Help Please! Third Week Post-Op and Really Struggling
Hi everyone. I just started my third week post-sleeve and I am really struggling. I lost 15 pounds the first week and started reaching my liquid and protein goals.
Then, the last 3-4 days I have really been struggling with drinking enough liquids and I am getting so tired of the liquid proteins that I am reverting back to not meeting my goals. Despite the constant brushing of my teeth and mouthwash, I cannot seem to get the whey isolate taste out of my mouth. I nearly gag trying to drink any type of liquid protein. Luckily, I haven't thrown up yet, but I feel I am getting close.
I have always been a finicky eater, and will gag/throw up if I try to force myself to eat things that are not semi-palatable to me. I am so bored with the protein shakes, soup stock and hot chocolate or tea. I have tried adding whey isolate to applesauce and other tricks, but again, the whey isolate taste starts to make me gag. I have tried both lactose-free and regular protein shakes, and they are nearly equally unappealing to me.
Then to top it off, I only lost 2 pounds my second week. I suppose part of it is my body readjusting and part of it is me not meeting my liquid and protein goals. But it is so incredibly disappointing to know that all of my suffering with the liquid protein and my dedication to exercising almost every single day is not really paying off.
I was advised that even when I transition to soft foods, I am expected to drink one protein shake a day. Will it be easier for me to stomach the protein shake when I can have other things? I cannot imagine drinking these the rest of my life the way I am feeling right now.
I would appreciate any words of encouragement and/or any suggestions on how to make it through the liquids phase. I am really struggling and borderline depressed.
Thank you OH Family,
-Jen
Have you had any of the sugar free Popsicles or what about making some sugar free banana Jello? The banana kind tastes great.
No matter what, you've got to get your liquids down one way or another. You can do this. You have to!!!
Good Luck & Best Wishes,
XO,
Hilary
Hilary: Thank you so much for the suggestions. I have tried many protein shakes but not the Premier Protein. I will definitely try it. I will also try teh Unjury Chicken Flavor protein powder.
I do have Crystal Light, but I find adding those types of flavors makes everything too sweet for me. I haven't tried sugar free popsicles, but I think I'm to the point where I could try frozen things. Earlier, I couldn't do it because of the stomach muscle spasms.
Thank you so so much for the encouragement. I am going to try try try!
XO
-Jen