Question:
I'm nervous about getting my protein in...

Hello everyone. I am nervous about getting all of my protein in per day. About 6 to 8 weeks ago I read a post regarding a woman who passed away. There was some discussion that she did not take her protein supplements properly in addition to other health problems. Needless to say, it scared me, not out of having the surgery, but I want to make sure I do everything right. So, here's my question: How much of a protein drink can one drink at one time? If an 8 ounce drink contains 30 grams of protein, can you consume all eight ounces at one time, since the pouch is so small, or do you have to divide the drink in half? This may sound silly but forgive me, I really want to know and would truly appreciate any advice from those post-ops out there. I'm so concerned about getting my protein in that my plan is to get in 60-65 grams of protein from drinks alone, not including what I can get in from meals. I plan to have one in the am and another in the late afternoon. Also, I plan to continue taking my "One-A-Day" vitamins. Does anyone else take these or are they too large? Again, any advice would be wonderful....Thanks!!    — ellton (posted on May 6, 2001)

May 6, 2001
Yes, you can drink the 8 oz over 20-30 minutes unless it's full of goodies that make it too thick. If it's runny, then it's going out while it's going in. I cannot get one down in under 10 minutes if it is my beloved PS100. But if it's the quickie model, PB55, 3 gulps and I'm 30g richer, cuz I make it in 3-4 oz of water. Stick with the 30g increments of protein powder. The amount of water you put with it is strictly a matter of personal preference. Bearing in mind that the athletic crowd prefer and can accomodate 12-16 oz per serving and toss it back in 3 minutes. In sampling at shows & such, I notice all their samples taste watery to ME. Because we make ours in small volume, they go for LOTS of water. Shoot, that would take me all day! I take 5-6 of the 30g servings a day. So, yes, stick with 30g. The volume is up to you. You are missing your ability to digest protein from food (stomach). Your absorption is messed with because your primary absorption station is bypassed. So, it's up to you if you want to stick with the 60g min in supps + whatever foods you happen to score. Sounds good to me, of course, because I know the long term benefits of supps vs food protein. Check the 1-a-day for how they dissolve. If a tablet, should dissolve in water in 15 minutes or so. And that IS 2 per day, right? And 1500-2000mg calcium citrate, right?
   — vitalady

May 6, 2001
I am 5 weeks post op. I have purchased protein powders from Michelle Curran. I have heeded her advise in the area of vitamins and supplements. I consume 3 protein drinks a day. Breakfast, afternoon snack, and evening. My favorites have 23-26 grams of protein. I also put natural flavored protein powder in my hot foods (just started do ing this at 3 weeks post op.) I mix it in after I heat it. I still prefer the pureed foods even though I am allowed to eat soft solids. I mix some powder in my soups and everything. Since about 3 weeks post op I have been averaging 75-90 grams of protein a day. Add that to the supplement/vitamins that I am also taking, I feel great.
   — smummert

May 6, 2001
I am two weeks post-op and having the same problem...in my case it has been compounded with a sensitivity to the protein drinks...my tongue turned white and swelled up! I quickly moved on to Yoplait yogurt (10gm's protein) and other protein rich foods. Pureed cottage cheese is fabulous with baby good fruit! Pureed Campbell's soups with either protein powder or baby food meats also works. You can also get the protein wafers at the health food stores. They taste just like cardboard but they work. I can't use them yet, so for now it's just the pureed stuff and the knowledge that this is a temporary situation. Right now I am averaging 40 gms. a day and having to live with that. One quick recipe suggestion: boil Quick Grit's to make about 2 cups and add in a cup of finely shredded cheese, stir and eat. This is pure protein and fat free. A new recipe for my new life. :) Anyone else got ideas for hidden protein sources?
   — Sandra W.

May 6, 2001
Iam doing very well....4 months postop down 65lbs...and I am not that anal on the protein...yes I get protein in along with all the other things my body needs and I have had blood work that has shown I'm doing very well...sometimes on this site we come across that without enormous amounts of protein(in drink form)we wont do well, or worse, sometimes alarming new postop's and preop's...myself and my surgeon do not agree...drinking a lot of protein drinks AND eating is also putting a lot of calories in our bodies...I am posting anonymously so that I am not attacked....food for thought(no pun intended)(I have just as much energy etc as those that are anal about the protein.)
   — [Anonymous]

May 6, 2001
I am 4 weeks post-op and I feel great. My protien requirement is 68 grams a day. I get most of my protein from food. I will have a protein drink some nights as my after diner snack, but I blend it with skim milk, fruit (usually a banana), fat free dry milk, fat free-sugarfree cool whip and ice. For 3 tsp of dry milk I will add 4.5 grams of protein. I mix this in all my yougart too. Actually I add it to alot of my foods to boost my protein, any dairy based food. Also, I take 2 sugar-free chewable vitamins, morning and night-every day. Chewing them makes sure they are small enough to go through. Good Luck, and God Bless>>Becky Foster
   — bek4901

May 7, 2001
Sandra- I.E. White Tongue!!!- sounds like you have THRUSH. It is not a reaction to your protein drink and you need medicine (yogurt does help- but the medicine makes your tongue and mouth feel better) to get rid of it....
   — Karen R.