Protein supplements and calcium citrate

[Sandy Martinez-Pumar 1]

Hi. I was sleeved on Nov 24, 2014. Realized I had to do something when I turned 60 last June and hit 325 lbs. After going through all the hoops, my surgery took place and I (survived), not only the surgery, but the 6 weeks following (Clear liquids, moist & mushy and soft). Started on regular foods last week. I weighed 265 at my one month checkup.

My two questions relate to the Vitamin supplements and Protein supplements. I've tried 3 different Calcium citrate and just cannot tolerate them. I gag and subsequently vomit every time I take them. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the Calcium supplement? I have no problem with my B-12, Multivitamin and Iron.

Next question has to do with Protein supplements. Try as I may, I cannot get enough protein in daily. Which protein powders or supplements do you suggest? I've tried Muscle Milk light milk chocolate, which isn't too bad as long as it's frozen (it tastes like a shake). But I'm thinking of getting something I can add to my food plan so that I can get at least the 60-80 gm of protein in daily. Hopefully something that doesn't taste awful.

And how the heck do you drink 64 oz of Water daily when you cannot drink 30 minutes before or after each meal??? That's three 90 minute intervals during which you cannot drink. I'm lucky if I drink 40 oz. Suggestions???

[samuelsmom 670]

Greek yogurt is always good as are cheese and scrambled eggs. I try to have fish or chicken for dinner as they both have quite a few grams of Protein. I also have a hard time getting in all the Protein so I still drink Protein shakes every day or 2.

[BryBro63 410]

I'll try to address all 3 of your issues - my opinion, of course!

For Vitamins and Calcium, I use the Centrum chewables (not too bad, comparatively speaking), and I use the Calcium chewables from Bariatric Choice...they have several different flavors to choose from.

To get a good amount of Protein in, there are the Quest Bars which have about 18 - 21 grams of Protein in each bar. They also make protein chips which have about the same amount of protein. They both have a large variety of flavors to choose from.

The only way I get the fluids in is I carry a bottle with me everywhere I go at work and at home and just continually sip!

Wish you the very best success!!!

[JamieLogical 8,708]

I'm pretty addicted to Questbars at this point. I love the chocolate chip cookie dough flavor and have two a day. One for "breakfast" and one at the very end of the day, about an hour before I go to bed. Between those two bars, I get 42 grams of Protein, so getting 40-ish more with my lunch, dinner, and Snacks isn't too challenging. Just put protein first every thime you eat! My snacks are always greek yogurt or "meat sticks" (like beef sticks but made with turkey or pork too). My lunches and dinners are always meat/seafood or meat and Beans. I'll sometimes have an egg and/or cheese in there as well.

Edited January 14, 2015 by JamieLogical

[ProjectMe 909]

I drink a Protein Shake in the morning. I also add Unjury unflavored Protein Powder to just about everything. That is the only way I can reach 60- 70g of Protein.< /p>

[bigbang52 21]

As far as the Water issue, it will get easier as time goes on. Butt for now it's very important you get enough. Just keep working. If you take your Vitamins in the morning, drink a little extra then. The Protein can be harder. Experiment with different foods as I'm sure you noticed your taste has changed. There are many different brands of both Protein Bars and shakes. Some of the shakes have from 40-50 grams of protein in 17oz. And if you look there are some very low in sugars, carbs and fats. See ANN and Metrx. Also check out some Snacks by Kay's Natural. I like the nacho and cinnamon. Have 15gram protein and 125 calories. Part of my preoperative diet. Can be found at costco but would recommend Amazon first to get smaller size to try out. Amazon is a good place to start shopping but Google protein supplements and bodybuilding to find cheaper places. You should see my pantry!

[PirateGirl 14]

I just bought Bariatric Advantage calcium citrate chews in Tropical Orange flavor and I really like them. They taste like an orange Starburst.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

You can try chewable calcium citrate.

I have a Protein shake in the morning and add greek yogurt to that. I use CVS whey Protein and I add a bit of Water and ice to the drink for a sort of all in one drink. It starts my day off between 30 -40gms of protein. I can then eat a sensible lunch and dinner and have the rest of the day to work on my Water.< /p>

I plan to try the Isopure unflavored next. It's supposed to be okay to mix in warm beverages as well.

Water intake is always challenge. Just keep trying to get in as much as you can

[nursmate2 40]

I had the worst time with Protein when I started on food. I drink a Protein shake in the morning. I have had trouble finding one I could tolerate. I can drink ISO 100 chocolate, Dymatized Elite Cinnamon bun and PES Snickerdoodle. That's it, it's all I can drink. I add 10 ounces of a Protein enriched milk so it gives me 40 grams off the bat. I drink a Syntax nectar - Fuzzy navel before the gym another 23 grams...woohoo now that's 63 grams for 2 drinks plus it gives you some Fluid -win/win. I get the remaining amount from high protein foods like tuna, chicken, greek yogurt, cottage cheese..etc. It took ma a while to embrace it and learn to get my protein. I down loaded a protein tracker app on my phone. Good luck! It takes a while but you will find your groove!

[katcycler 95]

@@Sandy, your story is similar to mine. I turned 60 last May and was 311 lbs. decided to do something about it and was sleeved November 26. I can't get much in either. I like the chocolate Premier Protein from costco. They have 30g of Protein in 11 oz. I drink 2 per day. The calcium citrate I use is opurity chewables. They taste ok to me. I can only eat 1 egg at a time. One baby bel cheese and 1/3c of yogurt is another meal. I am always under 500 cal per day. My doc says he doesn't care the quantity but to make sure I get 70g protein per day and under 30g carbs per day.

Enjoy the weight loss now because it will slow more as we get more in out new tummy. My Water is only about 32 oz per day. Best of luck to you!