Question:
i need help with protein intake

Hi I am almost 7 weeks post op.I have only been home for 2 weeks after having numerous complications that kept me in the hospital for 5 weeks. But I am now home and I am concerned I am not getting enough protein I am having a hard time getting enough liquids as well. in the hospital all I ate was yogurt so I am not even interested in that now. I cant eat large volumes of food... 5 teaspoons of chili makes me ill..the protein shakes make me ill as well I cant eat tuna *gag* I need some ideas on menus is there somewhere I can see some??? is there anyone out there who can help me please....    — alexjakemom (posted on July 7, 2003)

July 7, 2003
Go to groups.yahoo.com/group/gastric-bypass-wsnc they are a support group and they have links and files that have all kinds of recipes on them, for your protein intake. if you have any questions they'll be glad to help!!
   — robin E.

July 7, 2003
I also had a hard time tolerating the shakes. Are you blending up a powder or using the premixed? If you are having a lot of food intolerances right now it might be worth it to spend more on the premixed just to keep your protein up until you can eat enough foods to get it without supplementation. Here are some that worked for picky me: AdvantEdge and CarbSolutions premixed (WalMart) both mixed with a bit of skim milk, Atkins premixed in chocolate (WalMart), and Zero Carb Isopure (GNC) in the bottles that looks like koolaid. Unless you have lactose intolerance, you could probably tolerate no sugar added Carnation Instant Breakfast. That powder mixes up very smoothly--just like regular chocolate milk. Or you could make super milk with skim milk + nonfat dry milk. Or soy milk--I love the Soy Slender in Cappuccino!<p>As far as actual foods, how about cheese? I think I would have had malnutrition if I hadn't had cheese! LOL Also, how about crunchy stuff. Genisoy makes soy crisps that may go down pretty good. Bean soups? Deli meat? Peanut butter?<p>I know it is tough right now but just keep at it ONE FOOD AT A TIME. If something doesn't do you right, then wait a few weeks and try it again. Keep things either really moist or dry and crispy. Don't worry too much about fats--they may make that protien go down a bit easier. Tuna by itself may stick going down but you might try it with cream of mushroom soup with a couple of crackers (old college recipe LOL). Just do the best you can for now. But if you get to where you can't keep liquids down, please call your dr! Good luck!
   — ctyst

July 7, 2003
Try cottage cheese. It has 14 grams of protein per 1/2 cup. I use the lowfat kind and mix it with fruit or Equal.
   — Joanne T.

July 7, 2003
The dry milk mixed into regular milk suggested by a previous poster is what saved me early on. Also, when I got to soft food, I ate a lot of cottage cheese, cheese sticks, scrambled eggs, refried beans (I actually craved them!), ham salad, crab salad, and creamed soups (try mixing in some dry milk powder or unflavored powdered protein mix to boost the protein content). Now, I use the Rocomojo soy coffee substitute (13 grams of protein per cup) as my protein drink. If I want something fruity, I'll drink the Nectar brand protein mix, but that might be a little heavy if your pouch is still delicate. You can also puree almost food in a blender. I used to puree chili, but it sounds like chili is still a problem for you. I've heard others say they've pureed entire meals together, such as a couple of tablespoons of chicken with a tablespoon of mashed potatoes (add a little chicken broth to keep it moist and to add protein). Experiment a little with the softer foods and see if that helps.
   — Vespa R.

July 7, 2003
Pro Cel or UpCalD are textureless, flavorless protein powders that can be added to anything. You just can't boil them. Mix it in or sprinkle in on EVERYTHING. I have had patients tell me that they can taste it or it changed the texture of food but I think that's a mental thing. I've tried it a thousand different ways and it works fine. You can get it at vitalady.com or you can email me and our apothecary will ship it to you if you're interested. Hang in there!
   — ronascott

July 7, 2003
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/9847/protein.html
   — heather S.