I have an issue I need your input on

I need to voice an issue that has been a big deal for me lately I am now 6 months post op. I see my surgeon on February 9, 2006 and prior to that we will do lab work to check my malabsorption levels of protein, vitamins, minerals, etc. Basically check everything and see how I'm doing. Post op requirements. I have had an enormous issue drinking protein mixes that are powdered, and the Isopure from GNC is a bit too sweet, so I water it down a bit. Not much. I have found these amazing protein bars that are advertised here that are wafers and I tolerate those well, but I can't afford to live on them. I find eating is a chore, I find that I would rather drink coffee all day. And when I do eat lately, I feel that I reach that "just one bite" too many and then I get sick. Not every time, just now and then. Is this normal at 6 months to be going through these issues and should I be worried about protein, as I was told by my surgeon that he wants his patients to intake 60-70 grams per day. Any thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas on what YOU did for protein when you were still new at this? Thank you very much

Stacey - Well your labs will tell ALL!!!! Once you get those, you'll have a better understanding of where things are. I have had a hard time eatting for the past eight months. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "Eat to Live"!!!! Protein powders.... I've gone through a ton of them! I don't like "shakes", can't handle ANYTHING sweet (not even sf pudding or popcycles), most proteins fall into one of these two catagories for me. I have found that sf. hot choc. with Designer Whey Vanilla protein is WONDERFUL!!! The protein disolves all up, no grit, no lumps (unless you use boiling water), nothing. I am now drinking three of these a day!! It is literally the only thing keeping me OUT of the hospital. I can eat ONLY protein, and still only get in about 35 grams per day!!!! Since I was depleated of protein my surgeon said I had to get in 100 grams per day..... talk about the impossible mission?! But by drinking three protein drinks per day I have done it!!! You've got to just keep trying different things, different combinations of things until you find what will work for you. My pouch still RULES my life. Just because I ate something yesterday doesn't mean it will sit well today. Here's some things that I'm eatting lately. 1 oz kraft high moisture cheese with 1 oz deli tukey wrapped around it (12 grams of protein) (tha's an intire meal for me, I'm stuffed after) 3 oz can of albacore tuna mixed with 1 tsp of lite mayo (21 grams of protein) (I usually can't eat all of this, but I try) 2 oz of nuts, I like pecans, cashews, etc.. (9 grams of protein) these are high in fat, but for the little I'm eatting it doesn't matter and our bodies need some fat in order to get the protein out of food hamburger patty - I had a burger king patty on the go this week, pealed off the bun and was able to eat the whole meat. (13 grams) Whole wheat English muffin - I'm at goal and starting to add in some carbs so this is oK for me, you'd want to check wtih your doctor first. But it does have 6 grams of protein. Scrambled Egg - one medium egg and a muffin is my breakfast (6 grams of protein) Oatmeal - I add protein powder to mine and get about 12 - 15 grams of protein cuz I can only eat 1/2 of a packet of oatmeal. That's the staples of my food!!! Not very adventuous at all, but I don't like feeling sick so I tend to protect the pouch at all costs!!! Keep pushin' on and you'll find what works for you!!!! Hugs, Laurie

Warning: A blunt opinion is written below. The faint at heart and small children should leave the room. Think of eating as refueling. It's not meant to be enjoyable. If it were then we would do it all the time and get fat. Hey!! That's what brought us here to begin with. So - You had surgery to lose weight and save your life because your eating habits were killing you. Nothing has changed except your plumbing. Your eatng habits will kill you if you do not change them. The beauty of the surgery is it gives you time to change and negative reinforcement if you don't - you puke, sweat, crap your pants etc.. So change your idea of food. Take in your protein and water like your doctor says and you will be fine. Don't do what he/she says and you will find yourself in serious trouble. I use Myoplex Lite and Pure Protein bars. I chew beef jerky and I drink at least two bottles of water every day in addition to coffee and crystal lite. I eat regular food and when I get one hiccup I am done eating because I can't feel fullness or hunger anymore. Sorry to be so blunt. kp @ goal

Kevin, Your comments were not only NOT blunt but important to all WLS patients. I think way too many of us would like to think the surgery is the cure. As you so perfectly put it it is only a TOOL. Thank you for reinforcing that idea in this 8 week post oper's mind. Please don't be such a stranger to the boards. Sometimes it takes just one clear, unemotional, comment from a guy (ok I am stereo typing- and NOT sorry for it) to reel us back in. I for one always appreciate your posts. Patt Open DS 11-24-05 Dr Marchesini - Brazil 5'3" SW /CW /GW 276/230/115

I'm sorry, but I don't see anything in the original poster's post indicating that she feels WLS is a cure-all. And.. yes you did stereotype women. I am really surprised and disappointed. Chele

I don't happen to believe that your post was too blunt. However, I feel the original poster was looking for *ideas* on protein and how to get it in. As a pre-Op, I know that I would appreciate some ideas for future reference. Chele

My reply - "I use Myoplex Lite and Pure Protein bars. I chew beef jerky and I drink at least two bottles of water every day in addition to coffee and crystal lite. I eat regular food an,,," kp @ goal

Thanks for the input. I have difficulty with dairy and eggs, can't eat chicken, poultry, or most sitcky meats. That according to my surgeon due to a blockage I had that put me in the hospital back in October 2005. He said NO poultry for at least 1 year. I'm living on tuna, ground sirloin, and fish. Being blunt is good, and I appreciate the honesty. One never knows other's opinions and how they are managing without speaking the truth. I try to take it one day at a time, and find that those people out there who said "you took the easy way out" by having surgery, or this is a "cop out" can never know the emotional baggage and garbage we go through those first few months or even years of post operative care and life changing habits we have to change forever. Thanks for the input. Anyone else?

Whoa! How about just answering THIS question: CAN YOU PROVIDE ME WITH MORE DETAILS ON OTHER IDEAS FOR PROTEIN RATHER THAN SHAKES, DRINKS, POWDERS, EGGS, AND DAIRY PRODUCTS? That's all I want to know. Thank you.

Experiment with regular food and stay away from carbs if you want to lose weight and not get sick. Add carbs to hold your weight but they may make you sick. It is trial and error. There are no definitive answers for any of this. Honestly, I would eat nothing but protein bars if I could get away with it but our systems require varieties of foods to keep us healthy. Read profiles of the successful post ops and you will see a common thread in all of them who post their diets - frequent small meals throughout the day to fuel consisting of mostly protein in the form of meats and cheese and some fruits and vegitables for fiber and gallons of watthe. Then they walk. kp @ goal