PROTEIN- HELP!!!!!

I am so concerned. I have heard different things. My nutrionist says i must get in the supplemental protein (liquid) yet my nurse said i could get it in through the food. Yes, i know i need to clarify this with them but i need some advice now. Everyone says you MUST drink the protein drinks. Well not everyone gets nauseous and gags on each and every one they try. I have spent lots of money on things that i just can't tolerate. I am hoping it is a phase. Even the flintstone vitamins gag me. I force down my soluable prevacid b/c i can't do without that. My diet is almost all protein but as you know i can't eat much. I am hoping i don't get sick and my hair doesn't fall out. I am only 8 weeks post op and i hear it happens around 3 months post op. I have tried Hanks, Isopure, Whey products, unjury (sp) etc etc etc. I have ordered samples and tried them. If you know of a great tasting magical food that has tons and tons of protein in one tiny portion please advise. I wonder if they would do a revision if someone can't tolerate the protein drinks. They are all disgusting!!!!!!

Beth, Don't get discouraged. The one thing I found more palatable is Sylvester Stallone high protein pudding. I believe GNC carries it. If you can tolerate it, the Weigh****chers yogurts have 6 grams of protein in each container. You can also try mixing protein with milk and ice in a blender. You won't be able to drink it all at one time. Cottage cheese is another good source of protein. I hope this helps. It really does get better. Aleece - 18 months out lost 100 pounds

Hi! I know what you are saying. At eight weeks you are still very sensitive to taste and smell. It does get better. I too have tried many proteins that are gross. The one that I actually "like" is Champion Pure Whey Stack. My personal favorite is the Banana Scream. I add the water and shake with ice. It has to be very cold for me to get it down. It has 23 gms protein in as little as 4 oz water. It will take time and experimenting for you to find one that you tolerate and maybe even like. Hang in there. You are only 8 weeks out, you have lots of time. Follow the pouch rules!

There are many protein drinks out there. I do 120 grams a day supplemented. I do NOT count my protein in food as I have no idea how much of that is absorbed.....how's that for a surgery, one that is restrictive and mal-asorptive...... Darlene

Hi Beth, My protein trick only works if you really like chocolate. In fact, I usually get on the OH site while I drink my moring protein. I discovered this trick about 6 months postop, and it's one I don't see posted. I add cocoa powder to my dry IDS Belgian chocolate. Baking cocoa powder does not have sugar in it. I use Nestle's Dark Dutch processed cocoa, or Ghiradelli baking cocoa. I find it works better if I sift it first, to remove any little clumps. I mix the protein/cocoa powder with a little water first to make a smooth paste. Then I add hot, not boiling water, slowly while stirring constantly with a fork to mix it up. It tastes like a delicious hot chocolate to me. I find that I look forward to drinking it each morning, and would drink it, even if I didn't need it. My daughter will often steal my cup from me if I'm not looking. The amount of cocoa you add is up to you. I like a strong cocoa flavor, so I add about 1 Tbs. per scoop of protein. I find the cocoa cuts down on the sweetness of the protein drink, which bothered me as a new postop. Now at 18 months postop, I am at goal after losing 203 pounds. I believe I will continue to drink this every day forever, I haven't gotten tired of it yet. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me. Debra M. 351/150/148 sw/gw/cw

NOT everybody says you have to drink liquid protein. I haven't since I could eat solid food, except after a differnt surgery when I got an illeus and couldn't tolerate solid food for a week or so. and gained weight fast on the protein shakes too,,,, 6 oz of meat, fish, chicken is aprox 50 grams of protein, as much as an average female needs a day. divide that into 6 meals and you can easily get that in a day. add in my 3 servings of dairy and a spoon of peanut butter and with my average day I end up close to or exceeding 100 gms a day. If you are going to lose hair you will. the stress of anesthesia etc does it, and it usually happens around 4 months. I dont remember the details, buit the 4months is due to something in the hair growing cycle, and when the trauma to your body shows up in your hair. BTW I am over 4 years out, and have maintained where I want to be, with perfect labs as my dr said - better than most people with out an RNY - with out protein drinks. I eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly. I put lots of my nutritional info on my profile.

1) Protein drinks are whey protein..which is the most bioavailable form of protein. It is used because it absorbs rapidly and your body uses almost all of it. Sadly, if you are lactose intolerant, you might have a problem with them. 2) There are literally thousands out there, and the adage is true. You get what you pay for. I would suggest trying some that are odd flavored..like Syntrax Nectar. (The fuzzy navel is good..) 3) You do not have to mix these with water. You can mix them with milk, crystal light..whatever moves your boat. You can also dump the powder into foods. Example: In the mornings, I have a scoop of protein powder in my morning oatmeal. When I was a new post op, I used to mix the Fuzzy Navel nectar w/ crystal light 'Sunrise'...pretty damn good. 4) You do not have to have a full scoop at once. Split it up throughout the day..makes it easier to get down. 5****il you can eat more..you need to supliment with protein..else your body will just take what it needs from your muscles. High protein foods? Ostrich. You can find it in a bunch of local supermarkets. It's pretty tasty too 3 oz serving: 139 calories 3g fat 0g carbs 25g protein Egg whites are good too..not to mention easy on the pouch. You can buy liquid whites, or order powdered whites. You might be able to use the powdered egg whites like protein shakes (and if you come up with a creative way that is not like drinking raw eggs..let me know ) They are about 11g of protein per oz and only 40 calories or so. ..no fat