Question:
Reaching Goal & Not drinking Protein Shakes?
Hi, I am 32. I had surgery on 8-15-02. I was 5' 5' and 304.5lbs day of surgery. I am now 242, down 62.5lbs in a little over 3 mos. Question, want to hear form those who have reached goal (lost about 100-150lbs) who DID NOT and DO NOT drink protein shakes. I haven't had a shake since month 1. I can eat everything and haven't gotten sick since the first week post-op. Please give me your thoughts and experiences and let me know your comments? Also, how long did it take you to get to goal, your pre-op and post-op weight and what your weight loss was over the first year. THANKS! — heathercross (posted on November 24, 2002)
November 24, 2002
Hi Heather ~ I am still working on my goal, but I am post op,lap rny on
2-19-02, started at 316#'s and am now just over nine months post op and
down 131#s and have not had one protein shake yet. Have tried, but just
could not do more than a sip. I had some trouble in the beginning keeping
food down period, but it all has worked out in the end. Good Luck!
— Terri B.
November 24, 2002
Heather, I asked my surgeon the same question because I can't stomach them
either. he said that when he first started doing this surgery 10 years ago,
he did not reccomend protein supplements to patients and they did just
fine.
— Lesa H.
November 24, 2002
Surgery 11/9/01, start BMI 40, wt. 245, 5'6". A year later at goal,
BMI 24, wt 149. Spent the entire year trying protein shakes with no
success. My protein levels are always normal so I must be absorbing it
from my food. I feel great!
— Cheri M.
November 24, 2002
Congrats on your weight loss so far. I too cannot stomach protein shakes
but because I know the importance of protein I make sure to get it all in.
You are doing yourself a major disservice if you don't do some protein
summplementation. Protein helps keep the muscles working correctly. Since
our biggest muscle is our heart I think you would want to make sure that it
worked well. While right now you seem to be doing ok without added
protein, think about your health long term. I do protein bars, cheese
between meals as snacks, soy nuts, etc to get at least 80-100 grams of
protein per day MINIMUM. Not to mention it helps your muscles, it keeps
you satisfied keeping cravings away. I waited to long to have this surgery
and have worked too hard to get where I am NOT to do what the doctor
ordered. I have lost 113 lbs and am within twenty pounds of goal (am one
year post op). I know that you will get many different opinions on this
question. Take them for just that, then you need to decide what is right
for you and how you want to do your post op diet. Good luck!
— purdue_1993
November 24, 2002
I also can't stomach protein shakes or the protein bars either, I am at
goal and stopped drinking the gross things the day I got out of the
hospital, I get my protein from my foods, it's easier that way, I am happy
now!!! weighing 121 and wearing a size 3,soon to be smaller yet, because of
my plastic surgery coming up on the 2nd.. pre-op weight 270 pounds and
tight 26/28s..and 3x/4x tops!!!
— bikerchic
November 24, 2002
Original poster, just an added bit, I eat about 800 calories a day and
60-90g of protein depending on if I get in red meat or not. I also eat a
protein bat every morning @ 6am while I walk to the gym (those are my only
carbs per day)
— heathercross
November 24, 2002
Im not that far along post op, but I do have a suggestion on protien
drinks. I dont like the SHAKES too much either. But I found a drink that I
like. Its thin, like crystal light. Its called Isopure No Carbs. Its ALOT
better than the "shakes". Just in case you want to try them. I
buy mine from GNC.
— Dawn E.
November 24, 2002
My surgeon is one who only prescribes protein supplementation during the
first six weeks post-op. After that, he fully expects his patients to
obtain their necessary protein from their diet alone. I am 32 months
post-op, lost 150 lbs (starting BMI 47.4), and was at goal at 15 months. I
followed my surgeon's instructions and have concentrated on an intake of
45-50 grams of protein/day since my 6th week post-op. I have labs drawn
every six months and my serum protein (albumin) levels have consistently
remained in the high normal range. This regimen has worked for me and the
other four members of my family who have had RNY surgery. (DS or distal
RNY patients may certainly need more and continued protein supplementation
during their post-op courses.) Best wishes!
— Diana T.
November 24, 2002
I did few protein shakes after graduating from liquid diet. I did TRY to
have them as they would have been awfully convenient. But my problem was
not necessarily the taste ( I did manage to find a few that I could stand)
but the air that is whipped into them during blending. It makes me feel
sick! The only one I could stomach consistently was a very thin cappuccino
shake. I did do protein bars for a while when I had a lot of sugar
cravings. But for the most part I get my protein (goal = 100 grams a day)
from food, no problem. I reached top goal in 7 months and current weight in
10.5. I don't think that the protein shakes make or break your success. I
think it is more of a convenience. There are things that I like that I
"can't" have because I need to eat protein at every meal. That
opts me out of veggie plates, plain salads, vegetarian sushi, etc.
Sometimes it would be convenient for me to do like Michelle Curran and get
all my protein from shakes so I could eat what I wanted when I eat food.
But I'm not complaining! (230 lbs/22W/2-3X to 130 lbs/6-8P/Small)
— ctyst
November 25, 2002
My surgeon does not let us do protein drinks, or any protein supplements.
He wants us to learn how to eat without supplementation. Sometimes I worry,
because I prob only get 20-30 grames a day, but my surgeon said that is
fine, as long as I'm eating 70% protein 30% veggies. My surgeons are one of
the top team in the country, and they go around and teach other gastric
bypass surgeons their rules and diet. They are the #1 in the county for
patients keeping weight off long term, so it must be OK
— Kami C.
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