Question:
How do I get the required amount of protein such as 60+ grams

if I can only consume between 400-600 calories at 5 weeks post-op, I really don't want to waste my calories on protein shakes so I need some help with this please I was told to only eat about 3-4oz Max at one sitting, I know I am not getting enough protein a day, I don't eat beef so that jerky crap is out of the question and I don't eat pork so prok rinds are out as well    — TotallyTori (posted on April 14, 2003)

April 14, 2003
There are many things to eat besides beef and jerky! I was able/allowed to eat deli sliced turkey and chicken b/c it was soft. Some may not be able to handle meats that early, but I was, you could always try. How about cheese? Yogurt? beans? eggs? nuts? fish? And you're still so early out, you could eat soups with chicken or fish. I know you said you dn't want to "waste" calories on protein shakes. Not all of them are alot of calories, many are b/c of the milk. I drink ISOPURE (from GNC or vitamin shoppe, etc.) It is pre-bottled and gatorade-like. If you drank half a bottle a day, that would be 20 extra grams of protein a day and 80 calories. So that would leave you 400-500 more calories for food. Just a thought. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

April 14, 2003
One thing we have to remember is that even though we MAY eat 60 grams of protein a day, we won't absorb that much due to the bypass. I am 8 weeks out and have been doing Real Meals since week one because I don't know how I could get it all in otherwise at this point. The nutritionists at my Drs office swear the weight loss all has to do with the amount of protein you are taking in. I am also scared of the hair loss if I don't get enough. I mix with water to make it less caloric. I surely don't know the 'right' answer, I am currently on a plateau! I drink them b/c I am scared of what will happen if I don't until I can eat more. I read here that the protein you drink is absorbed immediately (if it contains whey peptides) unlike the protein we eat and malabsorb. On another note, I have tried turkey jerky and it was very good.
   — Sandy T.

April 14, 2003
Hmm. 2 protein drinks of my brand is 320 cal., made 3with water = 64g protein. Then if you did 4 - 2 oz meals, you'r cup would be running over, so to speak.
   — vitalady

April 14, 2003
Eggs and turkey are the most protein packed foods ounce for ounce. I am still pre-op, but have been researching. I personally can not stand eggs, but I am trying to learn to eat them now, so hopefully I can eat them post-op. I can't stand the smell or taste or texture of scrambled eggs. I have come to tolerate scrambled eggs with melted cheese and hot sauce. My hubby would nevewr have though to do that to eggs, but he liked them that way too. <P> I put that in because if there are things that you do not care for, try doctoring them up with cheese (protein), and spices, or fresh herbs. You will be surprised at the change in taste and tollerability. <P> I would not worry too much about adding a protein shake at all. 300-600 cals is not very much and you will still loose even if you bump that up to 900 cals. Remember weight loss occurs when output (activity/exercise) exceeds inputs (daily calorie intake). If you are worried about it, try walking 15 minuites longer or adding isometric exercises while sitting around.
   — Pookie B.

April 15, 2003
fish. read the protein levels of eggs, turkey, and fish, then you decide per ounce which is the best for you. you can check it out at www.fitday.com it wll tell you exactly how many protien per ounces etc. its free and easy.
   — janetc00

April 15, 2003
I have been drinking Amino 2222 3 times a day mixed in a bit of water or Crystal Light. 3 Tbsp is 22g of Protein. You may want to give it a try, its made by Optimum Nutrition.
   — Heather S.

April 15, 2003
A good way to remember it is that 1 oz of _________(fill in the blank with egg,turkey,chicken, beef, fish etc) = 7 grams of protein. 3 oz of any of the above = 21 grams of protein. 3 meals a day will give you over 60 grams of protein. However, protein shakes at an early stage when perhaps you cannot eat that much , is a smart thing to do and certainly not a waste of calories.
   — Cindy R.