starting pureed, feel lost
so today I start purees, I am aware of what I can eat but none of the quantity will get me to 60-80 grams of protein. I hate all unflavored protein powder, so there's a giant problem. I am to have 4-6 meals a day with 10-15 grams per meal. My egg salad for breakfast has me at 6. I can't choke a whole protein shake down in one setting, and my surgeon considers a shake a meal. I am just so lost because if I have to make 2-3 meals out of a protein shake, that leaves me really no room for anything else. Maybe I am just going about things all wrong...
You might want to try some protein drinks that aren't shakes. I'm about to start purees tomorrow too. I also have had a hard time getting a shake down in anything less than 90 minutes (supposed to be 55 minutes minimum anyway, since they are 11 ounces) but I am really enjoying the unjury chicken soup flavor, which you make with 8 ounces of water and has 21 grams of protein (4 more than my shakes!). it is the consistency of broth, so it is much easier to get down and takes less time since it is only 8 ounces (and then i can get back to my water). I also am liking the Bari Wise fruit drinks (from diet direct .com) for breakfast, since that seems like the hardest time for the shakes. I'm also thinking i might be able to mix a little unflavored protein in with the purees, since there is more to cover up any texture issues...
I added non flavored protein powder to yogurt, sugar free pudding, refried beans, it did help. My surgeon and his PA told me not to stress too much in the beginning if I couldn't get all the protein in, it was something they said I could work up to. Getting the water in seemed more important.
Surgery Date: 12/9/14 - Highest Weight: 349 - Surgery Weight: 305 - Current Weight: 137
Goal reached in 13 months - 212 total pounds lost including pre-op
(M1: -20) (M2: -18) (M3: -11) (M4: -11) (M5: -14) (M6: -1) (M7: -18) (M8: -7) (M9: -15)
(M10: -13) (M11: -7) (M12: -10) (M13: -10) (M14 -6) (M15: -7) - 168 lbs lost post-op
Water is definitely the most important, then protein. I would definitely keep up with at least one shake a day -- that will give you 20-30 grams in one shot. Then look for smooth things like yogurt to help. Don't stuff yourself -- you are still healing, so stop when you feel full even if you aren't getting all the protein (add another shake later if needed).
You will get there!