My nightmare that is PROTEIN

Okay.  This is my first post on one of these so be nice and don't judge me!!  I never drink protein drinks. There it is.  And I feel totally guilty about it.  But not guilty enough to start drinking them!!! I cannot stand the taste.  They seriously make me gag.  Every day I say "I really need to just bite the bullet" but I make one and take one sip and UGGHH.  Down the drain. I have had a bit or hairloss, but I've always had hair loss.  And I have tons of hair so it's not noticeable at all.  I don't feel any different on days when I do gag them down than the days I don't.  I do hit plateaus, but I think it's normal.  Am I totally screwing up my life??  Am I a failure??  Am I going to gain every pound back because I didn't drink my damn protein?

I am with you, protein shakes are horrible! Even the first week after surgery I couldn't drink them, I had to do creamed soups. And I NEVER feel guilty! Part of that is because of my nutritionist - she thinks that you should only drink protein drinks for the preliminary stage and not after that. She really believes that you should learn to eat 'real' food and you will be more successful long term because of it. I know every nutritionist/surgeon is different but I like her approach - so much more practical and realistic. She has been working with Bariatric patients for over 20 years and has had great success, so I think she is onto something! As long as you get in protein first, I think you are ok. I lost hair too, but that's pretty normal for ANYONE who has the surgery. And I get in all my protein daily, all from chicken, turkey, eggs, etc. and I love to cook and try new things. My mom commented the other day I should of had surgery years ago since I am all of a sudden willing to try new foods (I was notoriously picky growing up - pretty much still am!) Don't sweat it - if you feel good, are getting in your vitamins and protein, then you are fine.

There actually are SOME protein shakes out there that are not bad tasting at all.  The one that I actually like drinking is sold at Curves.  No, I do NOT belong to Curves, but at one time I did... and if they are still selling the Protein shakes (in chocolate) those are actually pretty tasty.  I'd suggest tring that before totally giving up on the whole protein shake deal.  But really... as long as you're gettin protein, I wouldn't worry  - and as beautiful as you are, please... I would NOT feel guilty because of it. 

I wouldn't worry too much about not drinking your protein.  I never have.  My surgeon and NUT encourage getting protein from food.  So far, so good.  I've managed to get within 30 pounds of my goal in only 10 months. So, to answer your questions.  No, you are not screwing up your life.  No, you are not a failure.  I doubt you will gain every pound back because you're not drinking your protein.  Just make sure your eating it. Good luck, Crystal

My surgeon doesn't make us drink protien after 6 weeks out because they move through the pouch too quickly and don't give you the sense of fullness that solid food does. I would work on getting your protien through the food that you eat. I was told to eat 6 meals a day consisting of 75% protien and 25% complex carbs. And remember to always eat your protien first. I'm still not that great at getting in my 65 grams of protien in a day, but I sure try. I don't think you are a failure at all. I would stop worrying about the protien drinks and reall focus on getting you protien through solid foods. Good Luck!!!! Morgan

No no no..you aren't a failure.  I'm over 2 years post op and have yet to do a protein shake.  I do drink a latte every morning (20grams of protein) so I guess that's about as close as I've come to a protein shake.  You'll hear a lot of different theories on the protein shake debate.  My opinion is that if you can get all your protein in from regular food than you should do so.  I eat around 80 to 100 grams of protein a day.  If i added a protein shake in there, I'd probably start gaining weight because of the calories..and secondly, I don't like to drink my meals.  If you are still losing weight, then don't worry yourself sick over it.  As for the hairloss, you lose it because of the large amount of weight you've lost in a short amount of time.  I don't think it has a whole lot to do with the protein.   Kerri

I never did the protien shakes either. My doctor didnt request them either. I cant stand the taste either. They taste like chalk to me.  I eat protien like fish, chicken, beef  in form of slices or in salad. My levels are all fine. I am 5 years out and am at 136. This is the lowest weight I have ever been in my life. I am still loosing about a pound a month go figure and Im not trying. Carla