proteins & dehydration

I've been searching and there really isnt anything recent on protein supplements. If this is the wrong place, please redirect me!!! I desperately need guidance on protein powders, options, etc. Just cant seem to get enough in and hubby is dangerously close to suffering from dehydration because he is trying to get his 80 g of protein in. Any suggestions?

There are TONS of posts here (both on this forum and in the individual surgery forums) about various brands and flavors of protein powders and ready-to-drink protein supplements.

if you use the search function (magnifying glass at the top of the page) and search on "protein shakes" you will get hundreds of results.

It all really boils down to finding some that are high in protein (20-30g) and low in carbs and that you can tolerate the taste, smell, and texture of. Getting samples is your best bet.

Lora

I am concerned that you said your husband is close to dehydration trying to get his 80g of protein in. What exactly does that mean? If he is drinking protein drinks they count toward your overall liquids. If he is fairly new out of surgery I would be more concerned with getting all the liquids in. It is easy to get dehydrated in the beginning. A popular ready-to-drink protein is Premier. You can buy cases at Sams, BJ's, and Costco ... as well as smaller quantities elsewhere. It has 30g protein and is low carb. I also use Genepro unflavored - buy it off Amazon, it has 30g protein per tablespoon and can go directly into hot liquids. Good Luck.

Is your husband trying to get in 80g of protein with food or protein shakes?  Trust me - protein and hydration can be accomplished at the same time.  64oz of fluids is your goal every day.  If it's a challenge now - it's going to get worst in the post-op world.  It's hard as hell but not impossible, and your body doesn't accept excuses.

For example, I can easily eat 100g of protein and drink 120oz of water every day right now.  I'm 9 yrs post op from DS, but you're still pre-op, so there's no reason you and your husband cannot accompli**** too.

I did a search on "protein shakes" on OH so you can check them out. 

With your hubby drinking a high quality protein shake, he will get double the benefits of getting in his protein AND liquid for hydration. 

Yup. Premier Protein drinks. 30 gm protein. Easy to do 2-3 a day. I'm not crazy about the chocolate, but I add a little chocolate extract. Yummy. 

When did your husband have surgery, and which form? In the first few weeks post-op, hydration should be his number-one priority, even before protein. Your body has enough stored protein to carry him for s few weeks, but only enough water to carry him for a couple of days. As Val said, protein shakes count as both fluid and protein, so keep trying different ones until he finds one he can tolerate.

My surgeon set my protein goals by the 30-60-90 rule---30 grams by 30 days, 60 grams by 60 days, etc. It's easier if you take it one step at a time.

Put a 20 oz bottle of water at his elbow and make sure he sips it constantly.  This should help a lot.

Turn him onto the Men's Forum  on this site.  There are some good guys, very helpful, on there.  

Couldn't edit my previous post.  Here's the link:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/men/

Also, just keep tha****er bottle constantly there.  He should be able to get in five bottles during the day, and with with the other liquids in his diet he shouldn't have any problems staying hydrated.

Thank you all for your replies, you've been most helpfull! I have been doing the search and we've several different proteins here at the house along with all the good ingredients to make the shakes tasty and possible. One of the tricks we've learned is coconu****er, it helps a great deal in keeping dehydration for sneaking in. He is constantly drinking, we found a protein that is the flavor of iced tea, so we mix it in with our favorite crystal light iced tea and lemon. It tastes great and every sip helps him get closer to his goal. My surgery is next wends so he has been the best of guinea pigs for me. 

I've also learned I do better with protein sources that are not whey, I dont know if this will change after the surgery but we've several different types of protein just in case it doesnt. 

My biggest fear right now is that my liver may be too large and inhibit the surgery altogether. At this point I'm praying for an uncomplicated surgery!!!