protein hell - how do you do it?? xpost

Thanks so much for chiming in, I'm going to try it out, although I won't be able to order it online in time for my cruise so will have to buy it at a store, either GNC or Vitamin Shoppe.

I am SO jealous of you DS girls.  I wish I had tried harder before my revision to sleeve to get the DS!

This is interesting because my Dr. didn't tell me anything about increasing protien or how much to have or anything.  In fact, he never discussed diet with me.  Most of his practice is massive weight loss patients as he works closely with a WLS dr so you would think he would have.  I'm glad this board is here for us to glean more information.  It really helps me fill in the blanks.  I'm sorry you are having a time getting it all in but I bet the difference between 106 and 125 in the whole scheme of things isn't going to cause an issue.

I ended up at 126g by the end of the night by drinking another shake.  I hate the shakes but I guess I"m going to have to suck it up and do it.

My dr. didn't talk about diet either.  But I read the 125g here in a few different places - and did some research online that supported it.  I figure that's a pretty easy "prep" item for surgery!!

Erica, I've been doing a double scoop protein shake every morning for a bout 50gms of protein.  Also, I found something you may be interested in.  They are called Muscle Gel Shots.  They have 22gms of whey isolate in less than 2 ounces of the gel.  They are just a little squeezie packet a bit bigger than a ketchup packet.  I got them at Bodybuilding.com and they have really helped to get the recommended protein levels.  I started upping my protein quite a bit about 3 months prior to my lbl/bl and my Doc says to keep it high for the next 2 to 3 months.  I'm surely sick of all this darn protein, but I do believe it's made a HUGE impact in my recovery.  I've always had mega restriction with my vsg and the post surgery restriction is even worse.  I'm only eating real food like twice a day cause the shakes keep me so full.  All I can say is it's worth it...just suck it up and do it.  Also try to find those Muscle Gel Shots. 

Laura

Sounds good.  I'm sucking it up lol.  I'll look for those shots when I'm in the US after surgery.  Thanks.

I just read Laura's post below and now I'm worried.  I just now started working on protien since I have read your post.  I should have started 3 months ago. Should I be concerned?  My surgery is in 10 days.

LOL - I know!  Me too - and my surgery is in 30 hours!!  lol  I just started yesterday!

We can only do what we can do.  Starting now will be better than if you didn't do it at all, right?

Okay, whew, that makes me feel better.  30 hours! Wow!  well...less now.  I will be thinking of you and anxious to see you post again when you are well enough to.  I hope it all goes well.

Aloha All-

I'm a believer in the increased protein too- upped mine from about 80-90 g/day pre plastics to over 125 g/day ( started 3 weeks prior to PS). Recovered VERY quickly, healed beautifully with super narrow scar and no dehiscence or issues and was cleared for gym 12 days out ( yoga and stretching) and 3 weeks out ( cardio and weights)...and I'll be 50 years old this Saturday!. Kept my protein up for 6 months post op and still try to stay over 100g/day because of the workouts ( 2600 cals per day is what I need to get in or I lose). Remember to get other calories in as well- you need balance ( carb and fat) and fat gets that calorie total up quickly. I would down a protein drink at bedtime just to sneak one more blast in.

Remember- DSers malabsorb their protein so they must eat more than VSGers right off the bat. If you have been working out ahead of time and have alot of muscle mass, you have body stores of protein that will help as well. I don't mind the $2 per EAS myoplex shake ( 25 g protein per) because I eat so flipping little of everything else that I'm STILL a cheap date. Don't forget the soft protein laden meals- Greek Yogurt ( 22 g protein per cup), bean or lentil soups ( bean with bacon made with skim milk is about 20 g/serving). And I can get more soup in than I can dense protein. Gel shots are good, as are the clear liquid protein bullets if you can find one that doesn't taste like crap.
Good luck, Laura you are doing GREAT! XOXOLori