Newbie

Hi everyone,
I know that this is kind of a basic question to be asking but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions.  I am having surgery on 2/4/09 (RNY) and am VERY excited and nervous, but my question is this  .... for the first week I have to be on clear liquids, but then they said the second week I can move up to full liquids, including soup.  What kind of protein supplement can I add to the soup that won't really change the taste but will help me to get my  protein in.  My surgeon wants me to have at least 70 grams a day.  Any other suggestions gladly accepted.  Thanks!!!
Becca

Heya Becca....

I know your question was about protein but I've got a few other things you could add to soups and stuff....that would be of help to you...

for protein, Syntrax makes an unflavored protein powder that you can do....or the more preferred method is blend things high in protein....broccoli (I know you didn't want to read that one..lol) or you can also add powdered soy.... egg protein also available in a powdered form could help....

now for the other stuff you can add.....ground flax meal....super high in fiber (I promise you're gonna need this..) you can add this to nearly anything flavorlessly...  you can add this to miso soup and you get the protein from powdered soy while getting the fiber of the flax.  Add unsweetened coconut (like finely chopped for even more fiber with little or no impact to taste...it will give texture however and if you add it to something like lemongrass soup...OH MY...so good.. and really healthy for you...do a search on google about how healthy coconut fiber is for you...

And while we're talking about flax.....try flax-z-snax (it's a hot cereal) do a search on google to find places to buy it....add a spoonful of no sugar fruit spread, splash of cream, hint of butter, couple of packs of splenda...and OMG...good tasting and super low carb and mega healthy for you...

If you need anything just keep asking questions....

T.

T.
Can I use flax seed oil?  or is that too high in something?  There is a health food store in Lexington ky (close to where I live), i think i will try there for the ground flax and see if they carry syntrax( I may end up ordering that online if I can)  I'm such a newbie.... so much to learn.  Thanks for your reply, it is g reatly appreciated.
  

Hey Becca!
Welcome to the Losers Club! 
Thomas is the man who is always in the know!  Protein supplements can be added to just about anything.  They can also be made into pops, pudding, drinks, soups. 
Flaxseed meal and almond meal have become my favorites in the kitchen.  Flaxseed meal is a must have staple in the kitchen.  There are some great recipes with a flaxseed base...and it's easy on the tummy. 

Beans make easy mushy dishes that are high in protein. 
You have hummus, and "refried" beans (mashed kidney beans w/cumin & enchilada sauce).
You can steam edamame til mushy and add ginger, garlic, a dash of soy sauce, and coconut milk, green onion and lemon grass or zest. 
These were major lifesavers for me. 
Just remember, each week you are introducing new food to your baby pouch.  

All of these beautiful men and women have wonderful recipes to tantalize those tastebuds.
Just remember that this is a new life, and you deserve it!

Thanks everyone,  I have another question though, are the recipes written down anywhere that Ican take a look at them?
BEcca

Becca,
You should check out WorldAccordingToEggface.com
Michelle has a wonderful blog.  She has great recipes for each phase of recovery.
She also has a variety of recipes for things like Protein IceCream and 5 Minute Cakes.
Yes, you will be able to have your cake and ice cream& eat them too

I survived off of mashed beans...hummus, kidney beans, black beans...you name it, I mashed it.
But even a week of beans is cruel to your tastebuds.  I wanted comfort so I made pumpkin pie.

I took 1 15oz can pumpkin puree, 1 1/2 Tbsp Brown Sugar Splenda, 1/2 cup Very Vanilla Silk, 1 scoop Vanilla flavored Protein Powder and pumpkin pie spice.  I mixed all of it together.  Poured it into icecube trays and froze them.
I would take out a cube, and microwave it  until it was warmed through.  It tasted like heaven.

It takes a while for you to adjust to your new way of life.  Your new pouch will be sensitive to everything.  And introducing new foods slowly is the key.  Give yourself a couple of tries with a new food, before moving onto something else.
I'm still learning and I just had my first Surgiversary last month.  If you want to chat, swap recipes, vent frustrations, or have a couple of questions   feel free to bug me anytime.

A new life is just one day away.  Think of the courage it took to make the decision to change your life.  This is a new day, a new life, and you are a new woman.  It takes time, patience, a little creativity: for those insane moments when you wonder why in the world you did this, and a great memory:  to look back at your old life and then smile at the new you. 
My prayers are with you tomorrow.  Hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks,
I'm writing down the pumpkin recipe (i love pumpkin pie, and I got a feeling for a long time, this is as close as I'm gonna get)  Thanks
I'm gonna try and check out that website you gave me too
BEcca