Question:
Help with learning to get enough protien

I just had the DS done on November 24, 2009 and I am finding it very difficult getting in the amount of protien that my doctor stated was required (70 - 90 grams per day. I am doing good to get 30 grams in per day. I am finding that I can seem to get on some type of schedule where I can eat (not that I am hungry) and waiting the required time to then drink something afterwards. I know it has only been a week but my biggest fear is not getting enough protein and my hair starts falling out or that I start losing all muscle verses fat. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.    — bkhutton (posted on November 30, 2009)

November 30, 2009
I had my surgery August 13, 2009, and I am having a real hard time getting in all my protein. I do have 2 protein shakes a day and yogurt or some other form of protein. I have a very difficult time wiht chicken, and fish, plus my Dr. tells his patients no red meat till 6 months. If I eat fish or chicken I will throw up.
   — FSUMom

November 30, 2009
Congratulations on your DS! I had mine 6/11/08 and have lost 222#... The "rule of thumb" I have often seen and I follow is 30 gm in 30 days, 60 gms in 60 days and 90 gms in 90 days... you're 1 week out - give your body a chance to heal - your stomach has been cut - it shouldn't be ready to handle your full complement of food yet! You should only be on purees, at best. You won't loose all your hair - if you build up to 90 gm, though it may feel like it. You hair might thin out, but you'll notice it more than other people will... As for muscles - get walking, get moving, get out to the gym (in a few weeks - take it slow and easy don't hurt yourself!). Don't forget to do weight work when you get to the gym - your body has been used to weight-bearing exercise (just trying to move around when at your high weight) and you need to keep some of this going. It will help you keep your strength. Keep in mind that you will be able to eat your protien - you do NOT have to drink it! I just had a breakfast of 2 eggs, cheese, 2 slices bacon and 3 sausage patties... I figure that's about 20 - 30 gm of protien. I could not eat this much a year ago, but I built up to it. I have a 'normal' BMI and my lab work has been really good - but it takes time to loose and to heal! It WILL happen! Have fun saying good bye to a lot of weight over the next 12 - 18 months!
   — RachelA

November 30, 2009
I had my gast.bypass on Nov 23 and im trying to get in protein. My friends say we just have to be patient and do the best we can with the protein. I put a sfcarnation IB in a cup with a scoop of my protein and fill the 16oz cup with skim milk. The milk has 8grms per cup so that's close to 16 and 20 of the protein and the instant breakfast has 5 so drink two a day and you will get in the protein. Eat alot of sf popsycles for fluid too.Its a rough time but we can do this!! Take care of yourself and get as much rest as you can. Remember to walk!
   — suzette N.

December 1, 2009
Congrats on your surgery! I am a RNY, but this still applies - our surgeon told us that the 70-9- grams of protein are a GOAL for the first few months as out stomachs are healing and we are essentially relearning to eat. I am 6 months out and am finally at the point where I can hit my protein goals along with water and my vitamins. At a week out, you are still on full liquids, and at that, you just need to do a lot of sipping. Next week, try to make some sugar free jello pudding and add protein powder to that - it really helped me. Same with broth and Potato buds ( powdered potato, add chicken stock and some protein powder. SO good). You'll make it - this is all so new, and there is so much to learn and adjust to - focus on that. You'll find yourself craving the protein that you need. Some things may not agree with you right away - dont' completely give up on them - just give it a week and try again - I know that my tolerance changes weekly. Good luck!
   — stellarsan

December 1, 2009
I buy "Protein Shots" at CostCo which are 25 grams of protein, and mix them with water. They probably qualify as a clear liquid, but ask your doc. I'm two weeks out from RNY, and add however much of the Protein Shot or Protein Shake is necessary to bring my daily protein total to goal. Best success.
   — Janell C.

December 1, 2009
Run do not walk to www.unjury.com They have the most incredible protein shakes AND chicken broth!! It is to die for an it's the best protein count I've seen! Lin
   — LinnieJean

December 1, 2009
I'm having a very similar problem with the protein. And I second the responder who said run, fast, to www.unjury.com and order their protein powder. The chocolate one, mixed with milk, is better tasting than any of those awful protein drinks. Almost like chocolate milk! At this point, I'm one day away from being on purees, and the unjury powder is the only thing I can do. They also make an unflavored one, a chicken soup-flavored one, and a bunch of others, with clever usage ideas. Definitely check it out!
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 3, 2009
Thank you for your question. One of my OH friends suggested I read the Q&A today. I am 2 weeks out and am having the same problem. I am not getting enough calories or protein and find myself weak and dizzy. I seem to have developed an intolerance to all the protein shakes, powders, etc. I almost gag. I go to bed each night and tell myself tomorrow is another day. Your post made me feel like I was not failing at this but rather this is common.
   — dasie