Why do we have trouble with dense protein?

Chicken, turkey and beef it doesn't matter. If it's just grilled after about 3 bites I'm not feeling so good and stop eating. Ground turkey and beef don't seem to have the same effect. Tonight I think it was because the New York steak was a little dry even with a little A1 for moisture. Any tips?

Tip#1:  Marinade the meat before grilling  Tip#2:  dip your meat in Johnny's French Dip AuJus sold in an 8-ounce bottle found in condiment sections of grocery stores (warning: 520 mg of sodium in 1/4 cup)  Tip#3:  Chew better, take smaller bites, or wait longer in between swallows  Tip#4:  Give away all your New York steak to me :)

It could be that you're eating a little too fast and not chewing well. I still struggle with this and sometimes I'm in the 3 bite boat, too. Make sure you're not rushing and that your meat isn't too dry. A bit of sauce can make a difference. :D

Jen

Hi....it could be that it is still too early for you....I still have trouble with grilled beef and my surgeon didn't let me eat grilled meat for at least 2 1/2 months....( ground up was fine as you said....). Wait another few weeks and try again....

Also dark poultry meat is easier than the breast because it is not as dry.  Sometimes if you add a little yogurt sauce ( with fat free Greek yogurt and some hot sauce or salsa) it goes down better...and chew chew chew!

dont worry...you may find a few things that don't go down well but usually time will take care of the rest...

joan

I was more than three months out before I tried grilled meat. A pressure cooker can make meat very tender and easier for us to eat.

I do best with ground meat.  I like to use salsa with "solid" meat to make it more moist and I cut very small pieces and chew about 25 times before swallowing.  If I'm having "solid" (not ground) meat, I have a vegetable that is watery - fresh tomatoes, yellow pepper, etc. to give extra moisture between bites of meat.

If I feel fullness, pressure, nose running, nausea, etc. I stop eating the meat.  Some days I can eat solid meat and some days I can't.  I can never eat it if it's dry and I'm 6 years post RNY.  Some things I just can't eat and I'm good with that.  I eat for fuel and energy and I've come to accept that I can't eat everything that looks or smells good.

You are early out and your "pouch" will change over time.  Just be patient and keep trying.  In time you will be able to determine when you can tolerate certain foods and when you can't.

Penny

I didn't get dense protein until week 8, so it could be a little soon for you. And remember, everyone has different tolerances. Steak was easier than ground beef for me, but it's just the opposite for others.

If something doesn't work for you, give it a couple weeks, and try again.

Chicken was never easy for me, and still isn't.  I prefer steak or fish.  I used to order everything well done but that had to change :)  Medium well is ok for me now.  Ground beef was not easy for me early on and still is not as easy as a nice filet.  It will take time, so just go slowly, & chew, chew, chew.  

Something I found out early on was HOW the meat was grilled.  I seemed ok with the gas grill but when my husband would use charcoal I would be sick after one bite.  What was different?..... Lighter fluid!!!  Now he uses charcoal with this pipe looking think a ma doodle.  I know thats a high tech word for it.  LOL But ever since then I do fine with grilled meat.  But it has to be cooked where its moist.  Steak cooked medium medium rare is great.  Pork is evil!!!  Have not found a good way yet on how to grill it and be able to eat it.  Chicken, hamburger everything else just fine.  Hope this helps.

Thank you everyone! Beef was on the list at 6 weeks and this is my 6th week but No Bueno. I think I'll wait a couple of weeks and try again. I will definitely try the marinades. I was never a big steak person so if I have to give it up my husband has volunteered to eat my portions. I had similar problems with chicken kebobs over the weekend so I think I'll start marinading chicken breasts and beef.

Thanks again for the tips.