Protein

I have Kaiser insurance and will be having Rny on June 4th. They told me I dont need to drink protein. They want me to drink carnation instant breakfast for first two weeks. They want me to get my protein from food. They said if I want to I can drink it but dont have to. That is the opposite of what everyone I know who had the surgery. I am wondering if that is the same instructions other Kaiser patients have been given? Thanks all, Carrie

Well, it's best to do what your doctor's office tells you, but I think (in my own opinion) that Carnation Instant Breakfast is not the healthiest option around. I actually like the protein drinks and think they are good for you (if you get the ones without much sugar). My friend Freddie often has trouble with foods giving him too much gas or discomfort and will often revert to protein shakes. We like all the ones we've tried so far. Linda

Hey Carrie...My surgeon has the same philosophy. The main idea is that they don't want you to drink your calories. They want you to learn how to EAT with your new plumbing. Everyone is different and will have different experiences with food so you will have to do the trial and error thing with different things. My nutritionist did suggest adding dry milk powder to anything you would put milk into for some added easy protein in the beginning. You really won't be geting the full 60+ grms of protein the first few weeks, just try...don't beat yourself up if you don't get your groove on until your a little further out it's not easy getting in your protein and your water especially without doing protein shakes but you can do it and you can succeed in your surgeons program...go to your support group meetings and talk to those who are doing it too!! Best of luck!!! Deanna K 10\02 211 lost

That makes sense Deanna. Still, I checked the Carnation Instant Breakfast - sugar free. It's only 5 grams of protein, so I think one should skip that stuff altogether. Sounds like a lot of fairly empty calories to me. I think from what Freddie was told by the surgeon, we can eat things like yogurt and applesauce, pudding, etc., pretty much right off the bat. Adding milk powder to those things sounds good. My nutritionist also said to get some of those healthy request soups and put them in the blender. Linda

Thank you both for your replies. I feel much better now. I appreciate your advice! Take care. Carrie

I actually do the Carnation Instant Breakfast. It might only be 5 additional grams of protein but it turns an 8 gram cup of milk to 13 grams. It does add 70 additional calories though. With as little as you eat at first, I personally don't think that hurts. I am 4 weeks post-op and have a hard time with protein drinks though.