Post Date: 6/25/09 12:09 pm
Ok I'm three weeks post-op and barely eating I'm never hungry I'm supposed to eat 6 small meals a day I'm barely getting in 2. I drink water constantly, only water satisfies my dry mouth. I take all of my vitamins like clockwork and check my vitals everyday. Yet I feel horrible. I can't tolerate protein shakes I literally dry heave after a few sips. So my protein intake is minimal, and I'm weak all the time. Any suggestions.  Thanxs, Amy

HW267/SW257/CW240/GW148

          10lbs Before Surgery

I haven't had surgery yet, but I have done a lot of reading and asking questions of the professionals.  They say that a lot of people have trouble with the protein shakes because of texture.  I am getting a single serving blender to mix mine. They also say if you add more water and keep it VERY cold that helps and you can sip on it for a while.  But they dtress to keep it very cold.  Another suggestion I've ben given is to use the Vanilla prtein drinks and add extract to give it the flavor you like. I was told you can add artificial sweetner if it's not sweet enough. I've been told that stevia (brand name Truvia) works great.  Chocolate is harder to modify.  Good luck.

Hi Amy!
I'm sorta feeling your pain here. Since my PS I don't have an appetite either but am having to figure out what to eat to keep my strength up.
First of all, did you NUT give you a list of high protein foods that would be good choices? Sometimes if you can pick something you really like it helps you to eat more of it. For me that is seafood. I buy the frozen shrimp (peel and eat, already peeled) from Wal-Mart. It's full of protein and I love shrimp so it is a good choice for me.
I also love the individually frozen Tilapia (also purchased at wal-mart and reasonably priced!) I simply sprinkle some seasoning salt on it, a tiny bit of teriaki sauce on it and bake in the toaster oven for 15 minutes. There is always fish sticks as well.
Eggs are another good source of protein that I like. You can hard boil 2-3 at a time and always have them handy in the fridge. 
Tuna is also full of protein.  
Anyway, hope that helps a little. Maybe others will also be able to provide some other ideas. 

I had that issue at first too--I cooked a batch of butter beans, one of my favorites! and that was easy to eat.  I also love Mexican, so the refried beans with sour cream, salsa and cheese was another staple for me.....I used to love egg salad before surgery but now it makes me gag....go figure.

I don't ever feel hungry...my energy drops and I feel tired, and that is when I know I must have protein!  My doctor only wants protein from food, not supplements, so I had to early on find the foods that worked for me....cottage cheese and peaches is another thing I love....what kinds of foods did you like before surgery?

Hang in there...this will pass!!! Just do what you can!  I am 5+ years post op and I remember this phase!!

Karen, may I ask who did your plastic surgery.  I am 2 years out, surgery was done by Dr. Facundas and am considering breast implants and I'm pretty much empty now if you know what I mean.

There are some really good protein bars out there now.  I really like the Detour Bars.  You can get them most anywhere.  Kinda reminds me of a Snicker bar.  Special K also has some good protein bars now too.  Just try a few and find one that you like.  Just check the sugar content and make sure it's very low in sugars.  The more portein the better.  Also, spoonfuls of peanut butter, refried beans,  have protein.  Just google a list of high protein foods and adapt them into your daily regimen.  I lived on homemade pimento cheese, tuna salad, chicken salad.  cheese crisps ect....  Good luck and if you need more suggestions, just ask

I like everyone's suggestions only thing is I'm on 4 weeks of PUREE ick.

Have you tried some of the protein bars?  I am addicted to chocolate so I look for the ones with the most chocolate and protein.  Special K makes a couple that are very good.  Slim Fast makes one that is almost as good as a mounds bar.  You are needing protein to give you energy so when you don't feel like eating a meal be creative.  Find the protein in a form you do feel like eating.      I just ate an Iced Oatmeal bar from Fresh Energy Bakery.  I found these and several more while on a grandchilren fix in Reno, NV.  I bought a few then ordered them.  Now when I need to eat but don't want or feel like it, I reach for these.  Some are so rich I only eat a piece at a time.  Check it out. 

Have a wonderful day.  May God Bless you all today.
Brenda A in Glenn A place at the moment.  He is off to get new hearing aids.  Praise the Lord.

I'm on purees