What's on your (PHOTO FRIDAY) Menu, RNYers?

good morning. Getting an early start rather than my usual last post of the day!

Hoping some of you vets can give me a bit of advice. I'm trying to up my protein grams. Been really struggling. The increase in volume has my stomach upset all the time. I'm averaging around 800 calories a day now. And just hitting 60 grams. But uh, the nausea. I weigh everything, or scan the label if it's prepared. Very protein forward. But again, just ugh. Any words of wisdom?

QOTD: Nothing right now (unless you want to hear about my bra struggles?). But I woke up this morning from very vivid dreams that I need to redecorate my bedroom and living room. Like it's a crisis situation. Woke up very distressed. My husband is really going to be distressed since we just completed a total renovation/remodel of our house in December 2018. Ha!

My mask, made by my daughter for me. She's the best.

Menu:

B: hard boiled egg, light sting cheese

L: homemade turkey white bean chili, 1/2 C with 1/2 tbsp of cheese and 1 teaspoon of greek yogurt

D: grilled boneless/skinless chicken thighs, avocado, tomato (all things my stomach seems to like, but to get to the protein grams, I think I am forcing in too much volume.

Peace everyone

I used to get plain protein powder and add it to certain things - for example, adding it to your chili might work. Sixty grams is a pretty common requirement for us - so you may be fine. Or were you told to eat more? I malabsorb it, so I have to shoot for 100/day. I have some kind of protein shake every morning as my morning snack, so that, plus having some protein with every meal, plus some protein-rich snack like L&F yogurt in the afternoon, will usually get me there.

Thanks so much. Not a malabsorb-er. Not yet that I know at least. I'm 65 months out, and struggling to get in the 60 grams. I'm so stinking full all the time. I have been averaging 40-50. So I've been forcing myself this week, and I am sweating with nausea half the day.

protein powder in the chili is a great idea. I'll try that today! Thank you again.

As an RNY - you most likely malabsorb proteins. What was your protein blood level in the last blood test you had? if you don't get a copies of your tests, ask for that and check it yourself. Ideally we should strive for 7.0 even though the normal values in most labs is 6.2-8.

Adding high quality protein drink a day may help you. I have a problem digesting meats, and eat too much at one time. Still, 12 years post op. Making sure the meat is moist, or adding nice gravy like sauce, can help.

Making a protein shake that can be used in coffee as a creamer if you drink coffee, or make ice cream to be used in summer time. There are a lot of recipes for protein ice cream on most bariatric bloggers sites (i.e eggface site)

Last labes were 4/1 and protein was on the low side, 5.7. I added a protein drink back in, but it's wrecking havoc on my gi system. So I am trying to find that balance of food/fluid and meet the nutritional guidelines. I definitely think adding some protein drink to my evening coffee (totally fake coffee, I haven't tolerated caffeine in 15 years or more) is doable. I'll add that to my list.

Thank you for taking the time to respond!

If the proteins drink is wrecking havoc on your GI system, means that you are using the wrong for you protein shake/powder.

with protein at 5.7, that is too low. And indicate that you do malabsorb proteins. And with that level you body may already start using your muscle to have enough proteins for repairs.

You need to identify what it doing that: whey powder, or the additives they use.

Some people are sensitive to whey concentrate but can tolerate why isolate. Whey isolate should not contain any lactose that many people are sensitive to.

Getting a small pack of whey isolate unflavored protein powder and trying that may tell you if the whey is bothering you or the additives. I know a bunch of people who don't tolerate artificial flavors and sweeteners added to make the drink taste better.

If whey is what is bothering you, there are other protein shakes like soy, vegan etc, collagen, etc.

First, clearing up a typo. I am 6 and 1/2 months out, not 65.

I use Whey protein Isolate as an additive and drink Premier Chocolate Protein shakes. Those are the only two artificial protein sources. I seem to feel better when I stay away from the PP shakes, hence the reason I have been trying to reach my goals with real food. I'm going to only add the whey isolate this weekend and see if overall I feel better.

I greatly appreciate the input. My doctor is very aggressive and is monitoring me monthly and with blood work every three months now. I am working hard at bringing that number up!

This is hard work! Thank you for the guiding hand.

Lisa

I was told that if something was not agreeing with me too not eat it. They say go back to the tried and true that you know works for you. Then maybe once a month try the old thing to see if it works now. Please make sure you are chewing enough before you put it in your pouch. Make sure everything you swallow is the consistence of Applesauce. And eat slow put down your fork if you need to. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Thank you,Teenie. Slowing down and chewing more is something I can totally work on. I wonder if I could survive on avocado alone....? My pouch seems to love avocado!

I did protein shakes for more than a year. Don't think of them as a crutch but a necessity. Just get the protein goals in no matter what it takes. Oikos triple zero yogurt is another easy way to add protein. This will pass sooner than you think just hang in there