Question:
I am six weeks post op, and need to know how to maximize protein intake?

I am trying to increase my protein intake, but it gets harder as you are put on solid foods. I try to incorporate things like chees for snack/meals, cottage cheese and low carb fruits for breakfast, eggs and cheese for a meal. Does anyone think i still should be drinking protein drinks?    — Tracy P. (posted on July 9, 2003)

July 9, 2003
I am three months out and will continue to supplement with one protein drink per day. At this stage, while you can probably get most of your protein from food, I've found that I am not able to get much of anything else in (veggies, fruit) unless I do a protein drink (because I am not able to get much in volume-wise). Seems like in order to get all your protein in via food, all you would be able to eat is strictly high protein foods.
   — Barbara C.

July 9, 2003
I am 3.5 months post surgery, I am still drinking protein drinks because it is the only way I can get enough protein. If I am not drinking a shake once a day, I mix some flavorless protein I bought at GNC with my little bit of food. My Doctor recommends that we continue protein shakes until we can get enough protein through food.
   — M B.

July 9, 2003
I am 6 months out and I drink one protein shake and eat one protein bar a day. With that and food I average about 80-90g of carbs a day. Instead of "incorporating" high protein foods into your diet, you should be doing it the other way around. Make the protein your first priority and then incorporate other foods (like veggies and low carb fruits) into your meals. Try the 3 bites protein to 1 bite everything else ratio. (Lap RNY 1-30-03, -84lbs)
   — Kristen S.

July 9, 2003
I am 13 months out, and have been at goal (past it, actually) for four months, and I still drink two protein shakes a day. I cannot get enough protein in just from food, though I certainly do eat protein foods (and put protein first). On maintenance, I try to keep my protein intake over 110 grams a day, because my protein levels remain in the "low normal" range on my labs and because I am one of those people for whom too many carbs cause "head hunger" problems. The protein shakes help.
   — Suzy C.