Question:
Surgeon is Dr. Spivak in Baytown, I discontinued protein drinks @ 6wks post op.

I am concerned because so many people on this site discuss protein supplements. My Surgeon is Dr. Spivak in Baytown,I had an open RNY on May 1st 2001. I was told to discontinue my protein supplements at 6 weeks post up. I am wondering if this may be why I am losing so slowly? I am 11 weeks out and I've only lost 36 lbs.    — psstanz (posted on July 19, 2001)

July 19, 2001
I was having a hard time getting in 60 grams of protein at the first few months, I also was having a hard time digesting protein, so I up'd my supplements to 2 or 3 a day, 75grams + and have felt much better, more energy, stronger, and now I can tolerate meat much easier, not barfing trying to eat so much to get my grams of protein in. So taking protein drinks has been worth it to me.
   — acluff

July 19, 2001
Peggy, I discontinued the Protein Supplement drinks as soon as I felt I could start getting my protein through regular food. I got a few samples (from the vitalady.com site) to try before surgery. They tasted okay. However, after surgery, they suddenly tasted horrible. I dreaded having to drink that stuff for the first 6 - 7 weeks. I feel I haven't had any problem getting in my protein since then. I eat anywhere from 6 - 10 oz of meat per day (of course, I eat a lot more food in a day than most post-ops). I snack on peanuts (14 g protein in 1 small bags of Lance Salted Peanuts) and Beef Jerky (high protein, low fat, low carb). I eat eggs and cheese a lot. My wife (who is Taiwanese) always puts Tofu in her cooking for me. So, FOR ME, protein drinks have not been neccesary. FOR YOU, if you can not get in enough protein thru regular foods, and you are not using any kind of supplement, then yes, it could be affecting your weight loss. Discuss this dilemna with your surgeon. They will know what is best for you. Good luck on your continued success. Kevin
   — meilankev