Question:
I have a couple of questions..........

I am 6 months post-op. VBG. I have lost 55 pounds. I feel like I should be further along, but my dr. says I am doing fine. How much protein should I be getting per day? Has anyone ever heard of putting protein powder in coffee? I have heard it tastes like cappichino (sp). I just can't stomach the stuff and have not found any brand that tastes good. Any suggestions on getting in the total amount per day? Thanks for your help & Happy New Year to you all!!!    — Keri N. (posted on December 27, 2001)

December 27, 2001
I am 7 months post op and do not take any protein supplements. Some will tell you that you have to supplement, but I am able to get all my protein from food and my surgeon and nutritionist think this is best. I basically follow the rule that I always eat protein first. I also make sure tht any snack I eat has some protein in it as well. I always start my morning with a protein packed breakfast, such as eggs with lowfat cheese or cottage cheese and a piece of fruit. For lunch I have either a nice size salad packed with lots of protein such as tuna, shrimp, beans, turkey, chicken, whatever I have in the house that I can throw in. I make a big salad like this every few days and keep it in the fridge, pull it out an voila, easy.Sometimes for luch i will also eat some rolled up cold cuts (no sandwiches)with some deli mustard and some fruit or veggies. I also don't eat any carbs at dinner time, usually a piece of fish or chicken or sometimes some beef with a vegetable. For snacks I eat some lowfat peanut butter on an apple or a few lowfat wheat thins, or some Kashi GoLean cereal, or Protein Plus cereal. You get the idea.I definately do eat some carbs, but they are not ever the main part of hat I eat. I stopped using protein drinks at about 5 months post op once I was able to eat a bit more, and I have lost 100 pounds! I think you just have to get in your head that some carbs are okay, but get them from fruits and veggies and make sure everything you eat has some protein value. If you add up the protein at the end of the day you will be surprised how much you are getting. I think you are doing great, everyone loses at a different rate, so just take it one day at a time, exercise and drink all your water. The weight ill come off! Best of luck and keep up the good work...
   — Vicki K.

December 27, 2001
Hello Keri. Well, the whey protein is the best absorbed but since you are VBG you don't have malabsorption (unless you have some intestine bypassed). And whey protein loses it's composition when heated. Soy protein can be heated. I have 2 favorite protein recipes -- 1 scoop of ProBlend 55 Mocha Cappucino mixed with 4 oz water/1 oz Lactaid Skim milk, 1 dash of Hazelnut creamer, crushed ice -- blended well. OR...1 scoop of Sci-Fit Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup with 2.5 oz water, 2.5 oz milk, 1 tablespoon Peanut butter, 1 tablespoon Divinci sugar free chocolate syrup, crushed ice...blend. All above are available (including the SF syrup) at www.vitalady.com. I bought a bunch of samples from her (@$2/per) and just tried 1 a day until I found something I liked. Then I bought the tub of what I liked and did some experimentation. I am 6 months out and in addition to the shakes, eat 3 meals a day -- protein first. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.