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Just had my second follow up with my Dr. (who I'm not very impressed with anymore) and would like some help figuring out how to get all my protein needs in. I am supposed to get 80g a day but only eat 3 times a day 5 hours apart, no snacks, and I can only physically eat 4oz at a time Not allowed cheese or protein shakes, I don't really like yogurt. No added carbs that aren't already in food ( which isn't that big of a problem). I am also supposed to be adding vegetables in but don't see how I can eat vegetables and get my protein. I just requested a meeting with a dietician and hope they can help. Just a little discouraged after my appointment and needed to vent.

I get the caution after your Lap Band experience. If this new device works in trials, it could be a good less-invasive option. Worth watching how it performs long-term.

In the summer, I'm a huge fan of "bowls" for lunch/dinner. Take a base of your choice like rice, brown rice, farro, quinoa, etc, add whatever veggies you like and then your protein of choice. If desired, you can also add some sort of sauce/dressing. The nice thing is you can easily meal-prep these and even vary the ingredients slightly in every single bowl just by having a few different base/veggie/protein choices available. It's also easy to adjust them to your tastes, as well as change the proportions to fit your macros. Also, for the most part you don't even need to heat these up. I eat them cold (or more often at room temp), all the time. I'm also a big fan of soup (yes even in summer), because it helps me rehydrate (due to the salt and fluid), as well as get some food in me after my workouts. I totally realize that for many people, the thought of something warm post workout seems odd, but it works for me. As to the amount of protein you're eating, I think that's okay (and not likely dangerous), but honestly is a bit higher than you actually need. I know in some gym circles, they push as much as 4 grams per kg of body weight, but there's not a lot of evidence that even strength athletes need more than about 1.6 to 2 grams per kg. Keep in mind that your body can't store excess protein, thus what it doesn't use for muscle repair just goes to waste or gets stored as fat if you're eating in a surplus. Another consideration as @WendyJane mentions is that your ability to metabolize protein is limited. While I think the rate at which it can be metabolized is actually variable and likely somewhat dependent on overall bodyweight (some studies suggest it's around 0.3 to 0.4 g/kg/bw), the net effect is that it may actually be a lot less than 50 grams for most people. For this reason, it would be ideal to actually plan on eating about five meals a day, rather than the traditional three. Further, keep in mind that the ability to metabolize protein IS NOT the same as the rate at which your body can induce muscle protein synthesis (i.e. use protein to repair repair your muscles). That rate may be as low at just a few grams per hour! That said, there's not a lot of evidence that high amounts of protein hurt the kidneys in healthy people. Yes, certainly if you have kidney disease, you should follow your doctor’s advice and limit your protein intake. For everyone else, the danger is pretty limited (or even nonexistent). I would say that if your higher protein intake is coming exclusively, or almost exclusively from meat (especially red meat), this is a lot more likely to potentially cause renal problems. Now keep in mind that when we look at whether or not a high protein diet can cause kidney issues, scientists always look at EXCESS protein. In other words, it's not the total protein intake that matters. It's the amount in excess of your needs. As someone involved in strength training, you do need additional protein to repair your muscles. As I pointed out, your actual needs may be less than you think. Like a lot of things, it's best to not assume that more is always better. Obviously some protein is essential, additional amounts can be beneficial for some people, but there are potential downsides to eating more than you actually need. Certainly your call, but you might try dropping that down to ~125 to 140 grams. This will open up some options to get some additional veggies or whole grains in you that will help with athletic performance, while still supporting your goals regarding body recomposition. FYI, my statements about protein needs for athletes is based on the latest Nutrition and Athletic Performance position statement from the American College of Sports Medicine. Sorry for yet another long post. I geek out on this stuff and just wanted to share.

I’m 58 and had RNY on 12/20/24. I’ve lost 57 lbs. total and 26 since the surgery. I’m a picky eater and I’m struggling to get the protein and fluid requirements in. Currently in the stage 4 post-op diet and it is not easy. Hoping stage 5 will give me a few more food options.

Yes and also my weight loss plan doesn’t want us to count protein shakes as protein intake. They want us to eat our protein!

I have protein shake powder on stand by if I don't get enough protein for the day but I mainly just get at least 1 chicken breast in me for that huge protein boost, if you can't eat them as solids you can grind them down and mix with a shake. I do strongly recommend not just focusing on protein only. You need a balance of everything else too.

I applaud you for working hard to make ends meet. You can only do so much in your situation, so you may not have a ton of choices, but I too am somewhat concerned about the quality of your diet. Protein shakes are not a bad choice sometimes, but you do seem to be relying on them more than you ideally should. Leaning on shakes so much, I'm specifically concerned about whether or not you're getting enough essential fats in your diet and if you are meeting your basic vitamin and mineral needs. I do hope you're taking a vitamin supplement? I know when things are tight, things like vitamins can be one of the first things to go. If you're not taking a vitamin, I'd encourage you to try to find a way to fit them into the budget since your current diet is so lacking. While a bariatric vitamin would be best, if that's just not in the budget, even a regular drug store vitamin would be better than nothing. An alternative might be to see if you can find meal replacement shakes that fit your budget instead of so many plain protein shakes. My experience is that protein shakes can be more expensive than regular food. I know time is also an issue for you, but If you could find the time on the weekends to meal prep two meals a day instead of one, that might help a lot. Alternately, are there some real food options you could consider for breakfast?

I differ from what SpartanMaker says, I wouldn't try any more of the options that are out there. Obviously you first need to recognize that obesity is a disease and it never goes away. You tried to starve yourself to death and the body will automatically save every morsel you put into your body and store it as fat, especially on a 300 calorie diet. Increasing the calories is not necessarily the fix either, you need to look at the foods you are eating. Is it protein heavy or are you still eating salads, which are carbs by the way? Are you thinking that a baked potato is a veggie, it is not it is a carbohydrate, then add all the stuff you put on the potato. Diet wise, you may be choosing the wrong foods. And certainly the amount. You passed out probably because your glucose levels went into the basement with such a low calorie intake. I agree with SpartanMaker, and seek out a Bariatric center that has a whole host of options. Surgery is a tool that the obese person uses and it is a life long commitment to make lifestyle changes. You may need to see a therapist and nutrition expert both to help you, and maybe they have other options other than going straight to surgery, but for certain I feel you need better education on what is an appropriate "diet", and not all "diets" are really diets but ways to spend more money that is just wasted. You obviously have the willpower and stamina to take hold of a new life, it won't hurt to inquire. I would also urge you to watch some of the YouTube videos from BariNation, they have Podcasts with bariatric physicians and other healthcare providers every week and most recently there was discussion about Obesity being a disease and using something other than weight or BMI (Body Mass Index) to determine if someone is obese. My plan has always been to go the cautious or conservative route first. In my case I jumped right in and happy for it. I had an excellent surgeon and team that all worked together to ensure I had a good experience and did. Never had any pain with my surgery, and have had good results so far and today is Post op week 3, day 1. I wish you the best in your journey to seek out further information and a good bariatric group!!

Try a ricotta bake, there are several recipes out there. Protein Shakes, I got Premier Protein, in a variety pack from Amazon to give me some interesting tastes. We didn't have puree in our plan, we went from clears to full liquids then to soft protein only. Salmon is a good one for protein. Or tuna, shrimp, or any fish really will give you good protein. I use the Baritastic App to keep track of my fluids and protein and I meet or exceed it every day. Remember drinking a protein shake is fluid and protein both on the app. I got a variety of Crystal Light for my clear fluids, and added Isopure clear powder to help get the protein in during the early days too. I am a member of BariNation, and they have a wealth of information and various recipes for the bariatric patient, along with people that get you, and group therapy with licensed professionals or dieticians that are registered dieticians and all of the doctors and health care providers, everyone has experience with bariatric patients. For $40/month, it is well worth checking out for a month to see how you fit and I bet you fit right in. Good luck on your journey!

My tip for hydration is to try different temperatures. I found that hot decaf tea with a splash of milk was much easier for me to drink than cold water. Also, one of my favorite options early on was tomato soup with a scoop of plain protein powder mixed in. I bought the organic brand with as little sugar and added ingredients as possible. The one protein shake I could tolerate longer term was Syntrax Nectar Naturals in orange flavor. It reminded me enough of orange juice that it felt like a treat for breakfast and the tanginess kept it from seeming too sweet.

Yea, honestly a lot of people just want to get in and out of the gym and not be bothered. One thing you might try though would be group fitness classes at the gym. As a general rule, people are a bit more open to talking to others in these classes and as a bonus, they tend to be dominated by women. Yoga might be another option since most yoga classes are like 90% or more women. Just be aware, there may be a higher percentage in yoga classes that are vegan or otherwise won't be happy with your penchant to hunt.

For clarity, I purposefully chose not to go down the rabbit hole of discussing diet since you mentioned being under the care of a "nutritionist". (I hope by that you mean an RDN "Registered Dietitian Nutritionist".) None of us here are qualified to promote one way of eating over any other, especially when you have multiple disease states you're dealing with. Let me explain. I'm currently working to become a certified sports nutritionist, and one of the most important things that was drilled into me early on was that I needed to stay within my practice guidelines. This means ONLY physicians and RDs can develop a diet for the treatment of specific medical conditions. If you want to know how to maximize your diet for athletic endeavors, I can help. If you need a diet to help with managing or treating a medical disease, I'm woefully underprepared and will always advise seeking out an RD or RDN. The reality is that dietary options abound, but medical conditions greatly impact not only what your dietary needs are, but also how you respond to various dietary options and even what's potentially safe (or not), for you to eat.

we were eating pureed food before even leaving the hospital, so plans are all different. I had to rely on protein shakes for a while to make get up to the required amount of protein.

Every doctor I've seen recommends whey isolate, but you should check with your dietician. Bone broth is collagen and that is not the same type of protein, at least as I recall it being explained. I was told I could have bone broth but that it doesn't count the same way. I do know, however, that certain brands might be making versions that have the missing amino acids, so that could be an option. Definitely ask a registered dietician or your bariatric team.

This is how simple and easy it could be. While showering, boil some eggs, add one egg to lunch box, stash rest in fridge for another day. My box would also contain cheese, add apple slices and peanut buttter to dunk apple in, Add packet protein crackers and deli meat. Add small salad , a protein shake and a protein yogurt or protein pudding. Small packs of nuts and jerky are great too.

Congratulations! Up your protein to save your hair.

From ACS I understand it has more complications. SG also is the most convertible procedure if I ever needed a revision. I’m also concerned about too much malabsorption. I’ll talk with my surgeon, but if RYGB is my only option I’ll need to reassess my personal risks.

Why on earth do you want to have 160 grams of protein? Are you trying to kill your kidneys? Too much protein isn't good for you, and your body only metabolizes 50 grams max at a time. What is your eating routine? Do you eat snacks too? Are you drinking protein shakes? What are your absolute yuck foods on your list so we can stay away from them? What do you like to eat?

Everything sounds so difficult to begin with. Once you get thrown into it, its a lots easier than you thought. I obsessed about taking my meds and needn't have. My plan changed in two week cycles. I couldn't do puree, not my texture that. My surgeon didn't do shakes or protein powders so I drank a lot of milk, its higher in protein and cheap. I did do high protein yogurt and protein pudding though. He didnt ask and I didnt say. I love cheese, I would eat soft cheeses. Never be afraid to go back a step for a day or two. We are not all the same

I’d recommend staying hydrated and having a protein-rich meal before your session. Bring a light snack like a protein bar or nuts.

Oh I never said I didn’t consume any protein lol. I have whey protein powder, and I eat things like eggs and the plant based meat that I eat has protein in it as well.

I personally do not like the protein powders, they just don't mix well enough for me to enjoy them, they are gritty and not smooth, but that may be me because I can't shake them well enough I do have Unjury protein powder and clear isoprotein to add to my soft foods. I will use them now and again, but mostly I use the Premier Protein shakes, they have a variety of flavors and 30 grams of protein. I also have Protein20 which is a clear protein and the flavors are not great but I use them to take my meds since they must be crushed or opened capsules, they taste nasty, the Protein water has 15 grams of protein, and I mix my Benefiber in there, and take my meds with them, and count it as being part of my medication regimen. Maybe others have ideas? My urge to you is to try whatever you can, I did. It is expensive to do all the tries but everyone's taste is different, and sometimes you just have to "suffer through it" until the stuff is used up. I only bought 4 shakes at a time, and my drinks, it was hit and miss, and I hit on the protein tea, but missed on the protein 02 that I use for my meds. I have tried my Unjury Chocolate with water and with Fairlife milk and both ways tastes gritty to me. I prefer the pre-made protein shakes over the powders. Good luck, when is your surgery day?

@WendyJane made a great point. I sort of assumed you were getting your protein other ways, since it's certainly possible to do so without eating meat. That said, transitioning to vegetarian or vegan would be really hard to do right after bariatric surgery. While that sort of diet can be a healthy choice, getting enough protein has to be your main goal. Hopefully your team gave you a minimum protein goal. If not, at 3 months out I would want to see at least 70 grams per day minimum, with 100 as a better goal. As you get to 6 months, 120+ would be ideal, though even more is beneficial. We focus on protein during weight loss for several reasons: Protein is essential to your body. While you also need a small amount of essential fats, you could in theory get those from a supplement. Dietary carbs are not essential because your body can convert protein and fat to glycogen to fuel your body. Protein is highly satiating compared to carbs, plus it takes longer to digest than fats, meaning you'll be full longer. Protein is actually harder to digest, meaning on average, for every 100 calories on protein you eat, you burn about 20 calories just to digest it. This means the more protein you eat, the lower your overall caloric intake compared to carbs and fats. Higher levels of dietary protein help you preserve more muscle mass as you lose weight. Because muscle is more metabolically active than fat, the more muscle mass you preserve as you lose weight, the more calories you'll burn, even at rest. In short, protein, protein, protein. You really can't eat too much protein at this point after surgery.

Which do you prefer for your protein? Meat? or plant base foods?

I second that the bit about the gym membership turned donation centre also made me giggle 🤣 We have all indeed been where you are now and you are taking a massive step forward to putting yourself first, and I truly respect that. What I respect even more is the fact you are taking time to get informed about your options and the reality before making a firm decision! Surgery, like most things, isn't a 1 size fits all 100% guaranteed fix, but y'know what, it got me out of that slump of "just starting fresh on Monday", and gave me the tools I needed to change my life. Absolutely excited for you!