Question:
How do you all get in the required amount of protien

and calories when your only allowed a little over an oz every couple hours. Plus then try to get your water in by waiting 1/2 hour before you eat and 1/2 hour after you eat. I need to get something in me that has more calories as I'm only taking in less than 500 a day if I'm figuring right. This has me really scared.    — Karen S. (posted on September 2, 2003)

September 2, 2003
I use protein drinks. I mix them with water, so no extra calories there. I use low-cal, high protein, ultra low sugar powders. I don't count protein powder in my calories. I use it all, so no left overs to turn into fat. I observe the 30 min after rule, but never was told to wait before. Makes no sense to me, actually. I'm 9 yrs post-op, 150 lbs still gone, weight about 110 most days.
   — vitalady

September 2, 2003
My second profile can help you with that, tremendously. I'm 20 months post op and pregnant and they want me getting in 150 grams of protein, 2000-2500 calories per day AND a minimum of 10, 16 oz. glasses of water... oh yeah, right! LOL! I do the best I can, though!! I use a lot of the plain, no flavor, no taste, no smell protein powder and put it in EVERYTHING I can, even my water!! (I do sell this stuff, so if you are interested, let me know and I'll email you the details). It is just a plain protein powder, no added vities, etc., to make things taste yucky. I also use powdered milk, but it has enough milk sugars in it to make me worry some, so I don't use it as much as I did when I was first out, especially since I found this protein powder. If you give me a sample day's menu, I can tell you where you can add protein and not add "food" that makes it hard to get everything in! :~) Feel free to email me... you don't have to buy the products I sell to get help from me, either, okay?! :~) Hugs -- sharon
   — Sharon m. B.

September 2, 2003
What kind of post-op plan are you on? What are you supposed to be getting in? It would be easier to answer if this information was available. It really depends on whether you are required to use protein drinks or not and how limited the carbs are as to how much protein you really need. Please provide some more info.
   — zoedogcbr

September 3, 2003
I too do shakes. I rely on them now and probably will forever. I know with the shakes that what I am drinking is totally absorbable and the 30 minute rule does not apply. You will get in a rhythym and you will learn how to get it all in. The first few months after surgery, maybe 4, I never got over 600 calories and now at 7+ months out I am just up to 800-900 calories per day. I just make sure to get my protein (80-100+ gr per day) and water and all of my supplements. Your capacity for food will increase making it easier as you go.
   — Carol S.

September 3, 2003
Karen, You are a new post-op, as time goes on you will be able to increase your protein, for now don't worry about the small calorie intake.
   — Kriola

September 3, 2003
I use protein drinks. I take carnation instant breakfast no sugar and add 1/3 cup dry milk, a scoop of non flavored protein, and 8 oz of milk to total 30 grams of protein. I use one of those and then my food and I can usually get in enough 292/237/-55lbs. 6/27/03
   — horserider0146

September 3, 2003
Allanah, What kind of non flavored protein do you use???
   — susanje