OK - I need HELP!!!

I must finally admit to myself that I need some advice!  I had my surgery on 2/27 and have lost 57 pounds and over 45 inches, however, I have more stalls than a little.  I am happy with the weight lost, but would like to see more.  I now what the problem is, I do not get enough protein (about 30 grams per day), not enough water (about 32 ozs) and do not have a normal exercise routine (about 2 days per week for about 30 minutes). I can eat just about anything (sugar included - don't dump), but I don't like anything anymore.  Food with smells bother, nothing tastes really good and I am just not interested in eating.  I really need some help with getting the protein and fluids in.  I am not sure how to do it.  I really cannot tolerate milk and can't gag down soy.  I have not find a protein powder that I like (super sensitive to smells). I am really at a loss - does anyone have suggestions? Thanks!

Hi Vanessa,  First off congrats on your progress so far...you are doing just great! I ate a lot of Light String Cheese, Oscar Meyer Natural Turkey and Ham or other lean lunch meats w/ at least 7+ grms of protein per serving, cottage cheese, egg and egg beaters. Fish, shrimp, chicken breast, tuna, ground turkey (taco meat over salad or hamburgers), fat free shredded cheeses.  All of these items are lean/ good protein sources.  I also really watched my carbs early on (still do now, just a bit more relaxed with allowing good carbs in) also.  The low protein will probably keep things slowed, as will not eating at all. I know how you feel about not wanting to eat though, I still have lots of days like that now. Funny thing is, I didn't have this problem early post op. Eleven months later (on 6/13), I'm fighting to remember to eat or just plain have to force myself to eat. But I remind myself that starving won't get me to where I want to be and I believe it will back fire on me eventually.... *sigh* I'm still a work in progress. I hope things get better for you soon...

Thank you for the ideas.  I will try to eat more protein - meat and cheeses.  I know that I will move much faster if I eat more protein. Thanks again! V

Congrats on your wonderful progress thus far!

I am like you in that I despise powdered protein!     I have found a delicious ready-to-drink protein shake that is also low fat, low sugar, low lactose, and high protein.  It is called "micellar milk" and you can get it at vitamin shoppe stores or online at bariatriceating.com.  The chocolate tastes just like yoohoo.  it's not one of those thick shakes, it is kinda thin and goes down easily.  It had 40 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat and 4 grams of sugar.  It is also 17 ounces, so you are also getting in some fluid.  It's a tad expensive - about $3 per shake but it is worth it if it works for you.  I have a shake and an apple every morning for breakfast and that is over half of my daily protein requirement right there. Good luck!

One more thing... There is also a liquid protein that I used to use called "prostat".  It is VERY concentrated and tastes worse than cough syrup, but you get 15 grams of protein for one little medicine cupful (one ounce).  I would just hold my nose, do two quick shots then go brush my teeth.  It really helped me early on get in my protein because I could not tolerate shakes the forst 6 months or so after surgery.

Congratulations on the weight lost so far! I'm very lucky in that after one month post-op my DR says no more protein drinks!  All my protien comes from the food I eat, and I try to eat things very high in protein. Some things I live on -  homemade turkey chili (20+g per cup) Greek style nonfat yogurt (20g per cup) dry roasted edemame (14g per 1/4 cup) jerky (12g per oz.) Power Crunch bars (12 g per bar) That's all I can think of right now, hope that helps a bit.  Remember if you don't eat enough your body gos into starvation mode and the weight won't come off. Best wishes to you!

Thanks!  I had heard of the micellar milk, but did not want to invest in another protein drink that made me gag!  I actually ordered the Unjury unflavored and have been putting it into my coffee for the last two days.  I hope to see a change soon.  I will try the micellar, but I am not sure about the prostat.  Where do you get it? Thanks, V

Yes, it sounds like your low protein and fluid levels are contributing to your stalls. I use the Stallone (Instone) chocolate pudding as a source for protein in the morning (20g protein, 100 calories).  It's not a sweet, creamy pudding, so if that's what you are expecting when you bite into it, you'll be disappointed.  Can you stand string cheese or any other kind of cheese?  How about chili?  Tuna?  What sort of meats are you able to tolerate?  Refried beans are good, too. I recommend the Protica protein bullets, 25g of protein in 3 oz of liquid.  It's not the tastiest thing on the planet (sort of like a melted popsicle), but it's high in protein. If smells are bothering you, I suggest just holding your nose while you eat.  Getting in enough protein and fluids are very important, and if it means wearing a clothespin on your nose to get it done, then there's your answer!  I felt the same way you do about food when I was a new pre-op.  Nothing sounded good.  It passes. Good luck!  We're here for you. Kix, off to have a small bowl of chili with lots of meat, yum!

Thank you for your suggestions.  I am not sure why I cannot get down the fluids.  I run out of time a lot because when I realize it is time to eat, I have already wasted 3 hours of drinking time!

I've recently tried Muscle Milk pudding for protein, and micellar milk.  I am trying to sample a few things before surgery so I don't waste a lot of money on proteins I don't like.  I definitely like the micellar milk (chocolate or vanilla) and the pudding was decent.  I've also seen those cheese crisps that are all cheese - on the main board.  Haven't tried them, but they sound good!  You could always try Isopure or protein waters, I've seen protein jello-shot type things on bariatriceating.com   For water, what about adding crystal light or getting flavored waters to increase your intake?