Question:
Any ideas for protein foods?

I am 6 weeks post op, not hungry and nothing sounds good to eat except fresh fruit, how do I get the protein I need?    — julie M. (posted on June 11, 2004)

June 11, 2004
I am also 6 weeks post-op. I have the same problem. I am only getting about 25-35 grams of protein a day. I have started eating Atkins Advantage protein bars. They are kind of high in calories, but I can't get enough of those in a day either. One bar has 17-21 grams of protein. I have also tried Isopure drinks in the bottle. I am not real fond of them, but I may have to go back to them because I am not getting enough protein. I did notice that I did not loose any weight for weeks until I increased my protein intake.
   — Peggy Boyd

June 11, 2004
Hi...I will be a year post-op the 26th of June and this whole year I have swore by Low Carb Isopure Protein Powder. I can only do the chocolate and I mix it with water and it's more of a thin consistency, which goes down better for me. Besides having 50 grams of protein per 2 scoops with 12oz. of water, it has a ton of vitamins also...I even stopped taking it for a little while because I was feeling so good and I really noticed a difference and my bloodwork was ok..but not as good as when I was drinking a shake a day. Give it a try...also nibble on some cheddar cheese...Dannon makes a great creamy yogurt called "Fit and Trim. Please make sure you take in a good amount of pottassium also...very important for healthy heart function...good luck..keep us posted
   — Beth K.

June 11, 2004
At that stage (6 wks) it was a real chore to get in enough protein. I did Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) with lowfat milk and about 1/4 cup powdered milk. That gave me if I remember correctly around 20 grams of protein per drink. You can do low-fat cheese cubes. Low-fat cheese has about 7 grams of protein per square inch. Shaved turkey from the deli worked pretty well for me then. Don't buy the packaged deli meats and get them to cut it for you if you can. The packaged meats have a preservative on them I couldn't handle. When I went out, I did the refried pintos/cheese from Taco Bell, sometimes the insides of a burrito or chicken nuggets. Start slow and work your way up. Today I use beef jerky a lot, I get about 35 grams per day of Sci-Fit's Amino Infusion 5000 Liquid Protein. I still do cheese and eat lots of shellfish like shrimp and crab.
   — Cathy S.

June 11, 2004
Believe it or not you'll kind of look back fondly on these days where you don't want to eat anythiing. But not now, I know. I used - still do- ProComplex Chocolate with skim milk. At your stage I was lucky to get one down the whole day - just sip, sip, sip. My main reason for picking ProComplex was that it didn't make me barf. I advanced to shrimp - a few pre-cooked frozen thawed shrimp (may 4 or 5) with a little lemon or cocktail sauce. String cheese, low fat Laughing Cow, cottage cheese, yogurt - these were all pretty good. Meat was a long way off -still have to be careful of chicken and ground beef (haven't attempted any other kind of meat). Good for you for watching out for protein! Also - it's possible fresh fruit sounds so good because you're thirsty (and yeah, it's also good) - be sure to keep up with your liquids. Remember: these are the GOOD OLD DAYS! (I know, I know - they don't seem like it now and I DO remember how hard it was - just fondly recall not wanting to ever eat again and the weight coming off so quickly.) Best of luck - Bette
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 11, 2004
Two of the best high protein things that I eat are string cheese and cottage cheese. Tuna packed in water is also high protein. Good luck!!
   — Fixnmyself

June 11, 2004
Hi Julie, I remember that well . . . try mixing a cottage cheese (highest in protein) or yougart with the fruit. Also, I tried so many protein shakes, Instant breakfast etc. After a year the one I still use is the Adkins Advantage. Good luck . . . Michele :) RNY 6/6/03 112
   — Michele D.

June 12, 2004
julie this should have been explained by your nutrionist, if not I'm surprised. And your surgeon should have given you a list of reading material that explains your diet after surgery. It will be different, not impossible to eat or drink for the next few months. Consider a meal 1-3 spoons and do not drink, SIP your liquids, after 30-60 mins after eating.
   — Anna M.

June 12, 2004
Julie, there is a fabulous fairly new company out there making all sorts of healthy juices and bars. They are Odwalla and they have a protein drink that contains about 10g of protein per serving (2 servings per bottle). I always turn to them after a fill. Good luck.
   — Melissa M.