protein question

I was wondering if most people count their protein intake daily. Also, I am assuming that you cannot get the total amount of protein in right after surgery. Is that right? How do you get the protein in when you are only on liquids? Sorry for so many questions.

Hi Gail, Lots of my questions were answered at the education class Sloane and Kathy have. The first week or so all they want is you to remain hydrated. You are correct about after surgery only clear liquids are permitted. They also prescribe liquid antacid Prevecid which is apparently only readily available at the hospital pharmacy. Lots of new bariatric friendly products are now available. One company called Bariatric Advantage looked good to me. Some protein supps have as much as 42 grams in a few ounces. Don't know how they taste. Powdered whey protein sprinkled or mixed in a liquid is another option. Hope this helps, Mark, who now calls Carnation Instant Breakfast his new friend.

Hi Gail & Mark -  Wow!  Both your dates are getting close!  I hope these tips help both of you: Immediately post-op, you will be on clear liquids - I think, if I'm not mistaken, for a week or two.  Two years has flown by sooo quickly, and they could've changed things, but....anyway, Isopure makes a clear protein drink.  There are varying opinions about it, from my, "Tastes pretty good," to others, "Yuck!"  I found the blue (sorry, I can't remember the name), and the red to be pretty good.  There are lots of flavors, but a couple different variations as far as protein, so if you visit GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe, be specific, tell them you need low carb, high protein, no sugar.  Some of the Isopure clear drinks don't have as much protein. Be careful once you're cleared for liquids after your leak test - as a DVR patient, my leak test was the next morning at 8:00, and by 2:00, I was cleared for takeoff on clear liquids.  The nurses brought me s/f popsicles, Fruit 2-0, broth and jello.  I supplemented with my own Isopure that I brought from home, but if I remember correctly, GBMC's pharmacy stocks them.  They're not cheap, but the bottles are big and for a long while, a little will go a long way.  I kept a bottle of water with the Walmart brand of Crystal Light with me all the time, even by my bedside.  Whenever I woke up during the night, I sipped.  Sipping constantly helps you get in the fluid requirements, and if you can sip Isopure, you'll get your protein in, too.   If you haven't had your 2-3 hour pre-op meeting with Sloane, Kathy & Co., you'll have it about a week or so before surgery.  They will give you a binder at the meeting, which, for the first two months or so, will become your bible.  I took it to the hospital with me.  It provides the guidelines until you're cleared for solid food.  It gives you ideas and recipes, too. Once you're cleared to go on full liquids, it's a lot easier to get in your protein.  Obviously, you can still do the clear Isopure, but now you can also do protein shakes.   Be aware that from pre-op to pot-op, your taste and sense of smell may change.  I've found that it does more often with RNY patients; what you liked pre-op, you may not be able to stomach (no pun intended) post-op.  I ordered a bunch of protein shake samples, bought myself a Magic Bullet and some skim milk, some s/f coffee syrups, extracts, etc., low carb peanut butter, etc., anything to cover up the protein taste/smell, which I'm sorry to say, can be pretty disgusting.  After a while, I couldn't handle the smell/grit, etc., so I switched to RTD (ready to drink) protein shakes, my personal fave being the EAS Advant Edge (they're packaged almost like silver juice boxes - 4/$4.97 at Walmart).  I like the chocolate fudge - tastes kind of like a Yoo-Hoo, and the french vanilla I used then and now as a creamer in my coffee or tea.   As you clear each eating stage, getting your protein in will become easier and easier.  Just take your time, keep a journal, especially so at your first couple of post-op visits they can track your fluid/protein intake, and write down what agrees with you and what doesn't.  Keep in mind that what bothers you one day, week, month, etc., may not the next, so just keep on plugging along. BTW, just to prove that there is life after wls and you WILL be able to eat normal food again, I'm having steamed crabs tonight!   Also, I'm sure both of you have made a "last supper" list of places that you KNOW you'll never be able to eat at again, because I did the same thing, but guess what?  I've eaten at all of those places again - Nacho Mama's, Vaccaro's, Outback, Red Lobster, etc.  Just remember, it's all about the choices we make - you can make healthy, intelligent choices anywhere.   Good luck and I hope my ramblings helped! Tia

Tia nailed it right on the head.  For whatever reason, though, I have just the opposite post surgery likes than she does.  Pre-surgery, I was drinking tons of Isopure and EAS.  Now, I can't stand them.  I have found that the Unjury brand (www.unjury.com) is about the only thing I can drink.  I use both the vanilla and chocolate powder with 8 oz of skim milk.  It's 20 grams of protein per serving (1 scoop) plus you get 8 grams from the milk itself. 

Getting in enough protein always seems to be the struggle as protein is so essential to us. Don't obsess about it right away. You will need to drink fluids initially. Broth and bullion are good options initially as they do have protein as well as being hydrating.  Soups worked very well for me as they have lots of fluids and good proteins.  Almost your day!!!

Gail :  I use the New Whey protein bullets:  42 grams in one 3 ounce tube: I have to dilute it and add a couple ice cubes:  They are very strong in flvr. They come in punch, grape and orange flvr,  My favorite is the grape. I drink one  a day and have since the day I got home from the hospital. You can get them at the vitamin shoppe or via their website:  left side  of this webpage LOL. I am so excited for you.  Saving places on the bench for you and Mark