Question:
How can I increase my protein intake?

Today was my 1st day of full liquids which I will be on for 2 weeks. My nutritionist said I need 74 grams of protein a day. I thought I would be able to drink the protein drinks,but, they discust me. I made some cream soup and added extra powdered milk. It was ok. I was only able to eat 2 cups of the soup and 1 yogurt today. A total of 28 grams. I just cannot eat any more than that. Will it get easier? I feel like 74 grams is an unrealistic goal. Any suggestions as to what I can do?    — Stacie B. (posted on July 8, 2003)

July 8, 2003
You can not be expected to get in 74 ounces of protein a day so early post-op. Unless you can stomach the protein drinks. The best you can do is make sure you get more protein in tomorrow than you ate today and before you know it you will be able to meet your daily protein requirement. If your surgeon recommends protein supplements then try buying protein drink samples from websites like vitalady.com or wlssuccess.com. Chances are you will find one you can stand. Your tastes will change as the weeks go by. My trick is to divide my protein drink into 2-4oz servings. I find it much easier to drink them that way (If you try this don't pre-mix the protein. It starts to break down and loses it's protein value after 30 minutes). Good luck to you!
   — Kristen S.

July 8, 2003
Most protein drinks make me sick too but I tried Isopure from GNC. BTC recommended it to me when I went home from my surgery. Each bottle has 40 grams of protein and is about 20 oz. If you drink 2 a day instead of water, it would be over you 74 grams. I like the flavors and they keep getting new ones. The best is applemelon and grape frost. They are clear liquids so they are easy on the stomach. I would look for one and try it. I hated everything else but still drink them to this day and I am 6 months post-op. I hope this helps and good luck!
   — jacutting

July 8, 2003
I've been told that most people can only absorbe 30 grams of protein at a time, unless they are Olympic athletes or something - so anything over 30 at a time is probably more than you need, so you'd have to spread these out throughout the day to truly absorb it. Here is a link to some foods and their protein content to help you make good choices. http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/9847/protein.html
   — bethybb

July 8, 2003
Which protein drinks have you tried & how did you make them up? You might want to check and see how many sugar g those foods contained. THat's a lot of volume for less protein than you can get in 4 oz of water + powder. I could see where you'd be discouraged. I get about 180g a day in supplement, and do not touch milk, creamed soups or yogurt. But it's easy once you find a protein supplement you like.
   — vitalady

July 8, 2003
Buy your protein supplements from places like Vitamin Shoppe or GNC because they will let you return with receipt if opened. Keep trying because you'll need the added protein. I tried about six different ones before I settled on my favorite two. After your liquid stage, try eggs, beans, peanut butter, tuna, etc. Pick the high quality protein and take your time. It gets easier.
   — Starrlina

July 8, 2003
I do about 100-120 grams of protein a day. Real Meals has 60 grams of protein. I had tried a ton of shakes before Real Meals and they were the only ones that I could get down. I split it into two small shakes a day. It also has over 40 vitamins including the big ones for us like calcium and vitamin b12. Go to www.protein-solution.com. They have samples and protein recipes there.
   — Linda A.

July 9, 2003
Whenever someone says that they can't drink protein drinks I always think that maybe they just have not found the right one for them. I have found that it is the only way that I can consistently keep my protein up and am sure that the protein is high quality and totally absorbable. I too drink Real Meals and with all of the yummy recipes they have there is one for everyones taste. Keep trying, it is so important and will help you from hitting the dreaded plateau. Good Luck!
   — Carol S.