Any Suggestions?

Well.....  I went to the surgeon's office today for the results of my latest labwork.  When I was there two weeks ago my protein was quite low at 14 (normal is 20-40).  I was told to eat only protein.  I should put nothing in my mouth that wasn't protein.

I did that for two weeks.  Eating tuna, salmon, and drinking Isopure drinks for 80 grams of protein and the food I consumed brought it up to about 105-110 grams of protein each day. I got sick on egg and then again got sick on Mahi Mahi this morning. 

The results of my protein today on the labwork was it dropped another 5 points and is down to 9.  Also, when I told about getting sick twice and having some discomfort in the upper pouch area, I have to have an Endoscopy.  I'm also supposed to try to get the 110 grams of protein from food.  Not sure how to do that not being able to eat very much at one time.

I also did not lose any weight in the last two weeks since I was there.  I was told not to worry about losing the weight.  That annoyed me as I asked, "Why did I go through this procedure if not to lose any weight?"  The response was, "You have 18 months to lose weight."  I didn't know I wasn't supposed to lose any weight before my required time!  Sure cleared that up for me.......

My questions are:  Anybody had this experience? Are there foods that are easier for us to get the protein from than others?  It's hard to eat refried beans for only 9 grams of protein when you can get 19 grams of protein from salmon.  Would 6 meals a day be better than 3 meals? 

I don't have a regular "nutritionist" that I can call other than the dietician from the hospital.  How do I find a nutritionist to help with this that would be familiar with WLS?

Sorry to be grousing here but I'm really at a loss.....  Thanks for any suggestions!

Kathi

Hi, Kathi.

Just wondering, do you have an HMO or a primary doctor?  Ask him to refer you to a dietician.  My HMO is SCAN, and my group is Huntington Partners - if you are part of them, I know they have a bunch of dieticians all over the place.  I went to one in Arcadia, but know they have more in L.A. and other places. 

Take care and hang in there.

Thanks, Kathleen,

I'm going to call the dietician affiliated with the hospital where I had my surgery and see what she has to say.  If that doesn't work, I'll call my primary care doctor and see about a referral!  Good suggestion.

Hugs,

Kathi

Wow Kathi, I don't have any advice for you , but I feel for you if that's any help.

Thanks for the support, Reggie!

It's so wonderful to know you're here and can sort of understand the frustrations I'm going through.  It's going to all work out I'm sure.  I'll just keep trying to do what they want me to do..... 

Hugs,

Kathi

protein shakes?

I wonder if they are better than the clear Isopure I've been using..... Hmmm...... I didn't think to ask about them.  I had been using them up until the first discovery of the low protein and thought I'd go with the ones that are easier to drink more quantity.  Maybe I'll throw one in through all this.

Thanks, Margo!  Hope Michael gets to come home tomorrow and you're feeling better soon.  Pet little Roxie for me.....

Hugs,

Kathi

Wow, wish I still had my nutritionist's e-mail; I'd bet she'd help. But I don't think she's at the bariatric center anymore, and I don't know the two nutritionists that are there now. Doesn't your doctor have anyone he/she works with? I don't know what to tell you other than to check with the dietician at the hospital. 

Maybe, as you said, trying six meals would be the key ... when I first started on solids, I was doing six meals a day ... didn't go to three until I knew I could keep down six.  And have you tried something simpler like turkey deli meats ... chewing those might be easier than tuna or salmon, even though tuna/salmon might have more protein, if you're not keeping it down, it's not helping you. One of the first things I tried was the deli meats ... nice, thin slices, easy to chew into mush.

I don't think they're giving you much guidance ... don't know much about their situation, but you'd think they would have their own nutritionist/etc.

Wish I could help more!

Eileen,

I only had to see the Dietician affiliated with the hospital one time prior to surgery.  Doesn't seem to be a big requirement with them beyond the handout they give out.  Of course, that doesn't cover special cir****tances such as what my body is doing to me right now.  I'll call the hospital's dietician tomorrow and see what she recommends.  Who knows; she might have a brilliant idea!

I'm not sure I could suffer through turkey right now because I don't happen to like turkey.  I've tried it a couple of times through this and had to smother it in mustard to get it down.  I'll keep trying it and see if I can develop a taste.

Thanks for your input!  I really appreciate it.

Hugs,

Kathi

Well, if turkey doesn't work, what about ham or chicken deli meats? Anything sliced really thin?

I also got hooked on a local grocery's chicken spread when I could eat solids ... it was chicken and celery and onions pulverized very fine with mayo. I'd spread it on whole wheat saltines. I still eat it. Tuna might work the same or salmon spread. You could make  your own. I'm not much for the protein drinks but I like my AchievOnes because I like the coffee taste, but they do have caffeine in them. Anyway, you should be eating real food. If eggs bother you, try EggBeaters instead. Some people use the tasteless protein in cream soups or in their yogurt to boost their protein.

It's too bad  your bariatric program didn't hook you up with a nutritionist to consult with early on, because that's really when you need one. Ours had us meet with one until we were six months out, and then we could still consult with her for free by e-mail or phone if we had questions.