I'm struggling here!!!!

Hey everyone.  I am having a really hard time right now trying to get in 64 oz of water and at least 59 grams of protein.  I am sick of drinking two protein drinks a day ~ they just gag me right now.  I have tried cutting back to just one drink and getting the rest of my protein from my food, but I am not having any success with that either.  Food just totally disgusts me now and once I try something new, I don't want it anymore.  I tried tuna for the first time today and while it tasted o.k. and went down well, I think I ate too much (trying to finish my serving for the full 19 grams of protein) and felt just yucky afterwards.  I didn't get sick or anything but I did have to lay down and take a nap cause I just didn't feel good.  That is all I have eaten today and I am now trying to choke down a protein drink just so I can get at least 50 grams of protein.  As for water, how the heck do you drink all tha****er when you have to stop 30 minutes before you eat and wait for 30 minutes after you eat!!!  And water is making me nauseous too I guess because I am trying to force it all down!!   I fear that I am failing at this so bad!!!  I am lucky if I get 45 oz water in a day.   Thanks for letting me vent.  I really don't want to fail at this but I don't know what to do.  I go to my first post op appointment on Thursday of this week and will discuss all this with my surgeon and my nutritionist but in the meantime has anyone got any ideas for me?

Donna, I am sorry that you are struggling right now. Couple questions- have you tried Isopure ready-to-drink? They have 40gms of protein and the 20ounce bottles also count as your fluid intake. Do you like milk? I would consider a 6 ounce glass of milk in the morning and maybe a 8ounce glass of LF choc milk at bedtime. This would add 14 ounces of fluid per day and an additional 14 gr of protein ( usually 1 ounce milk =1 gm protein).I also bought the Kraft 2% cheddar cheese pre-packaged in 1 ounce foil- 1 block was 6gms of protein and I had no problems getting 2 of them in a day for extra protein. I also added a scoop of Designer Whey choc. protein to my SF choc pudding mix- so with milk and protein powder, a serving of pudding ( 3ounces )  would have 7-9 gm of protein. For me- I have routinely stayed at 80-85 gms of protein per day ( with my nut. approval) and it makes a HUGE difference in my energy level. I feel very sluugish and letharigic at 60 gms of protein- its hard to get motivated to work out, etc.... Hang in there gurl! You WILL BE a success!!! Sheila

Protein bites! I found Liquid Protein at GNC that's easy to take. It's 18g in 3 tablespoons. You can add it to water or just take it like it is. It's $30 for a good size bottle and comes in a punch flavor. Isopure and Muscle Milk is a life saver. I got the ready to drink and it went down without a nasty aftertaste. (AND it sits well on the tummy.) Nut said it counts as fluid intake, too. You won't fail... it's just a bump in our long road to health. Big hugs.

Hang in there Donna, I know what you are going through. I second the Isopure. It is liquid protein and counts toward your fluid intake. I prefer the grape flavor, especially when it is ice cold. It almost tastes like weak Kool Aid. I also love propel fitness waters. They don't have any protein, but the flavor is great. You are doing great, keep up your dedication to a healthier you! You CAN do it!!!

HI Donna.  I have better success with water when I drink Grape Power Ade Option.  It has 2 grams of sugar and 10 calories, but my body can tolerate that.  Better 2 grams of sugar than me not get enough fluid.  I mix it half and half with water sometimes too. Also, with protein, Muscle Milk has puddings that I use for a snack, or even  a meal sometimes.  They've got 20ish grams of protein and fill me up, in fact I can't eat a whole one.  Also, the protein bullets work well, I get the 23 gram ones.  They're only 3 ounces, so they don't take forever to get down like the bigger shakes.  Finally, I make a shake for a meal sometimes.  My doctor doesn't recommend that, but sometimes I just can't take food, its too dense.  I mix a "no sugar added" carnation instant breakfast, a scoop of protein powder, and 8 ounces of soy milk (Soy goes down better than skim for me).  It's got 210 calories, minimal fat, and about 30 grams of protein.  That's why I said meal replacement, at 210 calories, it's not just a snack.  You can omit the CIB and drop the calorie content, you can also mix it with water instead of soy milk.  That's just what works for me. Take care. Ellen

Hi Donna,      I have no advice for you 'cuz I'm not on "the other side" yet, but you sounded so frustrated that I just wanted to reach out and give you a big hug.   I know you can't eat or drink it, but I hope it helps a little. ;o) Mare 

Donna
Im so sorry you are having such frusteration!! I dont have any advice... still not on the loser bench... I really hope you find some options that you and your body can live with... keep your chin up sweetie GO DONNA GO!!!

Darcie

Rome was not built in a day..... one day you may get everything, the next day you wont....Be glad you dont like food... at least for now... the most imp thing is to drink ... sip sip sip...  I agree with the above the isopure ready to drink mixes are kinda like koolaid... I liked them.... On a personal note... Im moving back to PA... got a job at my old company, packing up and leaving next week....  Hugs Karen

Thanks ladies for all the wonderful ideas you have given me.  I knew y'all would come to my rescue!!  I had a pretty bad day today with the nausea and I've only gotten in about 20 oz of water but I am working on more even as we speak.  I love you all!!! Hugs, Donna P.S.  Hey cuz!  Good to hear from you.  I am happy for you that you are going back to PA.  Is he going with you or waiting?  Call me whenever you get a spare minute!  I have some things I need to discuss with you!