Protein Question

So Im starting the 4th month post op, do you think that there is a way that I would be able to get my protein in through plain food consumption yet? I absolutely despise supplements of any kind, shakes, liquid, bars, etc. They are my worst nightmare. I will not even explain my morning ritual that I have started to get in 2 oz of liquid protein(pro-stat). It sucks, Ill just say that. That is 15g per 2 oz that I can handle once a day. Otherwise Im counting on my food consumption. I usually do string cheese or yogurt for lunch and then chicken or tuna for dinner. You think thats enough?? I have started to notice some hair loss. I want this stopped immediately if not sooner so I want to make sure. About how much protein does 2 oz of chicken have??

I think you can do it without supplements but at this stage, you'll have to make sure that everytime you eat, you get in lots of protein since you still can eat only a little. According to Fitday.com, chicken has around 7 grams of protein per ounce. It's one of my favorite sources of protein. I never could stand the prepared shakes & really hate the bars also so I have gotten my protein mostly from food. Do you drink milk? I have heard that just adding dry milk powder to it is a way to increase protein. I can't drink milk anymore so I haven't tried but I do drink soy milk & the soy protein powder is not at all bad tasting. When I feel that I won't get in enough protein, I just make a shake out of them. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if you have started losing hair, the damage is probably already done & even if you get in enough protein now, you'll still lose your hair. Don't worry, it will just get thinner & will grow back, a small price to pay for better health & a smaller body. Somewhere at home I have the location of a document n a website that lists the protein content of all kinds of food. If I can find it I'll post it. It really helped me. Dixie

Wow 4 months already. Time sure flies. That pro-stat is really If that is all you are having it is probably not enough with just food. Maybe adding breakfast will help up the protein. The hair loss basically happens with everyone. I know I didn't get in all my protein everyday but a friend of mine was great about getting it in and she still lost hair. Don't worry it will stop and it does grow back. I think you have been doing great!!!

Have you ever used Fitday.com? It's a really good free program you can use to track your food and it keeps track of calories and protein for you. I use it everyday. Another thing I have been eating is shrimp. I get it at Dahl's. They sell it frozen in little Ziploc baggies. I can eat 6 shrimp and that is 15 grams of protein right there. I'm still using protein shakes cuz I'm only a month out but, like you, I'm looking forward to getting rid of them.

Thanks for the website infor Cindy! I went there and it looks awesome!! This is a great way to journal my day. I am going to save it as my home page on my laptop Thank you

Hey, no problem. This is actually very similar to part of the computer program that Mercy Capitol will make you buy, but this is so much easier to get to. I have so many problems getting into their program that I haven't even tried to use it since before surgery.

Well that sucks. So technically I am going to be wasting $150 huh? I really like this fitday. Maybe they should change programs (yeah I am sure that wont go over!) The price you have to pay to be skinny

With the prostat....have you tried it in a hot tea? Here's what I did....I would heat up some water in a mug in the microwave, then add a couple packets of splenda and the dose of prostat and it would turn into a kind of pleasant cherry tasting tea. I could get it down that way at least. Then sometimes I would just swig it down straight, with no accompaniment. It's rough, but you need protein. And on your hair, most people lose hair no matter how many grams of protein they consume per day. Your body has been through a tremendous trauma and the controlled malnutrition just assualts your body even more. We all have been through it to some degree. Don't blame yourself, because it is doubtful you could have prevented it. Just lesson the damage by getting in as much protein per day as possible. I second that double milk idea. I have heard a lot of people liking that. And yes to shrimp! I lived on cold shrimp dipped in a little ****tail sauce all last summer. It is fabulous protein and low fat and easy on the pouch. Here's another one....chinese hot and sour soup. Get one made with a lot of tofu and tiny bits of chicken in it and of course the egg swirled in. Spicy and YUMMY. How about eggs? Are you able to get a scrambled egg down OK? One of those per day would be a good protein source. jean

Do you use the remedyMD/Housecalls tracker that Mercy Capital uses. I am just getting mine and it seems kind of a pain to use. From what I have seen it keeps track of your protein and caloric intake info. Have you tried the unflavored Unjury and used it in what foods you can eat. I have tried it and it doesn't seem too bad.

I'm over 2 yrs out and still do supplemental protein. I don't tolerate meat very well so do shakes and bars. I also eat a lot of cottage cheese. Hated it b4 surgery now it's my best friend. I mix chives and tomatoes with mine. I like the pure protein brand bars especially the chocolate. For double milk, add 1/3C non-fat pwd milk to 1 C skim and add SF Nestle Quick to taste. For variety, I will sometimes add a few frozen strawberries and blend it into a smoothie. How about yogurt? You can add pwd milk to that or to pudding. You need at least 60 gms of protein a day. I usually get in 80-100. Have you tried any of the Nectars? I like the Fuzzy Navel mixed with orange Crystal Lite. Check out www.bariatriceating.com. Susan Maria will send you samples of a lot of different proteins to try for a small charge. Then you aren't stuck with a bunch of icky stuff if you don't like it.