

I have been reading the posts on the December board for awhile now, and it seems that most of you are getting in adequate protein and water, and eating what seems to be a very balanced diet. I, on the other hand am finding it difficult to eat anything at all. I just don't have an appetite, and have to make myself eat something most of the time. I can't get in protein because I just am not hungry, and I get full really fast. Does anyone else feel this way, or is it just me? I feel like I barely eat enough to keep a bird alive, but still somehow manage to have energy. I have lost 70 pounds since surgery, and feel good about that, but I just want to be able to eat a healthy diet. Any suggestions?

Hi there Raegan, I am hoping I can be of help to you. I had my WLS on dec 15th 2003. I have lost now ......80 pds I am having alot of trouble digesting alot of stuff. I do not eat in between so my appetite is better to get something in.I dont eat breakfast just coffee, then around noon I blend yogurt 2 sweet and lows strawberries and any juice in blender. I know I am getting my fruits in this way.I also drink v-8 juice so I know i get my veggies in. I drink a protein drink also... for dinner I only have broiled fish. When I dont eat in between I can get something in. Sometimes I feel that I am not getting enough either. My blood work is good so i guess I am doing the right thing.. Wendys chili works well for me also... just chew well ok and take your time. My starting weight was 245 and now I am 165 feeling great .... please try the yogurt drink you will love it... take care keep me posted LORRAINE TO YOU

Raegan, The only way I am able to get my protein in (and to be honest it doesn't happen everyday) is to have a protein drink in the morning for breakfast. It starts me off with 30g of protein and then I am already there. This way I can eat the foods I enjoy (as long as they are good choices) and I don't have to worry about whether or not I will get in all of my protein for the day. Are you throwing up food and the little that you are getting in... are you having a hard time doing that? You could have a stricture. If you are continuing to have a very difficult time I would call your surgeon and let him know what is going on. How abou****er... how are you doing on that? ~Rachel

Hello, I too have to drink a protein shake in order to get in my protein for the day. You must get al least 60 grams in per day. I use Designer whey from GNC. I get the chocolate flavor. It does not taste like most of those shakes, it is actually good and a treat to drink! I mix mine with about 5 ounces of milk because 8 is just too much to drink some days. I get in over 20 grams of protein in the morning that way. You should get at least 20 grams of protein per meal if you are a three meal a day plan. I also suppliment with beef jerky. But if you have problems digesting, you might not be able totolerate it. 4 months is a LONG TIME for your body to go without getting enough. Start all of your meals with protein, if you can't eat enough for your 20 grams, then don't eat anything else and maybe you will be hungry enough to eat some more protein later. Are you getting in your B12, Iron, Calcium Citrate, Multi Vitamin and gall bladder pill every day? Another suggestion, go to www.fitday.com and start logging in everything that you eat. It is a great way to keep track of the foods you eat and make sure you are getting in enough protein. It is also a great way to log your eating habits to show your physician. Hope this helps. If you continue not being able to get your protein in, you really need to see your surgeon as this will lead to health problems later. Tracy

Have you talked to your surgeon about this? Your body needs those nutrients and 4 months is a very long time to go without. You don't want to set yourself up for nutritional problems. Maybe if you can only get in so much at a time--try doing MORE smaller portions. Take a measuring cup--probably should be able to eat around 3/4 cup at this time if not slightly more. I think my documentation is up to 1 Cup at this point. Start out with 1/4 cup and see how much you can get in. Try cottage cheese or Low Sugar Yogurt. Easier to digest, easy on the pouch and Y limb. But at least you will be getting some protein. Do you like tuna? Try working on one of those small cans--lots of protein, easy source (no cooking etc...) Do at least 1 protein shake...break it up into 2 smaller servings if necessary. It takes me a good 30 mins if not more to drink my shake (about 8 oz). BUT I would definitely call my Surgeon's office first and make sure they don't have any concerns. IF you can't get your stuff in they may want you to drink something like Ensure to get in your nutrients. Your body can only function so long without it.

Hi Raegan I also drink a protien drink every morning to start my day. I mix it with a cup of coffee and drink it slowly while reading the paper etc... This month my appetite has increased, but in the early months I would eat a little something 4-5 times a day to get nutrients in. Have you tried mozzarella cheese sticks? Each one is about an ounce, 80cal and 8g protien. They always went down well for me. How about raw nuts? I will eat 10 almonds for a snack. A little high in fat, but great protien-just chew really well. If you continue to have problems please contact your DR. It is so very importain to get the nutrition our bodies need. Take care~Kimberly

Hi Raegan Thanks for posting because I am in your boat and now the protein in my blood is VERY low - 12.5 when average is 20 to 30. I have read the suggestions and will try some of the shakes. I have found that I can digest protein shakes made with soy a lot easier than those made with whey. But they are a lot more expensive. But I guess a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! Joanne -64

Hi Reagan... Remember me? We had surgery the same day at the same hospital! We're surgery twins! I also use a protein drink in the morning as breakfast. Do I like it?? NO!! I have to totally MAKE MYSELF do it but it gets me a good start for the day and then I can get in what I need through eating. Unfortunately, I do have an appetite and I enjoy eating again.....I guess that's both good and bad. I haven't lost any hair so I think I'm getting enough protein. Also, are you exercising? I walk every day and I think that helps me mentally, with energy, and also probably contributes to my interest in food. I wish you the best! You are doing great with the loss....but life should be fun and exciting too!! SO I hope you can get the protein you need to keep you energized! Jenni -76

I'm 4 1/2 mos po and have had great weight loss. However, having said that I experience what you are experiencing. I've had to relearn how my body tells me things. I don't get hungry but I experience weakness if I don't get in enough food. I always have a thirst that never seems to get quenched. Things I tolerated before surgery I can't now. (for instance, cinammon and garlic turn my stomach). I drink the fit and trim Dannon yogurt smoothie every morning to get something in my pouch. After exercise I eat breakfast which is 2 ozs LF Cottage Cheese, 2 ozs. SF jello and mandarin oranges. Soup is still my favorite lunch. Chicken or fish or a turkey burger for dinner. A sugar free popsicle is good just before bed. Don't let yourself become anorexic or dehydrated.