protein hell - how do you do it?? xpost

Ok- I'm trying to get my protein up around 125g in preparation for plastics next week.  Everything I've read recommends at least that much pre-post surgery for healing.

Today I journalled obsessively and measured every bite.  Right back to a early post-op plan.  EVERYTHING I put in my mouth was thought out and protein first.  Drinking protein shakes again.

I'm friggen STUFFED.  When I fill Sleevie with protein, he stays full A LONG time.  I can barely ge****er in in-between meals, cause he's so full it hurts.  Turning back to full time protein has immediately upped my restriction to about the same level I had at 3 months.  When I was carbing it - I could eat about 4oz of meatloaf for dinner (not having had a ton of protein before dinner).  Today?  2oz and a bit - and I couldn't even eat my vegetables.  I rushed through the first 2oz and almost didn't stop in time to prevent feeling bad.

One one hand, this is good.  Reminds me that my Sleevie still works JUST like he's supposed to.  BUT I'm only at 106g protein all day!!  And that's with two protein drinks!  Ugh.  I'm also at about 1000 cals trying to get this all in (upped my fat a bit too - as high protein kinda "bungs" me up KWIM).  My BMR with exercise is about 2000 cals according to those online calculators so 1000cals isn't that bad I guess.  But I'm not going to be able to eat my cheese and pickle snack tonight - not enough protein!!  Sigh.

Just venting.  Not sure how to DO this!!

What type of protein shake are you drinking? Mine has 23 grams of protein per scoop. If it's mixed with 4 oz. of say skim milk that adds 4 more grams of protein. So, 27 grams protein in one small shake. Just 3 of those per day and you're looking at 81 grams of protein from liquids alone. I have a sleeve too as part of my DS and I can easily drink 3 shakes a day. Replace a meal with a double scoop shake.

Renee,

What kind of protein powder do you use? Is it grainy?
I've had a hard time finding any that is tolerable to me.  I used to use the unflavored Unjury and make my own concoction, but now with this surgery I just had, I've been drinking the 42 gm EAS Myoplex, but they are EXPENSIVE to drink 2/per day.

I didn't start pushing protein until after surgery.

My favorite protein powder is the Champion Nutrition Pure Whey Protein Stack - Chocolate. The way I make my shakes is like an iced coffee. I take a blender bottle and fill it all the way with ice. I add a packet of splenda, 2 pumps of Starbucks sugar free caramel syrup, fill the bottle 3/4  full with hot coffee and a splash of half & half. If you don't want to use half & half use any milk product that you like. I add 2 scoops of the protein powder. Shake it well and voila...it tastes like an iced coffee from Starbucks. You can use whatever flavored syrup you prefer. Sometimes I use cinnamon or hazlenut to change things up. It makes a tall bottle full and I drink 2 -3 a day. I love my protein shakes and actually look forward to them.

I'm going to have to try this.  I had mine with coffee (hot) but haven't tried cold!  Yum!

I love the taste of it and it really makes me forget that it's protein powder.

I agree with Renee. I drink the same powder cold and it works great for me. Texture is a huge issue for me and it it is the best shake I have ever had.

Is that brand available, for example, at GNC or do you have to order it online?

I guess I'm just looking for something I can mix with skim milk.  (Actually, I like the extra protein Mootopia I can get here.)

I need to take something with me on a cruise next week, despite all the food offerings.  I can not get more than about 60 gms a day with solid protein.

I look for deals online, but I can also buy it locally at the Vitamin Shoppe. The best price going right now is at http://www.allstarhealth.com/f/champion_nutrition-pure_whey_protein_stack.htm
 I buy mine in the 5lb containers. It's always cheaper online compared to local stores. It's not gritty at all.

I buy mine there too. I get the 5lb container, transfer some to a smaller glass jar on my counte (so I am always reminded) and stoe the est in the cupboad.

Their pice on the individual packets is decent too and I bought a case and always have a packet in my puse, just in case. It's what I use when traveling.