Question:
What are some of the things you use to get enough protein post op?

As my surgeon and dietician want me to get my protein from real food as opposed to protein supplements, I am wondering (besides protein supplements), what kinds of foods do some of you use to make sure you get enough protein in your diets? I am 5 wks post op and have tried foods such as egg salad, tuna w/ low fat mayo, baby food chicken, Boost Plus (yuck)which my surgeon recommends post op, and I plan on trying to puree beans when I am a little further along. Nuts are supposed to be loaded w/ protein (plus fat) and my dietician just told me to try low fat cheeses melted over an egg for high quality protein. She said that the protein found in the white of an egg is the best form of protein that can be found. Any other suggestions? I still have not tried beef as of yet. I plan on using some Gerber baby beef first to see how I can handle it before going on to other forms of beef. I know that protein has to be the most important part of my new diet so that is why I need some variety and good quality proteins. Thanks in advance for your help.    — kathy S. (posted on August 23, 2000)

August 23, 2000
Well I am drinking one protein drink per day with unsweet. juice. Its Universal Whey and has lots of good stuff in it. Here are some protein filled foods that I got from others here. I can of Tuna, 6 oz. , water packed is 43 grams. Skinless Chicken Breast 27 grams, Cottage cheese, 4 oz is 14 grams and with pears its 25 grams and a great snack. Peanuts are high in fat so not really recommending them but 1 cup is about 38 grams of protein. I am having some salmon tonight. 1 salmon cake baked in the oven is about 20 grams. I know its hard finding a good suppliment but dont give up. Its worth the search once you find one or two that work for you...Good Luck...Trina
   — Courtrina Amur W.

August 23, 2000
Hi There, I sure do agree with your surgon, I think the first food you need to consider always if you eat nothing else is protien and refried beans are high, cottage cheese, yogert, sugar free peanutbutter, perter pan puts it out. Salmon, Tuna, is the highest that there is. Cheese sticks, Taco chips and cheese. Go slow and do what he tells you to do. I have had wonderful success and have been two years out of surgery and I am down 230lbs. I was 400lbs. and am now at 156lbs. I am 58 years young, and feeling free and wonderful. So, please follow his instructions, and do what you are told to do. That is part of the surrender process to do it their way not ours. Sincerly, Linda
   — Linda H.

August 23, 2000
Hi Kathy, I'd like to suggest that you get a good (complete) book of nutritional values to help you find different foods that are high in protein. I purchased one at a local book store and it not only lists the protein grams per ounce of various foods, but also lists the fat, carbs, sodium and calorie content. I was amazed at how many foods were high in protein. Don't settle for one of the "little" books you find at the checkout counter, but go to a regular book store and look through the ones they have there until you find the one that has the most complete listing. Also, make sure you read all the labels on all the groceries you purchase. I spend so much time "reading" now at the grocery store, I've started to jokingly call it my weekly "trip to the library". Continued good luck and God bless. cj
   — cj T.

August 24, 2000
Eggs are good. I eat colby cheese all the time. Put toothpicks in it and just munch all day, I mean if you're going to be a snacker. You can make chicken in a variey of ways. Cut into little pieces and stir fry it with bread crumbs, lemon juice and a little butter and garlic powder and salt. That's chicken picatta-a yummy protein source. Also, keep light yogurts around if you can tolerate dairy, I can. I think it's something like 8 g. of protein. Peanuts are good but they're fattening so be moderate. Myself, I like meat even though it's one of my lifelong dreams to be a vegan. But anyway, ham, beef, pork, liver, hot dogs, turkey, chicken, veal, sausage-all good. Please remember with all the important proteins to eat your vegetables too. It's really important that we cleanse ourselves inside. With that said I think it's possible to get all of it from food not using supplements. Also edensoy makes a soy-derived drink that's full of it and it's probably more valuable than milk in other ways as well-sans sugars.
   — [Deactivated Member]