Question:
Protein intake

Hi, I'm post op about 1 week, my doctor wants me to get 70 grams of protein in and I'm unable to. She also want me to intake 64 oz of water. I'm having a had time. I believe I can get the 72 oz of protein in a chewable do you know of any chewables that will allow me to get 72 oz of protein    — ruthie01 (posted on October 8, 2008)


October 7, 2008
Alot of people use the protein bullets available on this site. Especially, in the early weeks. Get you a good protein powder drink mix. I like the body fortress whey protein, it has 32 grams of protein, and with skim milk that's 40. You have to sip it. The chocolate is really good, and mixes well, with just stirring. Don't feel alone, we have all been where you are now!!! You will be drinking down those fluids before you know it. Dehydration is a big concern, so keep it going in. If you get a headache or light headedness, you better drink more. Also, you can pinch up the skin on the back of you hand to test yourself for dehydration. If it snaps right back your okay! Good luck! And welcome to losersville!!! Lesleigh in Ga.
   — lesleigh07

October 7, 2008
Sorry, there is no chewable for 70 gms of protein. YOu just have to suck it up and eat. I am sure she told you this before you had the surgery. Food is what gives us nourishment, not chewables. You would be dead within a month, me thinks. HEY, IT'S SOMETHING YOU GOTTA DO, DO IT AND LIVE! Lyn
   — SkinnyLynni2B

October 7, 2008
I was thinking the same way the first few days post op. I wound up in the Emergency Room with dehydration. Like someone else said, you need to suck it up and eat. Harsh response, maybe, but it's true. This part is hard, but it gets easier. You'll need to work up to doing the full amount of fluids. Keep a glass by you at all times and sip, sip, sip throughout the whole day, except for your waiting periods. And make sure you get your protein. That's what helps you heal. All of us on here have gone through this, so, from this you know it's doable. Hang in there, and congratulations on your new place on the Loser's Bench!
   — Shirley D.

October 7, 2008
No one can get that much protein in that quickly; push yourself on sips of clear fluids and try to get at least 20-40 grams in the first week or so - that is what my dietician and doctor advised. Be sure not to eat anything with sugar alchohols in it if you can -- gives you terrible gas and diarrhea.
   — nofrogs29

October 7, 2008
I was also admitted to the hospital for dehydration. I am still having trouble getting in 64 oz of water, but my nutritionist said only half of the liquid needs to be water until you get more used to drinking that much. I was on clear liquids 1 week out so I drank Isopure liquid (40) and whey bullets (42) and that also helped with the liquid. altogether I have been able to maintain a fairly large amount of liquid. I only had to get 65 grams of protein in a day and that wasn't as hard as the liquid. Believe me, when you have to go back to the hospital you will try harder. I took another persons advice and had salsa with beans and corn yesterday and could not sleep for the cramping and bloating. I wont do that again!!! I will stick to my 12 week diet program and the great knowledge and wisdom of my group. I also am constipated but I am going to call my nutritionist shortly to find out what is safe to take. Good luck and many blessings YOU MUST GET THE LIQUID IN, EVEN IF IT IS ONLY SIPS ALL DAY LONG. I set my egg timer at first for every 15 minutes so I could remember to take my 2 to 3 ounces every 15 minutes. Try that---you just have to be creative. diana
   — nonnie0406

October 7, 2008
I'm five months out and I'm still alive. I have a really hard time getting in all my protein - especially from food. I also have trouble getting my water in. I've had no complications, I have not been hospitalized for dehydration, and my doctors have no concerns ... I'm not saying I'm the perfect RNY patient - far from it ... But I try - I make a sincere effort - and I think that you will be just fine as long as you do the same. They want us to get protein from food and I understand that, but it's just not possible for me right now. So, either I supplement or I don't get the protein ... I think my doctors would prefer that I supplement. Down the road, when I can eat more, I will be able to get more protein from food. As for water, there are a lot of protein shakes that can be mixed with just water ... If they're not caffeinated, you can count them as part of your water intake. It can be hard to find protein that you like ... It can also get expensive. But keep trying - there are some good ones out there. I know when you're newly post-op it's hard to go by the book - how do you get so much protein in when you're on liquids and then soft/pureed foods? So that's why I say, make the effort. Just try. And if you have concerns, don't be afraid to tell your doctor you need help and ask for suggestions as to how you can get all your protein in. Take care of yourself and best of luck on your journey!
   — lauren_marie

October 7, 2008
I had the same problem. The doctor said you have to get in the protein for many different reason. I found a protein powder called Nectar. It comes in all kind of flavors. I have Cherry and Fuzzy Navel. It taste like a fruit drink and mixes easy with a spoon and water. I put crushed ice also. It has 25 grams of protein and counts as some of your liquid too. I drink 2 a day which equals 50 grams of protein and get the rest of my protein from food. I feel better and lose weight better.
   — BugJune

October 8, 2008
I drink Syntrax Nectar (fuzzy navel); it has 23 grams of protein per serving and no fat and NO carbs. Plus it counts towards the 64 oz of water. I've not bought their chocolate flavor yet, but have tasted it and it's yummy (tastes like Carnation Instant breakfast). Plus, if you add egg whites to it (I'm not sure what the brand of the egg whites is), it boosts the protein to 36 grams.
   — jdmartin

October 8, 2008
Hello, I haven't had my surgery yet, It is on Oct. 23rd. I have read postings of people not liking the taste of the protein drinks or can't get them down. I wanted to make sure I was prepared with a variety, in case I had the same problem. I went to GNC and the sales clerk there was wonderfull in helping me. I bought some protein called New-Whey by IDS. It looks like kool-aid. It comes in a plastic test tube (3.1 oz). It has 42 grams of protein. It comes in 4 differant flavors, fruit punch, Orange, Grape, and blue raspberry. It has 0 sugars and 0 fat with 31 mg of potassium. I asked the guy if I did not like it could I add it to water and he said sure. That would be a great way to get water and your protein in at the same time. I also got some Designer Whey Protein Pack 2 Go in Vanilla and Double Chocolate. It comes in individual to go packs. You just add it to bottled water. It has 10 grams of protein. If added to skim milk it will add more protein. I also bought a Soy Protein by Natural Brand. It is an unflavored/unsweetened protein. It has 13 grams of protein in it. It can be added to anything liquid. I have an 100%Whey Protein in Vanilla by EAS that has 23 grams of protein. I have several differant recipes to add a variety and change the way the vanilla taste. If you want any of these recipes, please let me know. I am so sorry that you are having a difficult time. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Penny
   — pennyandcj

October 8, 2008
It's impossible to get in 70 ounces of protein and 64 ounces of water in a healing pouch that is often grumpy...immediately. You have to work your way up to it in time...This amount is the ideal amount...but it's not going to kill you right away if you don;t make those quotas daily...Aim for it...Try hard to do it...but understand that it might take a little while...By 3 months you should be able to eat in real food. Supplement with protein powders for now...or if you are like me and can't handle whey...do Isopure cear carb free bottles...They were the ONLY thing i could handle and one bottle daily gave me 42 ounces of protein and 20 ounces of liquid! Much of my water and protein right there! The rest I could actually eat in food...It's only a short time that you cannot eat your protein...You'll get there! Just try to eat several small meals daily...and make certain they are packed with protein...Cheeses, eggs, meats, fish, peanutbutter, beans, most seeds/grains... I lived on pureed chicken in broth with cooked veggies...I make a huge pot of chicken soup and pureed beans and chickpeas and sprinkles on cheese...With thick soups like this you get both protein and liquids... and because they are sliders they do process fast and easier for you...after a while you need more dense food and drink you liquids seperate...but for now this is perfect! Just try to eat your food ...Much healthier than those magic bullet things in my humble opinion...
   — .Anita R.

October 8, 2008
I am 6 weeks out and I still use the bullet. You can get them at GNC they are 100% whey protein and you can buy some that are 42g and some are 25 and they are only 3oz of liquid. Then you can get other fluids in. That is the only way that I can get in 64oz fluids and still get he protein in and try to add some foods.
   — phyllismmay

October 8, 2008
hi! I understand your dilemma. When I was less than 1 week out I got dehydrated..I had to choose between drinking and eating..and my doctor said to for go eating..for a week or so it isn't gonna hurt you. But do know this...your body will only absorb so much protein at a time. So you have to space it out thru out the day. I couldn't stomach the sweetness of the flavored ones, so I went to unjury's unflavored( unjury.com) and put it in milk. Then I got to where I could drink Nestles flavored water-sugar free and added the protein to this. There is also a chicken broth flavor that you can add to water or boullion. It does get easier. I know that I used a timer set to 1 minute and drank every minute to help get my fluids in .. of course I did this only to get 16 oz or so in. It took me 3 weeks to get hydrated again..and you don't lose weight when you are dehydrated...so DRINK!! Hope this helps! hugs,Kim
   — gpcmist

October 8, 2008
Newly out, I was struggling with protein as well. My nutritionist recommended I use a high-level protein supplement such as GNC 50 Gram Slam. Since then, I've used the 50 Gram Slam (15 ounce liquid equal to 50 grams of protein). I only like milk chocolate, and it has to be really cold or over ice. I divide the can into 2 or 3 servings (covering with press-n-seal to retain freshness). Good luck in finding something that will work for you! Kris
   — gonnadoit

October 8, 2008
You can drink your protein which will keep you hydrated and maintain proper protein levels (which are needed to prevent muscle loss during rapid weight loss). Also, during my initial post-op (which was six years ago today), I would sip broth so that I would have something warm (which was soothing) that could keep me hydrated and would contain at least some protein.
   — SteveColarossi

October 9, 2008
I have 1 issue with the bullets, check with your Nutritionist. Mine is against using them in one shot. If you spread it out over the day YES. I believe what I was told is that your body can only absorb 25-30 grams at one time, if you take 40-50 grams, your kidneys will just have to work overtime processing it. Use protein shakes, 25 grams usually, and it counts as your fluids as well! Good Luck
   — imaswtgrl

October 10, 2008
How about using Carnation Instant Breakfast - no sugar added - the blue box. It contains a lot of protein when mixed with milk. Also, cottage cheese or any other low fat cheese is helpful. I had problems with tuna fish after a few weeks.
   — joyfree

October 11, 2008
Myoplex at Wal-Mart is a premix. One type has 52gm protein in about 10 oz. My nut said only to drink half at a time since your body can only absorb 20 to 25 gm at a time. These have about 300 cal but remember you are only drinking HALF in the morning and HALF in the evening. This is the smallest volume best tasting protein I have found. Of course you still have to come up with 20 more gms protein but you should be able to do that with food. I only drank these high cal drinks right after surgery or when I'm competing and need more fluid.
   — JODI_13

October 13, 2008

   — Lisa C.




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