New - Question regarding low protein and exercise?

 So, I had surgery 6 1/2 weeks ago. I am having a very difficult time getting in protein. Unfortunately I am unable to drink shakes. I get severe cramps and pain, not to mention nausea whenever I try. I have also started exercising on a regular basis. I swim for at least an hour 5 days per week and have just started TaeKwonDo classes 2-3 times per week. I am concerned that my body will start consuming my muscles rather than fat since I am unable to get in a high amount of protein. Lately I have been averaging about 30 grams of protein per day. Does anyone have information or experience with this?

 
You need to be getting 3-4x that amount of protein.  My opinion would say no less than 75g a day and closer to (or over 100) would be better.  At 6.5 weeks, what is your eating plan?  At 6.5 weeks I would expect you to be over 30g.  2oz of Tuna or Salmon is 15-20+ grams of protein. If you ate 2oz tuna 3X a day, you should be close to at least 60g.

I'd probably cut back on the exercise unless you can get more protein in.  

It's not unusual to have trouble getting in protein early on.  I never did shakes either, but used a lot of cottage cheese for protein early on.  Until you can really eat meat it'll be tough, but just do the best you can.

Your body is going to use up muscle for fuel as you lose weight anyway.  That's just how it works during that phase.  You can work on strength training as you lose and it helps, but the fact remains that you don't need as much muscle to move your body around when it's smaller. 

I know lots of people use protein bars, but I think they taste awful so I never used them much either.  All you can do is the best you can.  See if a nutritionist in your surgeon's office can help you find some other protein sources if you're still concerned in another month or two.

Linn

Are you making your shakes with milk? Do they have lactose in them?

A lot of us get lactose intolerant after surgery. I did! And this made doing shakes hard at first until I stopped adding milk and found some brands that didn't bother my tummy.

In the early days I also used a lot of bariatric foods -- soups with extra protein, sloppy joes with extra protein, protein hot chocolate, etc.

I also added protein to everything. Instead of plain water, I'd add "South Beach Tide me Over" powder. It was only 3 g of protein but that's 3 g more than I was getting with jus****er.

I also eat a lot of "soft" protein such as:
-greek yogurt (more protein than regular)
-cheese sticks
-lunch meat and cheese
-cottage cheese
-chili

It all helps.

Have you tried Protein Bullets or Protein Shots? They come in different flavors and are about 25-30 grams of protein packed into a 3 oz tube. They are tasty and easy. I got mine at Walmart, but they sell them in more favors and GNC or you can get them by the case at bariatriceating.com.

I think it is the protein itself that is making me sick. I tried making them with either water or almond milk. I avoid regular milk like the plague. I have tried the whey, soy and vegetable proteins...still no go. I tried a protein bar and it affected me just as bad. My body just seems to reject them!

Need to ask...What do you mean by your body rejecting these things??  You need to talk to your doctor about this problem.  You may have a stricture if it comes back up.  I would not do serious exercise (hard) exercise till you can up your protein.  Yes, you will lose muscle mass.  Also know the signs of dehydration.  You may want to try and "graduate" to things like plain almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, roasted soy nuts, dry roasted peanuts, beef jerkey, turkey jerkey, raisins, Wendy's Chili...  You may want to hold back on the major exercise...work on toneing and walking till the protein level comes up...Just me.  Brian