Question:
OK! Do I consider the protein drinks part of my liquid or part of my meals?

I can' t understand how I'm supposed to drink the protein shakes for breakfast (there's too much). And also get liquids in as well. Again, my question is, should I consider the shake part of my liquid (alotted unlimited) or as a meal (needs to be finished in 30 minutes). Thank You. Also, I am currently 6 days post op!!    — Irene M. (posted on September 4, 2002)

September 4, 2002
hiya ahhh i remember those days...sooo frustrating trying to get in all the liquids (my doc had a breakdown..so you were drinking every 30 minutes and i just couldn't seem to get the hang of it) but then she told me to make your protein drink, take a few sips, put it in the fridge or freezer then get up every 10 minutes or so and take a few sips. she said this way you could finish it by noon and be done for the day! i also kept a bottle of water nearby and would sip in between... your protein drinks are considered a meal at this point because you are prolly not eating solids yet and you need them to sustain your body. feel free to email me anytime and good luck! [email protected] ps - this time will pass and you'll be on solids before you know it so try to hang in there! {{hugs}} kate open rny 6-14-01 pre op: 268lbs goal weight: 135lbs current weight: 130lbs
   — jkb

September 4, 2002
Hi, you can actually count protein shakes as your liquids or as your meals in this beginning stage. The best advice I could give you for the first six weeks is to just relax and do the best you can. Don't let the mechanics of all this make you crazy. I supplement protein every day and I am 2 years post op. I don't substitute it for a meal. That would be like being on an eternal Slim Fast diet which just wouldn't work for me. I usually count the protein toward my liquids however I am in a routine now where I generally get plenty to drink each day. Take it easy and just do the best you can during your recovery. I'm sure you're going to do fine. When it comes to protein just make sure you choose a whey protein that doesn't have alot of sugar in it - products like Slim Fast, Ensure, Boost, etc. tout themselves as "high protein" but they forget to mention that they're loaded with sugar. Best wishes to you!
   — ronascott

September 4, 2002
Here's what my Dr said. 64oz or more NON CALORIC liquids and 80 gms protein a day. The liquids are water or crystal lite. NO caffine no soda. Kinda annal?? ;-) But you know what I have lost 141# in 7 months!! My stomach has healed perfectly. So I guess that it was worth it. Good Lux P.S. I would count shakes as a meal but I would finish them to get in the protien.
   — Robert L.

September 4, 2002
What do you mean by protein drink? How much what with how much what? In the begining, I had to call it a meal, but it was 8 oz. Now, I call it a beverage (but I don't count it as water), and do them between meals. Some are 8 oz, some only 4 oz. But I use high quality powders with water, so maybe that's why it's easier?
   — vitalady