Overwhelmed by Protein

OMG, you are not alone with the smell thing!  Not just the Nectar brand, but all of them make me want to gag before they hit my mouth.  Just the fake, chalky taste of of them too...maybe the smell thing will die down?  I have been overly sensitive to ANY smell since the surgery.  I thought my sister was crazy when she was pregnant, every single smell bothered her...but I can see it now.  It does not take much for me to want to throw up these days. 

totally understand & I am only 6 days out... 

I was trying yogurts and Jello pudding flavors to put some unflavored protien in....

OMG Jello Cheesecake tastes gritty.   I just want natural flavors...

My mom was down for my surgery for a few weeks and she and I went crazy buying jello and jello puddings...I got sick of them real fast.  I still have most of it in my fridge - I think they are still good.  I think its the artificial sweeteners in the stuff - I'd just rather not have it at all.   I remember the first few days when I got home from the hospital and I'd cry wishing the protein stuff didn't taste like fake sweeteners - I kept saying "I wish one of these tasted like cheese"...its tought b/c I was a salty eater before surgery. 

Just out of curiosity, anyone have a problem with EXTREMELY itchy skin post-op?  Since about two weeks out I have had the itchiest skin!  Legs, stomach, chest, arms - all over!  I wasn't sure if it is related to surgery - for all my pre-op research I never heard of itchy skin as a side effect. 

I have had extremely dry skin and it is normal.  Getting all your water in will help and try to use a moisturizing soap instead of something harsh like regular bar soap.  Try not to scratch because it will just damage your skin and once you start its hard to stop.  I am speaking from YEARS of experience with dry skin.  You should be able to use a moisturizing lotion by now, just go easy on the fragrances.  I have this spot on my back that I can just reach and it is the one spot that drives me crazy.

Hope this helps!
Amanda

That makes sense about the water...I need to get more in.  I'll see how it affects me.  I guess I need to give up my Ivory soap...trying to be economical, in this case, is not helping the skin.  I need to go back to the dove moisturizing body wash I was using before surgery.  I have Aveeno, unscented lotion at home.  I need to start using it on a regular basis.  I really didn't think about the water, but that really makes sense.  Thank you!

I understand.  I've had to stop at the store in the morning to buy FF milk when I forgot to pack mine.  I started keeping an emergency supply of powder at work for just that occasion! I'm lucky that my powder mixes completely without the blender or a mixing ball.  I must confess, I started using a straw at about 1 month out because I didn't like the feel of the drink on my lips - we all have our aversions, right?

The Nectar didn't interest me either.  After going through one sample array, I never experimented any more.  I've used ProComplex from the beginning.  Now that I'm on maintenance at 60g protein/day, I could probably get protein in w/o supplements.  I like the morning shake though so I don't have to think about breakfast.  I only cook breakfast occasionally on the weekend.

I also understand how exercising will really wring you out at first.  I was really surprised when I realized that I wasn't dead on my feet after exercising anymore.  I do sleep better, but at least I'm not dragging!

Good luck and enjoy your life style changes!

For the RTDs, I use Muscle Milk Light, which can be purchased at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe and online.  I keep them in my refrigerator and take them cold whenever I have to hit the road and don't have time to mix any.  They come in a variety of flavors.  For the kind to mix, I have tried most of what is out there and have settled on Unjury, which for me, has the best taste and least "grit."  It can be purchased at www.unjury.com.  I hope that helps.  :)

Hey.  I fully understand the dry mix stuff.  Gag....   I drink mostly Special K Protein drinks.  It is kind of sweet, but does not have a hint of chalky or unpleasant taste.

Darrell