Protein Questions

I'm learning so much from this group. Does anyone have any ideas about how to sneak in extra protein in the very beginning? I'm very concerned with healing and am afraid I'm not going to be able to drink all those shakes in the first weeks.

Bonnie - you can add a bit of protein here and there - take a scoop and add a few spoonfuls throughout the day to different things - that adds up quickly! Also make your shakes with milk or soy milk - thats an extra 7grams +/-. You can also add greek yogurt into a smoothie - thats 17-20 grams per 7 ounce cup!! Also, Ricotta and cottage cheese are great sources of protein.

Hope that helps!

Liz

Chances are you aren't going to be able to drink all the shakes and you won't be hitting your protein goals for at least a month or so following surgery, and that's really okay. What you need to concentrate on is making sure you're getting enough water so you don't dehydrate and sipping on protein drinks as much as possible, but honestly they may taste very gaggy right after surgery, and its very likely that you won't have an appetite anyway.

There are very few of us who were able to get all that protein in at first, and yes, we all worried about it, but your body is going to be adjusting to a lot of new things going on inside, so you need to rest and give it time to heal - walk and sip throughout the day - and follow your doctor's orders.

Also, don't be surprised if immediately following surgery you don't start dropping weight right away - it usually takes a couple of weeks before your body realizes you're not starving to death and will start releasing those pounds, but right up front its going to go into survival mode and hold onto the weight. Don't panic and don't worry - it will start coming off as you start getting more fluids, broths and proteins in.

You're going to be fine - these are good questions to ask up front and we've all been thru it - and trust me, there is NO question too silly or too personal for this group!!

Welcome to the PA Boards and soon to the Loser's Bench!! We'll be adding your weight loss to Liz's thread posted earlier today - we've all been thru what you're wondering about and look how much we've lost!

Kathy

I used to (and still do!) sneak in a couple of grams of protein with the no sugar added fudgesicles or a creamsicle. 

I also like to mix s/f pudding mix with the greek yogurt because the yogurt is always a grand slam for extra protein. 

If you are eating soups you can also stir the greek yogurt in for more protein or Any Whey which can boost the protein.

k

SF pudding with the greek yogurt.....UREKA!!  That sounds like a FABULOUS idea...I'm so flipping excited right about now....so...how much of each do you use?  c'mon greek yogurt lovers of the world NEED to know this!

Pam

ROFL.  You are SOOOOOooo totally the cutest thing ever.  You always make me giggle. 

Same as I use when I mix ricotta with SF pudding mix (ever done THAT?).  LOL.  I actually try to do about a cup of either greek yogurt or ricotta and then I just slowly start adding the pudding mix.  You'll "know" when it's "right" - either by taste or by eye.  Too much it gets all gunky and not enough is bland.  :0)  Then you can add berries on top or a dollop of cool whip.  When I'm craving something sweet this is a protein packed punch that's "legal" and SOOOOOOOOO yummy.

OK This is so going to be dessert like every night! lol

Thanks Keri!!

ROFL.  I'm so glad you are on the boards.  I finally admitted to myself that there are times when I like to eat something "sweet."  So.  As Shauna always says, I'm not deprived.  I just re-route what I eat just like Dr. Boe re-routed my guts and gave me a tool.  :0)  Works for me.

I thought the same thing.. chocolate pudding, banana pudding.. the possibilities are endless. 

There's also liquid protein that has like 10-15 grams of protein per tablespoon that you can take to supplement. I think I got mine online at bariatriceating.com or proteinshop.com.  That's also another suggestion for you.  Good luck!

Dee