I will be 2 weeks post op tomorrow and I have yet to get in enough protein. I feel like I have to eat and drink all the time to get in the 37 I have in for the day so far. How is everyone else doing and should I be worried?:thumbup:

My surgeon wasn't concerned with Protein intake until I got to mushies. His biggest concern was staying hydrated.

I hope someone else chimes in here to lend more advice.

Have you tried adding Protein to your liquids? I am planning to use 100% Any whey Protein. For one scoop it has 70 calories, 0g fat, 1g Carb, and 17g protein. It doesn't have any real taste (maybe a slight hint of vanilla) and can be added to a lot of your allowed puree/liquid foods.

You can also add Special K H2O Protein to your Water - 5g per packet.

For Protein shakes, I am doing Pure Protein chocolate Whey powder - it has 25g of protein for 1 scoop with 3g fat and 4g carbohydrate. (This was recommended by my nutritionist.)

Do you have a nutritionist? If so, they may be able to offer some additional ways to get in your protein.

My dietitian says I should be drinking 3 shakes a day...and that's too much for me. I'm only a week out but am now able to get in 2 shakes a day, which when made with skim milk are each 32g of protein = 64g of protein just for my two shakes. One shake = 8 oz. I think she told me I need between 60 and 90 grams of protein a day and so I think the two shakes is working great for me, I'm over the minimum but I'm not struggling to get them in. Have you found one you like or just one you tolerate? That might make a difference as well.

I am 3 1/2 weeks out and am having difficulty as well. I have tried all these Protein powders, the carnation instant Breakfast, everything. YUCK! Even drinks I liked before make me want to start heaving with one sip. I also am allergic to aspartame so I cannot do many of the drinks or SF puddings, etc. I do try to take one protein shot a day which has 26 grams of protein in it. It does not taste good either, but the vial is easier and quicker to get down. I have tried baked fish (gross) and most items make me want to throw up rather than eat more. I actually bought some cheeses (fat-free slices and a brick of blue cheese). I like the slices melted and have eaten some of the brick of cheese. Since I am usually under 500 calories a day, I figured I could afford the regular cheese. Tonight I am hard boiling an egg to try and make some egg salad with Kraft FreeMayo. I am hoping I will be able to eat it!

I do go see my nutritionist next week so I am hoping she can help guide me some more. I know she won't be thrilled with me but at least I am honest...LOL!

The most important thing is to get your liquids in. I have messed up a couple times and found myself very dizzy/lightheaded and getting numbness in my legs. When I check my daily list, I can see I missed too much Water.

Hi Deb. I also struggled with Protein. I would say worry about liquids right now. The protein part can come after you are settled in and heal a little. Your tummy is still so small!

I didn't start meeting protein goals until Mid-October and still have issues some days. I am not saying it is ok just that it happens. I believe my protein misses has a lot to do with my hair loss coming a little early.

You will make it through this time I promise.

I started Carnation instant breakfast with organic milk yesterday and that has 14 grams of protein. I have been drinking it hot like hot chocolate and even adding a little marshmellow cream. I have had 1 today and intend to get in one more before bedtime. That will make 58 grams for the day. That is the best day I have had so far.

I am having the same issues with the protein powders. Where would I find the protein shots that you mentioned? Thanks!

Walmart has some for $1.77 (or close to that)

Keep in mind that the Protein "bullets" (what those little vials are called) are not considered the best source of protein. However, my attitude is they are better than nothing in the beginning until you can handle getting your protein from good foods.

Have you tried the protein soups from Bariwise? I thought they were tolerable and there is no artificial sweetner in them.

When I was on the liquid phases I got my protein mainly from shakes, 24 g each and the protein bullets or isopure. The good part is that they count for your protein total and your liquid total!

Why are the shots not a good source of protein? The shots seem like something I can handle-along with sipping water.

I didn't worry about the protein - I got in what I could - however, there were no protein drinks I could tolerate and I am lactose intolerant. I was more worried about staying hydrated - I worried about protein when I got to mushies. I wouldn't worry overly about the protein - get in what you can - but definitely stay hydrated - that is most important early out from surgery.

I tried my best but didn't get in my recommended amount of Protein until the mushie phase. I was told to stay away from those bullet things- the nutritionist said it was the wrong type of protein. I would check with your Dr.

I wouldn't get too upset so early after surgery. Just focus on staying hydrated!

I spoke to the hospital regarding the protein shots and they said they were fine. They said any way you can get it in. I buy a 6 pack at Walmart for $9.99. I have also bought some from GNC but they were more expensive, but some had up to 52 grams of protein instead of 26. Since none of them tasted all that great, I went for the Walmart ones...LOL!

I talked w my nutritionist today. I told her I was eating or drinking all the time to try to get in 70-80 grams of protein and it was still impossible. She told me to relax that all I really need is 40-50. I had my 1st post op visit w my doctor today and he told me not to worry about it yet. I am soooo glad. It was like another job trying to get the protein in. I feel like I have been stuffing myself!