Question:
How do you keep nutritious calories going in while on liquids?

I lost about 18 lbs. in the first 6 days after my gastric bypass. Then I went home. It has now been 20 days--with absolutely NO weight loss. Not one pound! I'm beginning to think the doc tricked me and didn't actually make my stomach smaller at all! Don't know WHAT he did in there!! All kidding aside, I am having a really hard time trying to get the protein in, and the water. My protein powder is called "Body Fortress--Super Advanced Whey Protein," in vanilla flavor. I just noticed today that in very small writing in the ingredients it has listed, "Super Recovery Blend," which consists of: Creatine Monohydrate, Taurine, L-Glutamine, Leucine, Isolucine and Valene. I was pretty out of it, on the way back from the hospital (husband was supposed to get something, but didn't know what to get after looking) when I finally found something that looked like a great thing. The store employee who highly recommended it said it was "perfect" for my situation. Am I trading fat weight for muscle weight? Isn't Taurene something that has had negative medical opinion? I'm going to get some other kind of protein, but even at 52g of protein in a serving, it's a lot of powder and I'm struggling to drink enough. I'mdrinking 2 liters of water with Crystal Light and protein powder, sometimes a yogurt, tomato soup, and not much else. Somebody please help me?? Thanks in advance, Cattykit.    — Cattykit (posted on June 24, 2009)

June 24, 2009
My doctor reccommeded a low carb/sugar whey protein shake. I get mine at gnc and costco. It is low in fat, sugar and calories. I can only drink two a day so I make sure I get 33 grams of protein per drink. I use 1-1/2 scoops of powder, eight ounces of Lite vanilla soy milk with a splash of SF white chocolate syrup and ice. It is very good and I achieve my protein requirements. I usually eat a little tomatoe soup at lunch. Hope that helps. I may have more weight to loose than you but I have lost 23 pounds in 8 days. Hang in there..
   — Patti ATX

June 24, 2009
milk has protein too ..and is a liquid..lol I drink skim milk..8 oz is 80 calories and 8 grams protein. You can eat egg beaters or cottage cheese, yogurt ..all have protein too. As it takes time to build muscle, you are not trading fat for muscle. If it worked that fast...we would all look like body builders. lol I was told that we cannot absorb more than 30 grams per hour of protein.so anything over that is wasted. Unless your drinking it really slowly, use half the scoop...ok just saw you are on liquids still...why not try a v-8? Add a lil garlic or seasoning lightly and heat and eat like soup. Its better for you than tomato soup as it contains more veggie juices. Please try to get your liquids in, I got dehydrated and it took me 3 weeks to rehydrate. and you don't lose during that time. Get yourself a lil timer and set it for 30 second. every time tit goes off , sip. Thats my best advice. Best of luck to you! hugs n God Bless! Kim
   — gpcmist

June 25, 2009
On your whey protein powder look for the word "isolate". That's the kind you want.
   — Muggs

June 25, 2009
I am taking the same prtein powder, I got it at wal mart less then $15.I am pre-op but I talk to many post-op people and they told me that the Creatine is what bulks people up. But you shuold still be losing some weight. I have lost 8.6 lbs since starting it. It is fine for pre surgery but after you need a more total protein combination. Also the Creatine is hard on our kidneys. The grit that you get at the bottom of your drink is the creatine and thats how it goes in and does not break down witch makes it difficult for your kidneys. So know i am on search for a different protein for after my surgery. I have one month. If you get a chance call the surgeons office and ask them what to look for when choosing a protein drink. Good luck.Are you excersising yet?
   — tiawillb

June 25, 2009
Thank you, everyone! You all are such a great resource! I've developed a lactose intolerance since my surgery and gave up milk, liquidized cottage cheese, etc. Then I reread my primer from my surgeon (given lots of info. here--easy to slip past some things), which said to use Lactaid. Voila! The horrible colon problem has stopped, and it is safe to use for "every meal, every day" according to what info. I can find (besides the label). I've gotten some "Designer Whey" protein powder which has only 18 grams per hefty scoop, still has some of the same essential amino acids--but no creatine or taurene, or any of the other stuff I felt was not a good idea! I got it at the grocery store and it says it's all natural, has 18g protein, 2g sugar, and 2g fat. In good old vanilla. It's a good one, the nutritionist told me--when I finally reached her! I'm going to try the recipe from NJ, and the V-8 idea is genius! I'll follow all good advice, and am more grateful for you all than you can know! Cattykit
   — Cattykit

June 25, 2009
Tia, I'm walking 1/2 to 3/4 mi. daily (at a casual pace), and am starting to lose some weight slowly. Thank goodness! Thanks for your help! Ck
   — Cattykit