Help - need some ideas

I have been lurking and reading, but now have a question.  I am a nurse in a small ER and there are days that we are so busy that I am wondering how I can work and plan my meals.  I am looking at the lapband and will be seeing the surgeon soon, but do not have a date yet, so I decided on my own to try to do a liquid diet with veggies and fruits as a way to ge used to the idea and lose some weight while I am waiting.

I have been making shakes with protein and fruit and and made one the other night for the next day.  It tasted great and I drank it on my way to work.  First question:  does protein break down if made hours before consuming?  I think it breaks down if heated, but this was a cold shake.

Next, I was so hungry yesterday afternoon after being so busy and no time to sit down for a bite of anything.  I need ideas of things to keep me going so that I don't fall off the wagon and eat something out of the vending machines.

I am considering taking my extra blender to work and putting it in my locker for making a shake.  I find that V8 popped in the microwave and drank is very satisfying.  And I can grab a bottle of water and add Crystal Lite.

But what else can I do to make it thru 14 hour days - travel time, work time.

Shelia

 

Most protein manfu tell you to drink the shakes anywhere from 12-24 hours of making... some will say its for 'best taste' others will say its because it breaks down after sitting so long - honestly there really is no set answer, just depends what you want to listen to. If you prefer a certain protein brand I would check their website or contact them for their reccomendation - personally I feel shakes should be drank the day they are made - the longer they sit the more the ingrediants seem to seperate and are not as good IMO.

Thanks for the replies - I made up the protein shake around 11 and then drank it on the way to work at 6 am so I don't think it would have time to break down.

I realize that liquids only won't be enough, but I am trying to prepare myself for the pre-op diet.  Hence, I decided to stick to veggies and fruits.  No carbs for me at this time.

Where do you buy the New Whey liquid protein?

Shelia

Unfortunately, I had to delete this post due to privacy concerns.

Shelli,
Are you planning to have lapband or RNY?  And do you have a date yet?
I was so hungry by the time I left last night, I had to talk myself down or I would've stopped anywhere for a burger.  I work prn so I work days, nights, and whatever is needed and I leave an hour before my shift and by the time I get home it is 14 hours easily and that is if things are good...

I am open to ideas - just was getting things ready for work tomorrow and hope that I am planning wisely.

Shelia

Unfortunately, I had to delete this post due to privacy concerns.

I'm 14 mnonths out from a RNY but some of the standards my surgeon gave me at my 1 year may help. In order to keep my metabolism going at a good pace, I have to eat 2-4 oz every 3 hours.  I find that when I make sure I eat every 3 hours (but just a bit) I don't have issues later.   I have found some cheese sticks that are 7 g protein for 50 cal.  One or two of those are sufficient.  They are really portable and easy to grab and eat.  There are some great ready to drink protein and meal replacement shakes out there, too.  I use Trim Advantage and Nutrilite brand shakes too. They're already mixed so I don't have to mess with prep time.

Thanks to all that replied - I know I am making life-style changes and I feel that if I start now (before surgery) that I will already be in the habit.  And there are a lot of bad habits to break !

I started last Saturday with my diet plan of mainly liquids and protein shakes with veggies and fruits.  I have lost 7 pounds so far and I always feel good when the scale is moving in the downward position.  I have had 3 oz of tuna one day and small chicken breast another day. 

Will continue to try protein shakes and wait for my surgeon appt.

Shelia