Question:
I am 1 1/2 weeks post op, not sure what I need to do about protein.

I am kind of worried, I feel full allot and maily doing SlimFast for protein, and liquids and some soups and broths...any ideas? And how MUCH protein doI need?? Will too much fat make you sick??    — John H. (posted on April 12, 2001)

April 12, 2001
John...you're going to get a lot of different answers...I am 12 weeks postop(LAP RNY 1/16/01 53lbs Down)my surgeon thinks slim fast is just fine...I have one in the am with a scoop of "carb solutions" mixed in...I started with that first week and have stayed with it since then...however, my surgeon doesn't beleave all the hoop-la over the protien...I think what your going to find is to take all the great comments on this site and develop the program that works for you...I had to fine tune my eating TO SUIT ME...it was the only way I could make my head happy...I am losing just fine, haven't lost any hair(although my hair was thin to begin with), lots of energy, and a lot happier than I was the first couple of weeks(I call them my weeks from hell). Hang in there you're going to be a lot happier and more comfortable with your daily food intake in a couple of weeks.
   — Debora H.

April 12, 2001
I can only tell you what I have been told by my physician. Women need 50 grams of protein minimum and men need 63 grams minimum per day. Slim fast is full of sugar and is not realy high in protein. Have you considered some of the other supplement products out there. MetRx is carried at Wal-Mart and has 23 grams of protein verse slim fast's 4 grams. There are a number of products available. Some can be very expensive and some far cheaper. The point is that you must get the protein in you for healing purposes now and health purposes for the rest of your life. Finally, I would recommend that you check out www.vitalady.com Michelle and her husband have both had WLS and you might be able to get another perspective.
   — smummert

April 12, 2001
Hi John! My surgeon does not "push" protein drinks either, HOWEVER, I'd read so much about them on this websight that I decided to give them a try. I'd heard it helps prevent hair loss, helps prevent plateaus, helps prevent the urge to graze, gives you energy and more. I tried Carb Solutions from Wal-Mart simply because it was inexpensive. I didn't like the fact that it was so thick and I couldn't get it cold enough. I stuck with it anyway figuring I'd at least use the whole can. Now, a month later, I find myself among those who absolutely sing the praises of protein suppliments. I agree that Slim Fast has too much sugar. I also experimented with the Carb Solutions until I got it like I liked it. For example I mix the Chocolate or Strawberry with 12 ounces of cold water instead of 8 and then let it sit for 5 minutes before I drink it. This way it isn't so thick and tends to taste more like chocolate or strawberry milk. I take a can of diet rootbeer, pop the top, and let it sit out until flat. I mix this in the blender with two scoops of Vanilla Carb Solutions and VOILA I've got a pretty good root beer float. I don't fool myself into thinking they're going to taste like a delicious milkshake but I also have to admit that they're not bad either. I drink 3 Carb Solutions suppliments a day which adds 60 grams of protein to my diet. Since starting this I've experienced an increase in weight loss, no plateaus (knock on wood), increased energy and the head hunger and grazing has all but disappeared. I NEVER thought I would be saying this but I'm just sold on protein. I also believe that we must formulate a plan that works for us.....we are all different and must learn what will make us successful in this journey. A healthy, well balanced diet is a MUST. I'd at least try increasing protein through suppliments and if it doesn't work for you that's ok too. You might want to check with Vitalady - she sells protein in bulk or by sample. Best of luck to you!!
   — ronascott

April 13, 2001
Hi John: My surgeon doesn't want us to do protein drinks. So, during the liquid, full liquid and soft period, he wanted us to get our protein from milk, i.e., diet pudding, diet yogurt, creamed soups, skim milk, -- adding extra non-fat dry milk powder to our soups. You will pretty much be drinking your food during that period. He said our food during that period is just to be considered a way to get our milk in. Of course, we were only on this for 2 weeks, then we were on regular foods except for raw fruits and veggies, which had to wait another two weeks. When on regular foods, I found it easy to get the protein in -- eggs (scrambled, boiled, deviled), fish, poultry, beef, peanut butter, nuts, cheeses, yogurts, etc. I was told 60 grams of protein a day and that's easy. Get a pocket protein guide at the bookstore for about $3 and you can see how much protein is in foods. Oh, why doesn't my surgeon do protein drinks? Cause he says they cause us to become dependent on them and in doing so, we fail to learn good 'regular' food habits and they have way too many calories for good, long-term weight loss. It works for me. Best wishes. (And, yes, too much fat will make you sick -- if you had RNY or FOBI surgery -- but you didn't way which surgery you had--- the same is likely true of sugar). We still need to watch our calories -- staying around 1000 until the extra weight is gone.
   — Cindy H.

April 13, 2001
Hi John, If you have a GNC store near your home, I would recommend Myoplex Light(no sugar, Nutrasweet). It comes in a powder form to be mixed with skim milk or water. The chocolate and the strawberry cream flavors are wonderful. I also use the Vanilla flavor with some orange extract and it tastes like a creamsicle( yummy !!!). It has 190 calories per serving, only 15 calories from fat and 25 grams of protein. Best of luck to you !!!
   — [Anonymous]

April 14, 2001
Hi! My surgeon lets us use the protein drinks in the beginning but encourages us (as we up our food intake) to rely on them less and rely on food more so that we develop better eating habits. At this early stage in the game I think that they are almost essential - especially if you aren't eating much quantity wise. Later (and I'm not post-op yet) I plan on using them as I need them. I don't want to depend on them forever but I will use them as a tool to get what I need into my body as I need. Two sites I've found that have "less" expensive high quality ones are "In shape Online" and "Netrition". I've used Designer Protein, ProBlend 55 and Extreme Pro Pure (tastes like Crystal Light) and they have the best on-line prices I've found. Avoid GNC - you can find ALL their products on-line at MUCH lower prices. They are selling convenience and most on-line stores can ship to you in a few days anyway. Best wishes to you!
   — Donda B.

June 5, 2003
Get all the protein in you can... You should shoot for 60 grms of protein a day... I found out that 3-6 months post-op you can start losing your hair. I have read alot here on this site and you do need to take in alot of protein. Forget fruit, forget vegetables, just eat all the protein that will fit... Take supplements if allowed and keep it up. Besides you lose more weight if you have your protein up...
   — Lynda C.

January 2, 2004
I am 2 1/2 weeks post-op and just wanted to say that protein is important for many reasons. You need it to help you heal, but your nails, hair and skin need it too. What I was told by my surgeon was that your hair doesn't fall out, but breaks off. If your hair doesn't get enough protein, when it grows out it will start breaking off. If for no other reason than that, I get at least 70 grams of protein a day between a protein drink and my liquid diet.
   — Kimberly H.