Question:
I'm not getting NEARLY enough protein

I know protein is extremely important, however I'm having a really hard time getting enough in. I have protein shake, but i just don't drink it regularly. I've also been having a hard time just eating in general, everything goes down just fine, i just have to force myself. Now i don't really want lectures, because i know i need to get in enough protein, but maybe if i know what kind of bad things can happen from not getting protein in maybe i will be able to force myself. Thank you! Amber    — Amber F. (posted on February 23, 2003)

February 23, 2003
Do you like fish,or crabs or shrimps. They are very high in protein. Also chicken. This is all I can eat, I can't keep down steak. But I love fish and I still have protein shakes sometimes but no everyday. But crabs for dinner is great. Sometime I make a whole dozen of blue claw crabs , in the course of the day I eat the whole dozen. Just a suggestion. Good luck
   — Rebe W.

February 23, 2003
Do you eat cheese? It can be high in fat, but it's a good source of protein. I eat alot of cheese and chicken everyday, that is mainly where I get my protein. I also supplement with ISOPURE (GNC) It's not that great, but it's the only one I can tolerate b/c of the consistency. It's a kool-aid like drink w/o sugar. I don't like the shakes much. I also drink milk everyday. I know many don't b/c of the sugar, also many post-ops have become lactose intolerant. Even having a small snack of some kind of nut once in a while is good. Ofcourse, don't graze on them cuz of the fat, but the protein is good in nuts! goodluck to you, it took me quite a few months to get in the amount of protein I needed, but now at 8 1/2 months, I get in 70grams a day and am losing pretty well. SOmetimes, it just takes time to develop a routine and food that you like.
   — Lezlie Y.

February 23, 2003
Since I'm not a Dr. or a nurse, I can not tell you for sure exactly what will happen to your body if you don't get enough protein. I can tell you this . . . you won't lose as well and your health will suffer. Your body HAS to have this protein. A good way to get in all your protein is through supplements. If you can't find one you like, keep looking. I've found that the Designer Whey fruit drinks (grape, orange, kiwi passion fruit) are the least offensive. I put them over ice and let the ice melt a little because they are a little thick for my taste. Yes, they still have that protein after taste, but I have found that if you can force yourself to drink them, you actually learn to like them. I get them at GNC. They have 40 grams and 170 calories. I drink 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night. That makes them a little more cost efficient. That's 40 grams taken care of. You should be able to easily get in 10 to 20 more grams from the food you eat. I am just 4 weeks out and still have a difficult time with meat or poultry, but I absolutely LOVE the veggie burgers by Morningstar (Boca burgers are good, too). Morningstar makes different flavors. They have a portabell mushroom and red pepper that is wonderful. There's also a tomato basil pizza burger that's great. They have good protein and are lowfat. Try them! Good luck!
   — Kathy S.

February 23, 2003
Hi Amber, you may want to go on over to the Grad List on Yahoo. You can't post, must be a year out to do that, but you can do a search on protein deficiency. Several members there have faced it.<p> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG/ <p> Good Luck, I hope you find something on the boards to help "force" yourself get your protein in.
   — Ali M

February 23, 2003
One of the ways you loose weight after wls is by switching your metabolism to a fat burning metabolism instead of burning sugar from the carbs you eat. If you don't get enough protein in, your b0dy will start to digest muscle and break that down for energy. This is called muscle wasting and it will leave you feeling very weak. Also, you may loose your hair from not getting enough protein in. Have you heard of the liquid pre-digested protein products? You only have to drink like 1 once to get 15 grams of protein. This may be a good way to supplement your diet. Proteinex is the name of one product.
   — Lisa Marie C.