Question:
How can I get in protein when all I can eat is about 1/2 to 2 oz per meal?

My surgeon does not support protein drinks and I don't like them. I have three meals a day and once I eat the protein I can only have about one taste of the veg and starch. My protein per FitDay is never above 30 or 40 grams. I am six weeks out and my caloric intake is 350 - 490 cals a day.    — Kriola (posted on July 4, 2003)

July 4, 2003
I don't think you can get enough in at that point without supplimenting. If your doctor doesn't support the shakes, then have him write you out a meal plan that allows you to get enough protein a day. I don't see how it would be possible with the amount you can eat at this point. I am 6 months out, and about 5 or 6 oz a meal, and I don't get enough without supplementing with a shake.
   — thekatinthehat

July 4, 2003
You have to do a supplement. There are many good ones but I ptrefer the vita4life 30g in a 2 oz packet. Tye nectar is real good too.
   — snicklefritz

July 4, 2003
I think you will have to supplement until your pouch is able to handle more. I use Proteinex. A liquid supplement I mix in juice. It has 15 gms of pre-digested protein in 2 tbls (30cc). That means it all gets absorbed. I also would avoid veggies and starch until you are able to achieve your protein goal. Once you get your protein in at each meal then a spoonful of veggies or starch can be eaten. Your body needs the protein first.
   — adeas

July 4, 2003
You are early enough out that it shouldn't be too much of a concern for you. Right now you are still in a healing stage and you sould really be concerned about building good habits and being good to your pouch rather than worrying about "numbers". you may only be barely able to get your full 64oz of water in by now, too. just take it a little bit at a time. My doctor doesn't support protein supplements either, as they represent a "diet mentality" and not the normal balanced lifestyle you are trying to create for yourself. (which is fine with me because those protein drinks taste disgusting and give you horrible gas. but.. whatever floats yer boat.) anyway when i asked my doc this same question about my protein intake he said not to worry, as long as i am making wise food choices (70% protein 30% vegetable)and getting my water & exercise in, things will work out. i am 8 months out now and able to eat larger quantities of food now, so i know those extra bites of chicken or that snack of string cheese beef jerky is adding to my protein grams for the day. i don't count grams and calories, and just stay away from the white stuff (bread, pasta, potatoes, sugar). i have lost 100 lbs in 8 months. don't be too hard on yourself, this gets easier and becomes a way of life and you will be just fine! best of luck :)
   — maurer_power

July 4, 2003
How about making a drink with egg beaters or if you don't have a problem with milk maybe sugar free carnation instant breakfast?
   — Lisa N M.

July 4, 2003
I am 2 months post-op and was experiencing this exact same thing (even how much protein I could get in and the calories). The ONLY way I found around this was to do the protein shakes. I started using Champion Pure Whey Stack in chocolate and it isn't too bad. Since then, I've been able to get to my 60 to 70 grams of protein per day. If you can handle tuna fish, it is very high in protein so you might want to give this a try.
   — CarolineAnnMartin

July 5, 2003
I don't know how far out you are. But I never ate only three meals a day. I ate, of course, protein first. And then alot of snacks of deli meats and some various cheses. NO PROTEIN DRINKS. My protein count was up to 8.2! My surgeon was very happy. So it can be done. You almost need to graze for the first couple months post op as you really can't eat that much. But graze on proteins! Once you can eat more you can go to 3 meals a day if you want. Personally I could'nt survive on only three meals, but whatever works for you. ;)
   — Danmark

July 5, 2003
I never could stomach the protein drinks, either. About 8 weeks out I was introduced to Rocomojo and Nectar (through this site), and now drink those, but early on I got all my protein from food. I was allowed three meals and three snacks a day, so that helped get in the protein, and I ate very few fruits and veggies, and no straches (no room!). At my dietitian's urging, I drank an 8-ounce glass of "double protein" milk (skim milk with dried milk powder mixed in) once or twice a day as a snack during those early weeks. You could also add the dried milk powder or unflavored protein powder to your liquid and soft foods to boost the protein content. It sounds like you're doing fine.
   — Vespa R.