Question:
How can I get my ketone level up from zero?

I have had stomach stapling done. I try and eat my 2 oz. three times a day. It is hard for me to get the right amount of protein. My Doctor will not let me drink a protein drink..my liquids have to have no calories. This is my 5 weeks since surgery and I have only lost 18 pounds and feel very weak at times. I have not really started an exercise program yet, because I get light-headed and have to find a place to sit quickly. My ketones need to be up to lose the fat, but how can I get the proper amount of protein when most meat gets me feeling ill, and I am getting tired of tuna fish and eggs? HELP!!!    — Teri P. (posted on November 22, 2001)

November 21, 2001
Happy Thanksgiving! I am a little confused.......you had stomach stapling?? Isn't that the OLD method used way back when?? As for your question.....go to your pharmicist and ask them to order CASEC powder for you. It's about $10.50 per can. Some will order and sell by the can but most will make you purchase the whole case.....which is 4 or 6 cans. Anyhoo....CASEC powder is a tasteless protein powder that you can mix and sprinkle on anything. You can sprinkle it on any food you eat, or mix with food. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein. You can mix the casec powder with it. Or mix it in your eggs, or applesauce or anything you are eating. 1 tablespoon has 4g. protein and 1/2 cup has 35gms. There are NO CARBS and virtually no fat. I have to admit, the diet your doctor has you on does not sound like any diet I have ever read about someone being on on this website. What it sounds like is happening with you is that your body is in starvation mode. It is hanging on to everything it can cause it thinks it is starving. The weight will come off but you really need to increase your protein and water intake. That will get the scale moving again. I would also maybe talk with your doctor again. Maybe you misunderstood his diet instructions.Some doctors would rather people learn to get their protein in by eating instead of drinking supplements. And in my opinion, in the first few weeks that can be very hard for people to do. Also, eating ONLY protein and drinking 0 calorie drinks sounds pretty drastic. That isn't a healthy way to eat. I would definately call your doctor tomorrow and have someone explain the diet to you again. There has to be some kind of miscommunication. I would think you should be eating mashed potatoes, applesauce.......stuff like that. BUT I am not your doctor. Good Luck!
   — Kim B.