Question:
I'm able to eat half of the tuna casserole and still not feel fill, it has 19 grams

protein for the whole box! if we are only allowed 3 meals a day, no snacking allowed, which i do (cheese stick or a few bites of a protein bar) and need to have 50 grams of protein in, and our pouch can only hold 2-3 oz how can we do it! i had RNY on july 22, 2002. thanks in advance. debbi    — debbie S. (posted on September 10, 2002)

September 10, 2002
Hi Debbie!! I drink a protein shake for breakfast to get in about half of my protein. And my nutritionist actually suggests 5-6 small meals a day (200 cals each). always eat the protein first. I eat no pasta rice, bread, etc. And I also have problems not feeling full, I was told that a 2 oz pouch will stretch to 4 oz before the feeling of being full kicks in. I also have not had any feelings of being extremely hungry either though, so I am lucky there. Good luck and holler if you need anything...Open RNY 080502-38lbs gone forever...8)
   — Laurie V.

September 10, 2002
My surgeon & nutritionist advise 5-6 small meals per day and 60g protein/day. <p> If you eat 2oz of chicken breast (skinless), that will provide 17g of protein, 2g of fat and no carbs - only 92 calories too. There are other high protein choices out there too.
   — John Rushton

September 10, 2002
I also tried to do the math and being math-challeneged I could not figure it out. So, what you try to do in THEORY is reach that goal, everyday. Everyday, you plan your attack on your goal. Eggs, yougurt, tuna, cottage cheese... the smaller the portion, and the higher in protein, the better off you are- as you will be more satisfied and not really crave any extras. On the other hand- Tuna Cassarole, is not gonna get you there; however a CAN OF TUNA, will get you halfway there & then some- see what I mean? It comes down to your food choices. There are many things you can do with a can of tuna other than add it to a cassarole (all unescessary filler!). I mix mine with some mayo, and eat with crackers (not a bunch) or just by itself- or just as a sandwich (yeah, the whole can! I just take a long time to eat that sandwich). I've seen others add it to lettuce (lettuce chews down to nothing!) and make tuna salad etc.
   — Karen R.

September 10, 2002
Laurie - your nutritionist has you on 1000-1200 calories after only one month post-op (5-6 meals at 200 calories/meal)???? I am 8 weeks post-op and am doing about 500-600 calories a day.
   — John Rushton

September 10, 2002
Yup, I agree with the other posters. It is all about food choices. I pondered this same question some time ago - because even though ALL I was eating was protein, it still seemed so hard to get enough in each day. So, I start every day with a half-portion of my protein drink (half the calories, still 26g of protein which is enough considering he rest of my diet). I am not a counter, never have been, never will be. Which, I guess is why I know I always get enough protein. I save myself the hassle of having to count to make sure I've gotten enough by only eating protein dense meals. Six shrimp for a snack, two slices of turkey and light cheese rolled up for lunch, chicken burgers, protein bars, cottage cheese, steak, tuna, my personal favorite - turkey meatballs. I supplement almost every meal with a little cheese. Lite string cheese, mini baby belle cheese, a slice of 2% american...the key is - leave the carbs out to make room for the protein. Especially in the beginning. At some point you'll be able to eat more and then you'll be able to squeeze a little of the other stuff in. Trust me - eating with out carbs insn't as hard as it seems. I am no angel - a cracker with PB here, a few pieces of melon or pineapple there. Even a cookie or smidgen of cake on a birthday on a holiday. BUT, I can tell you that even after seven months I don't miss carbs. Good luck!
   — PaulaM

September 10, 2002
I meet my protein needs with supplements. Then I have free reign with my meals. I prefer veggies & complex carbs, like grains, so that's how I'd rather spend my pouch space. I also prefer not to be food focused any more. If I had to count & measure & weigh, well, I'd never do it and would be forced to think about food all day. This way, protein needs are met, the basic 8 shortages are covered supplementally, so meals are pleasant and more spontaneous. (I do 4 small ones) for maintenance
   — vitalady