Good Grief! Below goal, but problems eating meat!!!

Had RNY January 2007 and am eternally grateful to my medical team. Yaaaay! However, I am still having problems eating turkey, chicken, ham, and beef in solid cooked form! The dietitian says others are able to eat much more than I. However, more than a couple of bites make me sick. I chew well but the solid meat is hard to digest. Does anyone else have that problem? Any solutions? I can eat anything soft - as in well cooked meat in soups. Fish is generally OK as it is softer. Also, anything greasy is also difficult for me. Unfortunately, ice cream tastes good. My blood work is OK, but I'm concerned about long term health. I'm one of the Over 50 members. Any ideas?

Good health, success and happiness to you all wonderful OH'ers who are so much help to me.
Rudie2

Have you tried brining your meat before cooking it? That helped me a lot in my early days. The brining helps break down the connective tissue in the meat prior to cooking so it is easier to digest.

Wow! You have done wonderfully and look fantastic! Can you tell me how you do the brining? What proportions and how long? I would love to have steak, but can't tolerate it.
Thanks,
Rudie2

All-Purpose Brine 1 quart cool water 1/2 cup Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt 1/2 cup sugar Mix in a non-reactive container until dissolved. Substitute 1/4 cup + 2 TBSP Morton Kosher Salt or 1/4 cup table salt for Diamond Crystal. Make 1 quart of brine for each pound of meat, not to exceed 8 quarts (2 gallons). Soak meat for 1 hour per pound, but not less than 30 minutes or longer than 8 hours. If brining multiple pieces, base the brining time on the weight of an individual piece. I don't cook, but my husband said one wouldn't typically brine beef. Beef usually breaks down if you pound or tenderize it. He's brined chicken and turkey for me and it's been great.

I have the same sort of issue. I can eat 2 cups (16 oz) of buffalo chili but give me a steak and I'm eating barely 4 ounces. It's okay so long as you pick high protein stuff. Shrimp is good, buffalo is really good.  I'm not over 50 but I'm right on the cusp (49). I'll be there next year.

I can eat about 6-8 oz before getting over-full. Chili tastes good and the carne is usually tender and moist. Of course Beano helps. The sea foods work OK too. A seafood salad is wonderful with a tiny taste of dressing. Thanks, Missus Little.
Rudie2

I have a similar problem. I find that the drier the meat, the harder it is to digest. So anything you can do to add liquid helps. Due to time constraints, I find myself eating a lot of the higher protein Lean Cuisine meals. They sit better on my stomach than plain meats. I think that's from the high liquid content -- gravies and sauces. They are higher in sodium than some people can handle but it doesn't bother me since I have had low BP since surgery. So if the choice is between two quick snacks -- ice cream or a Lean Cuisine meal -- think about it.

You are correct - the high liquid content helps. I do well with non-fat yoghurt - I'll leave the ice cream alone. It feels so good to be slim again, don't want to jeopardize that.
Thanks, Judy.
Rudie2

that is one of the problems we all face: the new pouches we have aren't created to be large...and to eat even 3 or 4 bites of a solid protein, such as steak, chicken or turkey, is enough to fill us to the point of uncomfortable. I have found that I have also developed intolerances to red meat as I've healed and gone thru this process. Greasy foods SHOULD make you sick. Remember this, and hopefully it helps: our new tools are designed to be filled with high energy foods, like lean meats, eggs, dairy, etc. These are the foods that will keep us fuller longer. Whites, including bread, rice, pasta, ICE CREAM :) are not supposed to be a large part of our diet. I actually had a huge gain over the October-early December time frame, because I had forgotten that (like 10 lbs). I have since eliminated a bunch of foods that I have found make me sick....such as bread, rice, apples, and  other starches and sugars. and I've lost 5 lbs in 3 weeks without doing anything other than honoring my hunger and filling my pouch with proper foods. Try reading "Intuitive Eating". my NUT suggested it, and it really will help you on the road to normal weight! Good luck, and take care! -Misty

Misty: Thank you for the thoughtful reply along with the others. I have to be reminded of the rules from time to time and I appreciate the input from all of you. Remember to cut out the white! Glad you have the eating back on track now. I have cut out carbonated drinks - no more diet cola - and no aspirin. Now I need to toe the mark.
Thanks.
Rudie2