Question:
is there another way to get protein other than by drinking it?

is there anything i can use besides the liquid proteins? i read so much of how horrible most of the protein drinks are & i am afraid i will have a problem getting the drinks down. i am a tremendous water drinker, dont drink milk & very seldom, carbonated beverages. i usually have a problem drinking stuff thats thicker than water. i have thought about protein bars but, i am afraid they may contain too much sugar. will i be able to use food as my protein source if i stick to lots of fish (yummy), seafood (yummier) & chicken?    — sheryl titone (posted on September 25, 2001)

September 24, 2001
I'd say it depends on how much protein your Dr. tells you to consume each day. It is very hard to eat enough to get it all in - your pouch just will not hold that much - and a lot of people, (me included), have a hard time getting chicken and beef to stay down anyway - Some people have no problem with the protein drinks - I cannot drink them - even the ones that people swear "ok - this one's different - you'll like it - it takes like Kool-Aid" - I've tried them all and they make me literally vomit! They are just horrible (imo)....I get in about 45 or 50 grams of protein a day...I've lost 82lbs in 15 weeks (OpenVBG) and my hair is not falling out, and I feel absolutely fantastic! - so it must be ok for me!
   — Cathy J.

September 24, 2001
Hi Sheryl! About the protein.. I have a hard time drinking those darn shakes. I agree with you about the thickness, yuck! But, I have found some that are as thin as water, but the taste isn't too hot though. You would have to add lots of fruit to mask the taste some. It's called Natural 100% Whey Protein by Optimum Nutrition. Got it at a health food store. But dont worry too much about this now. You wont be eating much or drinking too much right after surgery. Most surgeons don't worry about the protein for a couple weeks after surgery. At that point, you will be able (at least I was), to eat nearly enough protein. (I was one of the lucky few who have been able to have chicken and turkey at 2 weeks with NO problems). As the weeks go on, you will be able to eat more and more, since the swelling in your stomach will go down making a little more room. I'm 6 weeks post op as you know and I can get in 65-75 grams without protein drinks. However, soon I will undertake a gym and weights etc. Then, I will need more protein. So I will have a protein bar. Those do have sugar, but many don't, and even fewer carbs. I think Carb Solutions is one of them. So don't worry too much about the protein just yet. <p> Oh, by the way, seafood is an excellent way to get in protein. I think a portion size of 3oz has roughly 30 g of protein in it, depending on the fish. Chew up the shrimp VERY well, that is the only one that sort of got stuck. You will have to stay away from steak and pork for at least 6 months (per my surgeon's orders). Except ground beef is ok. Best of luck angel of mine. Cannot wait to take the reins from ya! Less than a month, yahoo! :) Love ya, Annie
   — Annie R.

September 24, 2001
My doctor has been totally opposed to protein drinks, no matter where you are in the post-op process. Try puree of chicken. add boned chicken, mayo, and chicken broth to blender and mix up until thinner than paste. Refrigerate about an hour. It sounds horrible, but you will be able to get in protein that way. Do the same with tuna and any seafood that doesn;t have a lot of bones to deal with. Are you able to eat cheese/ cottage cheese-- good sources of protein. Good Luck.
   — michelle R.

September 25, 2001
I, too, have trouble drinking thick stuff. I like Zero Carb Isopure (GNC) that tastes kind of like koolaid. It is expensive, but a 20 ounce bottle has 40 grams of protein. I also was able to tolerate AdvantEdge and CarbSolutions (WalMart) after combining with a little milk. Because I have problems getting these down, I always bought ready made. There is no way you can get them to the same smooth consistency mixing them at home. After you start solids, you probably *crossing fingers* won't have to worry too much about supplements. 10 ounces of good protein source will provide about 60 grams of protein. Cheese, meat (deli meat goes down more easily), cottage cheese, yogurt (less protein), milk (less protein), etc. You'll do fine.
   — ctyst

September 25, 2001
I didn't like skim milk at all pre-op, but post op I enjoy it. It's very thin and has a good protein to calorie ratio. Also you can add powdered milk to things to increase the protein content. I agree with the deli meat. I get it sliced thin and it's easy, relatively cheap and goes down with no problem. Also, eggs, although some will tell you to just eat the whites.
   — kcanges

September 25, 2001
I can understand some of your pre-op feelings and food preferences, but it will amaze you how you might feel post-op! I liked milk and can't tolerate it now. I loved chicken and at 3 months still have been able to have very little go down well. Beef and shrimp for me have worked in small amounts, but not ground beef. I do supplement and I don't see it as a hassle. In a way, it has been very easy for me at breakfast on my way to work. I also get this good feeling when I am drinking what I know is "doing my body good". I still cannot eat enough food to get my protein in without supplements. I have used protein bars and there are many good ones with high protein, low carbs and 6 grams of sugar or less. They do take a very long time for me to nibble, but the drinks take a long time as well. Good luck in your journey!
   — Molly S.

September 25, 2001
I have found several protein drinks that I enjoy. Proscore 100, MetRx and Designer Whey (all Chocolate I might add). I have vanilla that I don't enjoy very much and basically add to the chocolate to get rid of it. I LOVE adding decaf instant coffee!! YUM. I also found Designer Protein Smoothie that is berry ... love it! I have wasted a ton of money on protein bars. I can't tell you how many I have thrown away. The only ones I have found that I will eat are Dr.'s Diet Raspberry Chocolate Truffle and Designer Whey lemon, mint and my all time favorite ABSBerry. They have several other flavors but I don't care for them. It is all a personal thing. Not everyone likes the same thing. Keep looking, you will do fine.
   — Lindsey G.

October 3, 2002
Liquid protein taken by the teaspoon, called Proteinex, by LLorens Pharmaceuticals. Intended as a significant source of protein which supplies all the essential Amino Acids. 2 tablespoons daily provide 15gm of Protein Hydrolisate. There is no sugar, fats or carbohydrates. It can be purchased OTC and will soon be out in tablets.
   — Toni G.