Not getting enough calories or protein!

[Ree 215]

Today (technically yesterday) my net calories for the day were only 215. I am struggling right now and I am only getting in about half of the Protein I am suppose to be getting in. Drinking Water actually makes me feel light headed if I am standing and/or walking and I am no longer able to drink my Protein shakes. I just can't do it, just thinking about it is making me sick to my stomach. I don't know what else to do, I feel weak (obviously) and my mind wants to jump up and move but my body speaks another language.

My meal plan looked like this today:

Breakfast: 2 oz of broccoli & cheese Soup w/ a small amount of Protein powder added in.

Lunch: Organic lunch meat (turkey) 1oz w/ .5 oz of fat free cream cheese (fat free cream cheese has more protein)

Dinner: 1 oz organic soy tempeh

snack: MetRx chocolate roasted peanut Protein Bar 1/3 of the bar

Totally Protein 30 grams, total calories 265 - 50 from walking = 215.

And tomorrow I have no idea what to eat, as nothing that I'm allowed to eat sounds appetizing at all! It feels like I am pregnant all over again, where nothing to eat sounds good.

[mistysj 1,940]

Can you have some cottage cheese or Greek yogurt? Have you tried different shakes? Lots of people seem to love the Premier Protein for 30 grams a serving. If you like coffee you can use the Chike or Click shakes. There is also Syntrax which has some fruity flavors. How about baby bel cheese? Or laughing cow? If you are getting so few calories, don't worry about fat.

[Bronco0605 135]

It sounds like you are eating a lot of variety for being pretty early post op. At 3-4 weeks I was still on pureed food.

I could not stomach the Protein shakes or milk either until recently and I am 7 weeks out now and I am so glad to have them

back. What is on your list? Maybe we can help you be creative!

[CrissyRing77 232]

What abt eggs? I've been hard boiling them in 3-4s and taking one out each day, peeling, chopping it in a mug and nuking it for 45 seconds, add a pat of butter salt & pepper! Nice & soft and yummy!!!

Another FAV is two slices of deli turkey spread with one wedge of laughing cow light French onion roll up and eat!!!

If you haven't try Premier Protein ready to drink in chocolate its the only Protein I like...really cold too! 30grams in 11 oz. Also seeing you like broccoli cheddar, did you know powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury has a protein cheese sauce? Might be better to mix in that or even make your own with more protein.

Lastly ave you talked to your Surgeon about the possibility you are experiencing Gerd? Maybe getting on some acid reducers will help or even nausea meds...I find I cannot drink Water in the am, but once I get my Protein shake in, I'm good to go.

I hope something helps for you! I've had some issues myself and had to find something that works a few times! Hang in there!

[McButterpants 2,846]

You get a lot of bang for your Protein buck from lean meat if you're cleared. You can puree it - canned chicken was a staple for me early on (puree with chicken broth). I could eat eggs early on as well. Fat free refried Beans with a little cheese on top set well on my new tummy.

Greek yogurt or regular yogurt will give you some Protein as well (my doc didn't want the fruit on the bottom when I was at your stage).

I hope things get better for you soon!

[PJSH 0]

Sorry you're not feeling good. My doc would say go back to puréed food for a few days. I drink Muscle Milk RTD Protein and there are many flavors = chocolate, vanilla creme, banana creme. Lactose free which helps me and they have light versions with less sugar. I buy on Anazon but find them in gas station stores and sometimes grocery stores. Good luck and hang in there. I'm 26 days post op bypass and haven't had dumping yet.

[skinnygirlwithin 693]

Hi. I had my sleeve on Dec 11th. I went through what you are going through right now. I found the sugar free ice pops & fudge pops, Yoplait Greek vanilla 100 Cal & unsweetened apple sauce with unflavored Protein added in with some cinnamon to be my life savers through this phase just to be able to get something in my body... hopefully it will pass soon for ya. I have found with each phase there are ups & downs & stalls... if you are still having trouble after another day, I would call your Doctor and tell him what you are going through, that's why they are there. good luck!

[MGR1852 292]

Ree, I can totally relate. I can't stand the shakes. Premier is disgusting! Syntrax is disgusting! Even the thought of a shake makes me want to throw up! Today, I have 215 net calories and 33 grams of Protein. I ate half of a Premier Protein bar for Breakfast, 2 oz of turkey & 1 slice of Swiss cheese for lunch, and about 3 ozs of broccoli cheese Soup for dinner. I had a frozen yogurt for a snack. I have only gotten about 16 ozs of Water today.

I am 5 weeks out and just struggling.

[NMJG 1,266]

It is not at all unusual to be so low in calories a month out, also, don't do the "net calories" bs from your tracker, just count real calories. However, you do need to bump your Protein grams. Lots of good suggestions on here. Cottage cheese, tuna, greek yogurt, cheese sticks, eggs, soft broiled fish, heck - even a glass of milk will do the trick. Focus on fluids and protein and you'll be fine. It gets better. If you can find a Protein Shake that you like, even better. It is hard to get enough protein in without a shake. I like Unjury chicken broth Protein Drink and hemp protein mixes for a real change of pace. I keep half a dozen different protein shakes/powders in the house because I get so tired of the same ones. Good luck to you.

[sandisleeve 563]

Ree, I can totally relate. I can't stand the shakes. Premier is disgusting! Syntrax is disgusting! Even the thought of a shake makes me want to throw up! Today, I have 215 net calories and 33 grams of Protein. I ate half of a Premier Protein bar for breakfast, 2 oz of turkey & 1 slice of Swiss cheese for lunch, and about 3 ozs of broccoli cheese Soup for dinner. I had a frozen yogurt for a snack. I have only gotten about 16 ozs of Water today.

I am 5 weeks out and just struggling.

---

I'll be 5 weeks out on thu jan 16

My surgeon would say 33g is far too low - even with the initial range of 50g-75g 50 grams is reeeeally low and hair loss and muscle loss will be a big concern very soon

16 oz of Water is like getting in next to nothing -- should aim for minimum 48-64oz; it's tough for me cause I had hernia repair and the pain makes me cry when I drink but I have to get past it if I want to properly heal and advance my diet

Be careful, our bodies need adequate water and Protein for proper healing; we went through MAJOR surgery.

I wish you well but take it from me who was hospitalized for dehydration on day 11 and had Constipation from hell from jan 1-5: stay hydrated!!!!!

[1mjs 16]

Ree, I can totally relate. I can't stand the shakes. Premier is disgusting! Syntrax is disgusting! Even the thought of a shake makes me want to throw up! Today, I have 215 net calories and 33 grams of Protein. I ate half of a Premier Protein Bar for Breakfast, 2 oz of turkey & 1 slice of Swiss cheese for lunch, and about 3 ozs of broccoli cheese Soup for dinner. I had a frozen yogurt for a snack. I have only gotten about 16 ozs of Water today.

I am 5 weeks out and just struggling.

---

I'll be 5 weeks out on thu jan 16

My surgeon would say 33g is far too low - even with the initial range of 50g-75g 50 grams is reeeeally low and hair loss and muscle loss will be a big concern very soon

16 oz of Water is like getting in next to nothing -- should aim for minimum 48-64oz; it's tough for me cause I had hernia repair and the pain makes me cry when I drink but I have to get past it if I want to properly heal and advance my diet

Be careful, our bodies need adequate water and Protein for proper healing; we went through MAJOR surgery.

I wish you well but take it from me who was hospitalized for dehydration on day 11 and had Constipation from hell from jan 1-5: stay hydrated!!!!!

I had sleeve on tue. I also had hernia repair. I am so thirsty! I want to just guzzle water! I also am very hungry. It seems that nothing feels me up. Still having problems with gas, is that normal? I also have a gurgling sound in my throat after drinking or swallowing. It seems to be getting better with gas relief though. Should I be taking a stool softener right now? If so any recommendations?

[sandisleeve 563]

I had sleeve on tue. I also had hernia repair. I am so thirsty! I want to just guzzle water! I also am very hungry. It seems that nothing feels me up. Still having problems with gas, is that normal? I also have a gurgling sound in my throat after drinking or swallowing. It seems to be getting better with gas relief though. Should I be taking a stool softener right now? If so any recommendations?

-

Talk to your doc about stool softeners because you are pretty early out

I had head hunger for a while (week 1.5-3) cause of holiday festivities but no physical hunger not even now at 5 weeks out

I know I need food for energy and healing but I still don't know what physical hunger feels like post vsg or how much I should be eating for satisfaction not fullness

gas wasn't my issue for the most part it's just hernia discomfort and pain that made everything so difficult to get down - even now with carafate rx it's still a challenge

I do my best but staying hydrated is very very vitally important -- Protein is too when u get approved to start shakes

I was sent to ER on day 11 for dehydration and again this past Monday for low hemoglobin levels (heavy heavy period and lost way too much fluid) -- felt like i was going to faint -- so dizzy

Getting better but slow recovery for me

Take it easy!