If it weren't for drinking my protein I wouldn't be getting in much!

Protein shakes are a lifesaver after this surgery! Tomorrow will be five weeks out and except for weeks one and two, when "head hunger" was getting the best of me, I really can't say that I enjoy eating anymore. Those flip-flops your "new" stomach does when hit with solid foods... the feelings of nausea when taking bites sometimes, and the weird feelings of "am I full or is this just another weird thing my pouch is doing" all lead me back to the tried and true method of drinking my protein and nutrients. I'm not saying this as a complaint by any means though. I prefer drinking my meals because not only is it a very rich source of protein and vitamins, but it also aids me in getting in my prescribed liquids for the day because that's been a challenge in and of itself. Another benefit of protein powder is that you can regulate the amount of protein you're taking in much easier than trying to eat your way to your daily requirement. If I were going to advise someone going into the surgery about foods early on, I would emphasize on buying only small quantities of any particular food until you find out what's going to sit right with you. I can't name how many times I ate something new after surgery and absolutely enjoyed it the first time, while nearly throwing-up on the very same thing the next time I ate it. What's really weird is that some of the things you really loved before the surgery you will find that you abhor when you're post-op. Pasta has to be the one thing that really gets to me now. The texture of it in my mouth while I'm chewing it makes me think I'm going to vomit sometimes.. and it's no big deal because there are many other smarter choices out there. After all.. pasta is one of the reasons I ended up so overweight.  In conclusion, I will have to say that protein powder and skim milk are the mainstays of my nutritional needs at this point even though my surgeon wants us completely off them after week #2.  To try and get in all that protein any other way would be a disaster for me at this point. I feel good and exercise briskley at least every other day, and my weight is dropping significantly. There are times during each day when my hunger gets pretty ravenous and I think about how I'm going to sit down and enjoy a good meal only to find that after a few bites my pouch is whacking out again with the flip-flops, or I begin to feel discomfort in my pouch-esophogial region from probably eating too fast. When this happens I always end up right back where I started after surgery... the good ol' protein shake!

yep, i drink a lot of my protein too. i can't eat very much. even from the beginning i ate soup for almost 7 months before eating solid food. i can't eat enough to get all my protein so i do the shake thing. the only problem is all the gas build up from the shakes. so i have to let it air out and then drink it slowly. i have a shake for breakfast every morning and maybe another during the day. then i go for protein in a meal and that's it. i can't eat dry meat, chicken or most fish anymore because it sticks and comes back up. some other foods i can't stand anymore either. all in all i prefer soups or some type of moist meals. they just go down easier. everything esle I have to chew to death......carbonblob

Don't worry about the liquid nourishment too much.  I  think most of use still supplement with liquid protein, be it a liquid protein vial, shake or some other variation.  Just be a little more creative.  I did separate from the Boost lactose free shakes after a while but I used them for the first three months easy.  I coulldn't do the prescribe Carnation instant breakfast as I became completely lactose intolerant after WLS.  It is better now but still different than before surgery. I mixed protein powder with broth, in SF pudding, in yogurt, and definitely in fruit smoothies ( OJ instead of milk, fruit of choice, powder and ice).  I can now do like 8 oz of skim milk I couldn't tolerate right after surgery. I also found good protein in boiled shrimp and refried beans.  I also mixed some canned salmon with chicken broth or mushroom soup so the consistency was easy to tolerate. I also came to not enjoy eating but that is a good result and conclusion to come too.  It helps us redirect our interests to non-food topics and goals throughout the day, like exercise and spending time with people rather than lets go eat or I can't wait to have____for lunch or dinner.  It is definitely an opportunity to take advantage of a new lifestyle thats different but long term good. I hated it at first and was quite frustrated but came to realize it was a major benefit of the new tool and I could accept that as good or fight it amd mess it all up and go back to my old obese habits. Duh!!  Glad the light bulb came on for me. It will for you too if it hasn't already. So,..what are you doing with all of your newly acquired free time you use to spend munching??

[Joe said] "I also came to not enjoy eating but that is a good result and conclusion to come too.  It helps us redirect our interests to non-food topics and goals throughout the day, like exercise and spending time with people rather than lets go eat or I can't wait to have____for lunch or dinner.  It is definitely an opportunity to take advantage of a new lifestyle thats different but long term good" Couldn't agree with you more!  I like the fact that food is no longer my favorite pastime. Unlike you though.. I can tolerate skim milk very well[so far], and that really helps me get alot of good nutrients. I like the shrimp and bean suggestions, and I have in fact been eating beans quite easily...and I like them.  What have I been doing these days?   Well, I'm pretty much on schedule with the exercise at least every other day, and I have to admit that the computer takes up alot of my free time because I'm a hard-core online gaming addict and internet freak. I've been gaming since 1993, and I can't seem to get it out of my system. There's a whole community of us gamers who are seriously addicted and every day we sign on and go to battle killing each other in games like Quake3 and Battlefield 1942. It's half the reason I got fat in the first place. LoL!!  After I go back to work I'll get a second job to help pay off some bills.. but until then I'm just going to play.  Take care!

I too still have protein shakes and I am 7 months out Saturday. I only have them after I work out only because they screw with my gut a little. I tend not to feel ****ty after a shake if I work out before. It may not be the best choice but since it is only 4-5 times a week I mix mine with skim milk. I have also gotten to like protein bars. Not because of the candy similarities but becuase they are lower fat, higher protein, low sugar,  good carbs, and enough calories to boost me up till the next meal. I can eat almost anything, within reason. Some stuff is still drier to me than most people. I do better with cottage cheese, stews, soups, chilis,etc.  Another good high protein meal is a 5 or 6 oz can of tuna and mix it with some low fat cottage cheese. Super high protein, low fat, and is actually pretty good.

TomL, Way to go dude! Goal in 6 months,... you using nitrious oxide or something?? The tuna and cottage cheese I never associated.  thats does sound like it could work instead of mayonaise.  Thanks for the info. Joe

Thanks man. Problem is now I can't stop.  It's like going down an icy hill on a lubed up sled.

Congrats on meeting your goal! 

Way to Go Tom! (who’s the skinny kid wearing your old jeans?) Awesome progress, Keep it Up! Best Wishes- Dx

Yeah Tom!  That parachute's upside down!  hehe!