Still Not Getting Enough Protein...... HELP!

[Daddysgirl10 62]

Hey you guy's, I'm 20 days post op today and I'm still not able to get in enough Protein, I think I am so burn out from the pre op diet I can't do the Protein shakes now. I'm drinking the Isopure protein and now I'm getting burn out on that. My body is starting to hurt kinda bad and I know it because of the lack of protein. I'm creamed out on Soups, I have been doing the poached egg in the morning and tuna or chicken salads for lunch and dinner along with SF applesauce, etc.

I found myself feeling really upset yesterday think what did I do to myself. In this time period I have come to realize that I LOVE food. Its my comfort zone and now I don't have that any more and mow my freaking body is killing me. Someone PLEASE help me....... I'm getting depressed.

[JoiaRox 430]

If you're in pain, call your doctor.

No offense, but everything else is just you throwing yourself a pity party. You've lost 33 pounds and almost in "onederland!" I'm jealous! Not only that, I'm 24 days out of surgery now and you're able to eat a larger variety of foods than I am!

You may be "burnt out" on what foods/liquids you've been using, but start using the internet to search for healthy variations - Protein shake recipes have become fun for me, for instance! All of this will be a blip in your memory soon enough...and when you're thin, healthy & enjoying your new life, you'll laugh at the depression!

[Daddysgirl10 62]

I agree u maybe right about the pitty party. Joia, can u give me some ideas of how u get in ur Protein?

[LipstickLady 25,682]

I am 6 weeks post op and I still can't get in all my Protein. In fact, my doctor has stalled me in pureed and some moist meats because I can't swallow much more than that and I am facing possible dilation to help me along.

Get creative! I started making quiche this weekend for variety. I am still drinking a Protein shake (almost) everyday. Greek yogurt is not a favorite, but I am eating it. I have figured out that I can eat some cream cheese and Peanut Butter because I can't get in more than 300-400 calories. I am starting to make my own finely diced seafood salad, egg salad and ham salad. You can have refried Beans with a bit of Water to loosen them up.

There are a lot of options, you just have to be creative!

[clk 3,519]

It took me months to achieve my daily Protein, calorie and Water intake goals consistently.

Try new shakes - find one you like and can drink again without dreading it. I mix mine with coffee - and since I always look forward to my coffee, that helps me enjoy my shake more!

This is the hardest part of the sleeve. It's not surgery, or recovery, or eating, or exercising. It's realizing that your weight was only a symptom of the underlying issue: your relationship with food.

Take heart, you're not alone! Disordered eating is a part of this. I lost my most secret coping mechanism with surgery and like you, I was in denial about my problems before it happened. I had not realized how much I enjoyed overeating and how much comfort I derived from food.< /p>

Coming here helps. Counseling helps. Talking to other people in the real world who are going through this struggle helps immensely. Reading books about other people that tackled this and overcame it can help, too.

Find foods you can enjoy, yes. Branch out from your pre-surgery food habits. Your tastes do change, so get creative and experiment. You might find new foods and new spices very appealing.

But also work on the other issues. The head work is the most important thing you can do for yourself to help your odds of long term success.

Best of luck.

~Cheri

[JoiaRox 430]

I don't do much different than what was listed above - I've been fortunate to be able to reach my daily Protein, liquid and Vitamin goals since pre-op Week 1. I still have a Protein Shake each day (but I have fun with the blender and recipes!), and focus on protein I can handle at this stage - Greek yogurt (only the flavored ones - that unflavored stuff is nasty to me), fat free refried Beans with lowfat cheese, turkey chili (blended), various Campbell's Healthy Request Soups (blended), etc. When I grocery shop now, I look for higher protein foods that I know I can handle. I'm still in the "puree" stage and found that food still needs to taste GOOD for me to want to eat it!

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

Instead of having a pity party, how about being thankful for what you have accomplished.....

You have lost a great amount of weight in a short period of time.........Wow!

it took me several months to get in all the Protein that was recommended and getting the fluids in was nearly impossible for me in the first 6 months. This is a process and I highly agree with CLK that it is highly beneficial to work on the triggers to over eating and working on emotional issues during this time frame.....You can do this, there's no going back now.......take advantage of this period of time for maximum weight loss....

[phutch824 7]

Try ground up chicken breast or 95% lean beef grounded up. It packs a lot of Protein. cheese sticks are good also. I have also found lightly salted dry roasted edamame is good!

[newat52 1,613]

Add some Protein powder to sugarfree pudding to help. Cottage cheese packs a good Protein punch as well. Try some of the nectar drinks.

Yeah, we have all hosted a pity party once or twice post op so you've used one of yours.

[Daddysgirl10 62]

Add some Protein powder to sugarfree pudding to help. Cottage cheese packs a good Protein punch as well. Try some of the nectar drinks.

Yeah' date=' we have all hosted a pity party once or twice post op so you've used one of yours. [/quote']

Thanks sooo much, I really needed that!!