8 Years out and still using protein bars and drinks

So getting protein with just food is hard unless you have stretched your tummy. I don't mind the bars and drinks in fact food holds no love for me. I am just filling the hole so glad I didn't get back my love of food.I told Dr A he performed surgery on my tummy but changed my mind set too.

Congratulations on your long term success!

I have to disagree with your assertion that only a stretched stomach can get in enough protein. My restriction is great, and on a bad day I get at least 180 grams of protein without bars and shakes. It really isn't difficult, following a protein forward diet.

I hit 300 grams often enough, and was over 400 grams a few times. I log everything, but don't even think about getting 80 to 100 grams. I just worry about the calories.

Grim,

I would be very interested in seeing your food log to get ideas on how to get all the good protein in. 

 

Enjoy your day!

 

 

I'm posting my daily log on the "What are you eating today" thread on the RNY board this week. Pop in and take a look. But it's pretty boring.

"getting protein with just food is hard unless you have stretched your tummy"

I don't buy this at all.  I have a shake for breakfast every day, but it's choice because I don't like solid food in the morning.  My plan is 3 meals a day, no snacks, and I would have no trouble reaching my daily protein goals with 4 ounce meals.  

For example, 12 ounces of tuna has 72 grams of protein.  

Getting protein with just food isn't hard unless you have some kind of complication or gut issues. Actually aiming for eating regular food & not rely on shakes & bars for protein is the goal of most people. I drink the shakes mostly for taste & convenience but it isn't needed for me to reach my protein goals. I had to cut back on the bars cuz they were like eating overblown candy bars.

I still have good restriction, but like anything it depends on what I eat that gives me good restriction. Bars & shakes, no, dense protein yes. Meat kinda stays with me the longest, followed by chicken & fish.

I'm 10 years out and I still eat protein bars almost daily sometimes 2 times a day, although mostly because when I work out, I try to get in at least 25 grams of whey protein post work out. I like shakes too, but the protein bars are easier to transport.

If protein shakes and bars are working for you...and your maintaining your weight loss...good for you!! CONGRATS!!!!!

I do like food too though, WLS did not change that for me. I still eat plenty of it! Although, I did notice that I have lost my taste for Pizza and instead of chocolate I prefer vanilla and/or fruit flavors, but that might be age over WLS.

I can see where getting in protein is hard when you have no taste for food at all.  Thats when you know you can reach for a bar or a ready made shake and know you are going to get the protein you need.  Then, when you have the time to make something, or the actual appetite for something, you can make a protein rich meal.

Hi Kay! 

 

Its good to to see a familiar face from the early days!!!

I understand what you are saying but for different reasons.  For me, at almost 7 years out, it's hard to get the protein in because it's not what I want to eat.   Solid protein still does not feel good in my tummy.  

So, I covered it with sour cream, sauce, cheese, anything to make it moister and more slippery.  And the sauces got heavier and the protein got smaller. Other bad habits slid right back in too.

The scale stopped dropping and then significant weight regain happened.  I'm working hard on losing it again, but I wish I had not pushed myself to get off the shakes.

 Shakes remind me that I am and will always be a WLS patient. They help me to remember food is fuel and concentrate on nutrition.  My doctors program has even backed away from the "get protein from food" and "all things in moderation" lines.  

 

Dawn

I'm only 2.5 years post-VSG.  I've lost 100 pounds and kept it all off thus far.  

I've had a different response to WLS.  I'm able to get all my protein in via food.  I don't have any problems eating protein either.  Just not more than 3-4 ounces max at a time.  

However, I do drink a protein drink most mornings (it has 25 grams of protein).  I'm one of those who never got tired of my favorite protein drink.  At least not yet.  

I also haven't lost my taste for food.  Still like it and even love it sometimes.  Sorry that you're not so interested in food anymore.  Unless that's the way you like it, in which case congrats.  :)