Question:
I am wondering about meat sauces, marinades, etc.

I'm pre-op gettting a bit nervous about the post-op eating restrictions. I know you must consume mostly meat to get required protein. I sometimes get really sick from the idea of eating meat from time to time. Can you used Ketchup, marinades, sauces, etc?    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 26, 2001)

August 26, 2001
The only thing you need to be careful of is the sugar content in these items. Read the label carefully and you should be ok.
   — georgiacarol

August 26, 2001
I never was much of a meat eater, personally. I get my protein via supplement and eat meat occasionally, but I don't "have" to. I use sauces & such freely, but monitor the sugar content carefully. I'm not worried about fats, since we malabsorb fats to a degree. And how much am I gonna get on what *I* can eat? When in doubt, I make the sauce myself and control the ingredients with milk sub and sugar subs.
   — vitalady

August 26, 2001
I'm 4 months post op, down 65 lbs and do not eat a lot of meat and I don't use protein drinks on a regular basis but still get my 60+ grams in every day. I get a lot of my protein from fresh fish, canned tuna, sardines, smoked salmon (nova, lox), dairy products, skim milk, yogurt, cheeses (string cheese, muenster, cheddar, etc.), eggs (add cheese to scrambled eggs for more protein), nuts, peanut butter, beans, lentils, chick peas, refried beans and tofu. (The beans and lentils are high fiber and will keep you from being constipated too). Carb Solutions makes a protein bar with 21g of protein and 2 carbs. It's not a Milky Way but it's filling and has lots of protein. A small container of Wendy's chili is low fat and contains 15 grams of protein (it contains some ground beef) - I add shredded cheddar to up the protein and make 2-3 meals out of one container. You'll be surprised how many meatless foods contain protein. Soy products such as Boca Burgers are very good (put cheese on top for more protein and taste). Morningside Farms has a great variety of vegetarian soy products that aren't bad. Marinades and sauces are fine in moderation. They can be good because they moisten meats and make them easier to chew and digest. When I was pre-op I had the same concerns as you ahve but after my WLS I these "new" foods not as restrictions but rather a healthier way to eat. I have not turned into a health nut - I still have my share of "not so healthy" foods on occasion but now, one chocolate chip cookie is plenty where before I ate the whole bag. Go to the grocery store and look at labels and search online for nutritional information websites. There is a book called called "The Protein Counter" by Annette B. Natow that has the protein content for over 15,000 foods. There's lots of protein out there and it's not all in meat. Good luck.
   — [Anonymous]

August 26, 2001
TRY THIS WEBSITE, I FOUND IT TO BE VERY USEFUL !! http://www.caloriecountercharts.com/chart5a.htm
   — LIZZY G.