Protein, Protein, Protein!! It's driving me NUTS!

Okay.........all I have seen typed around here is PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN.......

Is there anyone who DIDN'T use PROTEIN SHAKES to get all of their protein in and has lost a considerable amount of weight? I want to succeed at this, but I KNOW I'm not big on protein shakes, so I want to know are there other ways I can get in all the protein I need without the shakes and still have or meet my desired results. I'm a BIG gal...I have a long way ahead of me, and I'm growing weary with PROTEIN options.......

Any advice (positive that is) would be greatly appreciated!!!! 

In the beginning it will be hard to get anything but fluids in,  so protein shakes is the key to that.  I hope someone out there can give you some ideas.  I know some use an unflavored protein they put in soup or broths.  Good luck,  when you get to eat solid foods then there are more options.

I've heard great things about quest protein bars.  I actually just went to their site, went under blog, and on the right hand side I was able to order two sample bars.  Good luck!

My opinion-------
I think early on in post op it is difficult to get all of the protein required without some kind of supplement. It's due to the small volume of food we can eat. There's ton of protein sources from eggs to fish to chicken to yogurt, etc.   Protein is critical to the success of this which is why it's such a discussed topic.

I have 2 suggestions-----instead of using a protein shake as a meal replacement...use it a your AM snack. There's lots of recipes to make them flavorful  once you find a type you like. Here's a list of recipes.   http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/06/my-fa vorite-protein-shake-recipes.html

The second suggestion is to go your food database like My Fitness Pal and plan out some meals ahead of time to see if you can reach your goals based on those menus.

As you get further along, I think you will find it easier to make the protein goals without a shake.
However, a year+ later, I still have one daily for breakfast.

Good luck.

 

 Thank you all so much for responding! I know that we MUST have protein in order to lose weight, I guess I just got frustrated with not knowing ways to get it in!!! E2, I appreciate you GREATLY...that link is extremely helpful!!!  I'm a little off my rocker at times! 

I'm over a year out and also still have to supplement with shakes or bars.** Meat is something that just can't be eaten in larger portions or very often with the sleeve. I also eat greek yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, shrimp, salmon, and tilapia.

One of my very favorite foods is oatmeal with protein powder mixed in...last night I had 1/4 c. of oatmeal, 1 scoop of powder, a little sf pudding powder, splenda all mixed up with a squirt of heavy whipped cream on top. I eat this almost every night for "dessert." So delicious!

**I actually often have two scoops of protein a day and sometimes also a bar. But I aim for 130g of protein...and even with the supplementation I still have only gotten around 110g max. I just can't stomach a third scoop. lol

Is it  the shake consistency? Some powders dissolve well- like Unjury. So, I combine the strawberry or unflavored powder with crystal light. So it is a regular drink.  Also the chicken flavor can be treated as chicken broth. I don't know about the other brands, but if it dissolves well you can mix with something else. Someone mentioned the unflavored powdered mixed with sugar free jello pudding. I've ordered the Unjury unflavored for that reason- to blend with tomato soup and jello pudding. Maybe what is available at GNC can do that.

I know that I didn't get enough in today. I'll do better tomorrow.

 There is only ONE protein shake that I absolutely LOVE - it's EAS AdvantEdge Carb Control in Strawberry Cream.  It tastes just like that strawberry milk mix w/the rabbit on it (Nesquik maybe?)  Anyway, it has a blah after taste, but I have been drinking them for 4 weeks now & still love them!

Hi Angel! Once again, you sound just like me. I posted so much about protein shakes, I know these good folks on OH got sick of me!! LOL Finally, someone suggested Jay Robb shakes, and I must say, they are VERY doable! I actullay like his stuff. You can go to GNC and by some samples or purchase samples from his website and check him out. I won't swear by them because everyone has different tastes, but give those a shot. I'm in the same boat as you, and I can't WAIT until I can EAT my protein instead of drink it! Hang in there, my angel, you got this!

Very early out, I really don't know how you could possibly get in enough protein without adding it to the clear liquids.  I used unflavored in water mixed with crystal light or used some of the nectar packets that can be mixed in water, like iced tea, strawberry kiwi or cherry.   You could use the unjury chicken soup, which really tastes like chicken broth or add it to chicken broth that's warm, not hot.  If you like broth,  you could always add unflavored to any broth that's warm.

I hate to say it, but you can literally only sip very small amounts at a time so you'll be drinking all day first thing out trying to get in as much fluid and protein as you can so it may be a matter of sucking it up for the first little bit of time.