Question:
I am 4 months and down 90 pounds - still cannot tolerate protein

I am 4 months post op and down 90 pounds - I cannot tolerate protein drinks or bars - stomach ache ensues after consuming these. I cannot seem to get my protein or water quotas in. I was placed back on Zantac 3 a day the middle of Dec - this seems to have helped some but still cannot tolerate minimal volumn of food. Does this get better with time - About 2 tablespoons of food is all I can tolerate at a time.    — sandra L. (posted on January 25, 2004)

January 25, 2004
There are so many types of protein drinks. I would imagine that you have tried several. I had a terrible time finding one that I could drink. Finally, I found Zero Carb Isoprotein. It is a 20 ounce glass bottle with 40 grams of protein. It is a clear liquid, so I didn't have to worry about gagging on the shake. It comes in several flavors. I buy mine by the case as it is cheaper than individual bottles. As for not getting in water, I also cannot tolerate plain water. I've found that I can drink the orange flavored Propel. Even better, I recently discovered the joy of hot tea. I now keep all sorts of flavored tea bags in my pantry. I actually make four cups at a time and keep it in an insulated mug. Two tea bags and six packets of Splenda to the four cups of water. Yum! I now have NO problems getting my water in each day. I like the tea because my pouch was more comfortable with the warmth and because there are no bubbles and no caffiene. Keep trying new things. The protein is most important! If you don't get it in by food or drink, your body will eventually start to use your muscle tissue for protein (including organ tissues). Then you'll be in a heap of hurt. Keep trying! Some you don't like today may be better or a new favorite in a couple of weeks! You may surprise yourself.
   — Rachel T.

January 25, 2004
I got that too. Try 4 or 6 mini shakes of no more than 5-10 grams of protein each.
   — mrsmyranow

January 25, 2004
my doctor stopped me on protien shakes at about 2 months post-op. there are many food sources that you can get protein from. it doesn't mean you have to be able to eat alot to get in all your protein. there are some really great sites that you can find how much different foods have. one of my favorites is smuckers natural sugar free peanut butter.
   — franbvan

January 25, 2004
I dont want to advocate a liquid diet; but since your pouch only holds 2 tablespoons of food; this might help ; at least in the protein department. I hate protein shakes/etc. so never use them... BUT I do like milk (Im lactose intollerate now - so this product doesnt affect me in the least) Try drinking the atkins milk "Carbo" available in the milk section of your grocery store. 1 cup has 100 cal and ' 12' grams of protein. You can get your 60 grams in 5 cups (500) calories. If you dont want to drink that much; at least 2 cups 24 grams is a start ...it tastes good and doesnt bother the intollerate factor. good luck
   — star .

January 25, 2004
Have you been tested for a stricture? I had one at 4 months and could barely tolerate food. But I also struggled with a big aversion to protein drinks....I struggled with this a long time. Before surgery I loved the thick vanilla and chocolate protein drinks. I also drank gallons of water because I just loved it. I am over a year out and still have to drink water slowly and at room temperature (yuk!). Anyway I have been experimenting with protein drinks the whole time. I find I can do fruit flavored drinks with added frozen fruit except for the nectars which I can drink by itself, just add water, and whey fruity which I add to crystal light lemondate or minute maid lite lemonade. The Nectar Protein shake up a bit easier than Whey Fruity but Whey Fruity is still good stuff and lemonade goes down easier for me than water (why this is I do not know). I ate Detour bars for about 3 months but now I find I can't tolerate those so it's Nectar strawberry kiwi day in and day out with some Whey Fruity thrown in for good measure.
   — susanje

January 25, 2004
Have you tried using a product called Lpp Predigested Protein by Twinlabs? It is a clear liquid that you take by the tablespoon. You can add it to anything. It has 15 grams of protein for 2 tablespoons. I am pre op but started looking for ways to get the protein in during the first few weeks post op, tried adding it to applesauce, oatmeal. I like this stuff.
   — Sheila S.

January 25, 2004
Can you tolerate skim milk? 8grams of protein per cup and if you add a pack of carnation no sugar added breakfast that's 6 more grams. If you could get 3 or 4 cups in per day that would be really good. Maybe try eating small amounts of real protein like pureed chicken just about and ounce and eat SLOWLY over 20-30 minutes. Or have some cottage cheese (also loaded with protein). I don't use protein bars or shakes at all. They are all GROSS in my book and my doc advocates REAL food not shakes. Hope it gets better for you. Gina 12/15/03 -35lbs
   — gina L.

January 26, 2004
Even though I'm near 2 months post-op I too only get about 2 spoons of food per meal - but I make sure they have some type of pureed meat along with mash potatos or carrots or beans - There are hundreds or protein drinks out there even tasteless - and after spending some money I found one that can even be added to your foods or any thing you ingest. My doctor said the protein is necessary for the weight lost and to avoid other side effects - and I feel great even though I do not eat near 500 cal a day.
   — Anna M.