Protein

Hi everyone,

My surgery date was 8-20-08. I'm down 40 pounds and am very happy about that. What I am having trouble with is eating enough protein. Everyone says that they get their protein in but I don't understand how. I'm full from eating one egg for breakfast. One half of a boneless chicken breast fills me up for hours. How do you get all that protein in one day? I don't feel that I can eat any more than what I'm eating. I am open to all suggestions.

Thanks

Victoria

I haven't had surgery yet, but am reading the book "Before and After".  She suggests supplementing with bariatric protein drinks as well as eating the protein first.  Colette

Dear Victoria,

Congratulations on the weight loss.  That's teriffic!

You can't possible get in all your protein for awhile.  Your pouch swelling will slowly go down & you'll be able to eat more later.  I'm still surprised at a year out how little I eat & still survive!

Protein drinks are the key.  Have some pudding (or buy the protein pudding) & throw in protein powder.  

We really don't need to eat that much to survive.  That's why we take supplements. I have trouble with 1200-1400 calories/day and I'm a year out.

So don't drive yourself crazy & do what you can.  I survived on protein drinks, protein pudding, & Wendy's chili for quite awhile. 

Islander

I had a hard time  with my protein too Victoria  What i did was I went out and got ISOPURE it is a drink that come already made.  You can buy it  at  GMC store it has 45 g  of protein and much more in it.   For me I like the tase of it too.  They have all differant kinds.  That one drink and what you are eating should make you reach what you have to for a day.

Lisa.

p.s.  any other question feel free to  email me.

I make up the difference by having a chocolate protein shake a day for about 33grams between the powder and milk. 

Hi Victoria!

Congratulations on your weightloss and deciding to have a healthier life!

I had my surgery June 4th.

I like to get in 70-90gms of protein in a day. But I do have to supplement with a shake every morning in order to get it all in.

I use Nectar by Syntex (I buy it through www.vitalady.com). With 1 1/2 scoops and 12 ounces of water I get 135 Cals; 34 gms protein; zero carbs/sugar! I buy all the fruity flavors. I love them! Plus they count toward my fluid intake for the day.

How are you at getting your fluids in? I have a tough time getting the recommended 64 ounces a day some times. Especially when I'm really busy.

Hope this helps!

Jules

Thanks for all the advice. I have trouble with fluids too because they make me full, then it's tough to eat. It seems like there is not enough hours in the day to fit in 64 oz of fluids and eating enough protein. I actually went to GNC today and bought 2 Isopures. I'm not too crazy about the grape, but I'm hoping the fruit punch will be better.

As far as my weight loss goes, does it seem about average? After the first big loss of 16 pounds in the first week it seems like no more than 1-3 pounds per week. This with walking and a circuit gym workout 3-4 times per week. I guess I was expecting faster weight loss these first few months, then slowing down to these amounts. It seems like the people I know who have had the surgery lost a lot more at the beginning. I am happy with my amounts but will admit to being a little disappointed.

Thank you for providing me the opportunity to vent to people that understand. When you try to talk to others you feel like you're obsessing and never satisfied with your results so far.

Victoria

Dear Victoira,

We all lose at different rates.  And sometimes we freeze up for awhile.  You're doing great!!!

I'm a slow loser, but then I knew that going in.  My first big weight loss was 12 lbs. measured ? wk. 2 or 3.  After that, maybe 10 lbs./month.  Then I really slowed down & just stopped for awhile.  Now, after a year, I'm losing about 1 lb.wk.   

The good news is- the scale rarely goes up!!!

I agree, it would be nicer if it were faster, but then again, it's better for your skin recovery.

No, there aren't enough hours in the day to fit in all the food & liquid.  I still can't.  But I try!  It does get easier.  Don't worry about obsessing- we all do.  I do believe that's what brought us all to this place to begin with.

I love the part about not feeling hungry all the time.  Reminding myself to eat is quite a luxury!  My husband refers to me as a cheap date as I can't even finish an appetizer or a cup of soup.  That constantly growling lion has been banished!  ve had

Keep up the good work!  You're doing just fine.  Remember that you're on a journey- no hurry. 

Islander