Question:
I need advice/help

I had surgery 3 months ago..also had hiertal hernia surgery at the same time.. I have totally lost my taste for food..I have tried eggs, low fat cheese, chicken, turkey, salmon, canned tuna fish...these have always been among the foods I loved..at the beginning when I added these proteins, I tolerated them..then over time they tasted so bad I couldn't eat them...I am supposed to have 90 grams of protein and am lucky if I have 50..most of that is a protein drink...I can't eat 3 ounces of protein at one sitting...maybe 1 and a half..has anyone gone thru this...can you give me advice, or help..I would really appreciate it..I love the weight loss of 72 lbs, but am getting concerned about the health problems this can cause...thanks susan    — susan R. (posted on September 26, 2003)

September 26, 2003
As for my choice in protein drinks, I use Pro Performance whey protein, unflavored, added to a glass of milk and a little chocolate milk powder. It has 30 grams (milk plus protein) which should get you to your goal. The 90 grams of protein is just a little high, but of course do what your surgeon recommends. My nutritionist explained to me that we need to take in enough protein to support our muscle/organ weight, not our total weight, because our total weight includes fat. She did one of those fat measurement things in the office and it can tell how much of you is fat, muscle, water, and she advised me to get in 60 grams of protein (Starting weight 311 - now 267). As for food, your taste will come back, but for now just try to plug along each day. To make a scrumptious little meal I take my 1/3 chicken breast and put an ounce of cheese on top, and melt it in the microwave. It is SO YUMMY! I'm not sure if your doc is allowing you meat, but it is so concentrated in protein, I have no problem getting in my protein from having meat every other day or so. I also do the melted cheese thing on the meat too, and it is really good.
   — bethybb

September 26, 2003
I totally understand as I feel the same way! I too could eat these foods early on and did. Now I either cannot stand the taste or they make me throw up. I lived off low-fat string cheese for a long time because it was about all I could tolerate so now I cannot even stand to look at one! I use Real Meals, mixed with water, 1/2 pouch twice a day and that gives me 60 grams of protein a day plus whatever I can get in by food. I have found that I can tolerate the frozen small popcorn shrimp but not boiled shrimp so I eat that frequently now. I found that it has to do with texture. The popcorn shrimp is easier to chew up than the boiled. Also I like the Quaker Oats mini rice cakes, cheddar cheese. I find crunchy things just go down better as again I can really chew them up. They also keep me "regular." Hang in there. At least I am past the stage where I was nearly constantly nauseated. It does get better. I still would have this surgery again, knowing what I know now. Just wanted you to know you are not alone. Open RNY 6/27/03, down 64 pounds.
   — DebT

September 26, 2003
You just have to keep trying things. Have you tried other forms of seafood, like shrimp or steamed whitefish? Ground beef? There is nothing wrong with protein drinks to supplement while you cannot get in enough protein thru food. There are protein powders out there that you can cook with, maybe you could get some of that (I think its called pro-cell?)that may help.
   — Cindy R.

September 27, 2003
Low appetite is usually temporary & is a blessing in disguise. As long as you're getting three 30g protein drinks, all your vitamins & water, a few days with minimal food is fine. Your appetite will ooze back when you don't feel so overwhelmed.
   — vitalady