Food turns my tummy

Hi All: I am having a problem getting my protein in. I can tolerate string cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese and an egg here & there. Can't I just drink 2 protein drinks a day to get my 50 grams of protein and call it a day? I am working on increasing my fluids. I do not have any hunger at this point as I am almost 4 weeks out. Also do protein drinks/drinkable yogurt count as fluids? I thought so but just want to double check. Thanks, Chryssie

Chryssie, I count protein drinks as fluid. I would think getting all your protein in is more important. Solid protein stays with you longer..but I remember my first few weeks..hunger wasn't a big problem. Hang in there.. Joanie

Joanie: Thanks for your input. I think I am just going to start doing protein shakes 2 times a day for a few weeks and try foods again later. Again thanks, Chryssie

Chryssie- I would not recommend that you forego food for protein shakes. It's not a great idea. If you're having so much difficulty that you're considering not eating, then you need to get back to your nutritionist ang put together a plan. It is extremely important for you to get your pouch used to eating REAL foods. That is the reason for the different stages of eating that our Dr's put us through. Please stick with the plan that you're supposed to be on. It's alos important for you to develop healthy eating habits in this new stage of your life. Drinking all yur protein, just to get it in, is not a healthy eating habit to form and it doesn't teach you proper nutrition and balance. I know you're not hungry right now, so food doesn't seem important, but, believe me, that's the EXACT reason why NOW is the time to begin your new healthy eating habits. It's NOT the end of the world if you can't get in 50 or 60 grams of protein every day. It's a GOAL, not a mandate. I can count on two hands the number of days in my first two months that I actually achieved my protein goals. (water however IS a mandate, as far as I'm concerned) Try being creative about adding protein powders into your foods like cottage cheese, soup, cereal (you can get unflavored protein powder by Unjury at GNC) or drinking carb coundtown milk, or adding powdered milk to other drinks for a punch of protein, etc. I'm sure others can give you ideas on how to up your protein too. Good luck to you. Lisa C

I WAS TOLD SHAKES DO NOT COUNT AS CLEAR FLUID, ONLY PROTEIN DRINKS THAT ARE CLEAR. I ASKED ABOUT THE PROTEIN BECAUSE I WASN'T HUNGRY EITHER AND I WAS TOLD THAT IS NOT A PROBLEM BUT, TO BE SURE AND SPREAD IT OUT DURING THE DAY BECAUSE YOUR BODY CAN ONLY ABSORB AND USE SO MUCH PROTEIN AT ONCE. MY DOCTOR SAID IF YOU ARE GETTING IN THE PROTEIN AND THE CLEAR FLUID AND YOU ARE NOT HUNGRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS TIME - IT WILL PASS - IT IS INEVITABLE THAT YOU WILL BE HUNGRY SOON ENOUGH - I AM 8 WEEKS OUT AND MOST OF THE TIME I AM NOT HUNGRY BUT I THINK THAT IS STARTING TO CHANGE - GOOD LUCK

Actually, what is MOST important is to get the fluids in. Dehydration is a huge concern for us. If you can't eat, DRINK DRINK DRINK! This too will pass...I went thru the same thing. Ann

Chryssie, call the nutritionist just to be sure ..... ttyl deanna ps..im going to look at a condo tomorrow in jw..... will let u know

Deanna: Thanks I will call and see what they say. Good luck looking at the condo. Do you know what number??? Are you going to be at the next support group meeting? Have a great weekend!!! Chryssie

i wrote the number down, but i dont have it here at work.. i think its like 390 something...its rent with option to buy (we wanna wait til the prices go down so we can get something good in branford, which the realtor thinks they will within 6 months..) yep barring anything horrible, i should be at the meeting and i cant wait... you have a great weekend also !!

Hi Chryssie, You should either call the nutritionist or call Lynda at Dr. Bells. All fluids that don't have carbonation or caffeine can count towards your total fluids for the day - but you should be eating. Are you experiencing any pain - or are you just not hungry? If I remember correctly, they tell you to aim towards 50-60 grams, but it is not uncommon to have difficulty reaching that goal at first. Eat only protein rich foods, those that you can tolerate, and avoid anything else so you can get in as much as possible. Have you tried tuna with light mayo, or chicken salad (if you are allowed chicken yet). I wish you the best and look forward to seeing you (or less of you) at the next support meeting. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau