I was sleeved on 10-21-14. The first week I had no trouble getting my protein and fluids in, the second week, there didn't seem to be enough hours in the day to get my fluids in and I couldn't tolerate even half of one protein shake. Someone here recommended Genepro Protein, so I ordered it. In the meantime, I quit bothering to even open a protein shake...it was just wasteful as I couldn't drink it anyway. It really weighed heavily on my mind. This past week my nutritionist put me on soft, well chewed food (not breads rice, or pastas yet, but pretty much anything else as long as it is chewed well). And, my Genepro arrived yesterday. I thought "thank heavens...I can eat food AND I have protein that I can mix into my food! Now I can be compliant with my protein intake" Um, not so much. I had been collecting recipes that I could eat at this stage, so I started making a new one everyday since Tuesday. I've not been fond of any of them...and I've made a variety of different things. I can't eat any more than 1-2 Tbls per meal or snack, no matter what it is. And it's not because I'm "full", it's because the taste of ANYTHING literally repulses me. I have to mentally prepare myself before I swallow because it just feels soooo disgusting going down. So if I can't eat that means I can't mix my protein, and I'm obviously not eating enough to get my requirements through the food. Well, this evening I decided that maybe I just didn't really like the new recipes so I decided to make something I've made for years and has always been a favorite. Nope. Same scenario. I literally cannot stand food. I am getting depressed because this isn't going the way I wanted. I have the greatest desire to be compliant and I TRY, every single day. It's not about wanting something different or "cheating", it's that I can't eat. My dietician says "you're early out...just keep trying, it'll get better". *sigh* I guess, but I feel like a failure, even though I'm losing (OF COURSE IM LOSING! I'm starving myself to death...this isn't what I wanted!) sorry for the long vent, but I'm so upset this evening.

@@Jennifer Rogers, have you spoken to your NUT Or surgeons office about this yet?

I never had the taste issues you're dealing with, but early on I did really like the injury chicken broth. It's salty but very thin and I found it fairly innocuous and unoffensive, and there's 20g protein in each cup. Might be worth a try. I would usually put 1/2 scoop each if the chicken broth and unflavored into puréed soups just because I found the unflavored by itself to make things taste slightly yucky and unappetizing.

Edited November 9, 201411 yr by thesuse2000

Wow what a lot of helpful comments. I haven't had surgery yet they think late December or early January. Anyone have advise on any good tasting protein shakes or do you all recommend adding powders even during my two week pre-surgery and post surgery liquid diet time? Also any advise on best preparing myself for this surgery. I'm doing the sleeve.

@@Grandma2tweeties, right now my protein of choice is the syntrax nectar. They have multiple flavors and great solubility. Once I can stomach thicker or heavier shakes I can add Milk to boost the protein content. I front load in the morning with a 20oz bottle containing 46g of protein.

Edited November 10, 201411 yr by VSGPapi

Thanks !

Just keep trying your best because it will improve, you will feel better, and you will be able to eat better as time goes on.

Wow what a lot of helpful comments. I haven't had surgery yet they think late December or early January. Anyone have advise on any good tasting Protein shakes or do you all recommend adding powders even during my two week pre-surgery and post surgery liquid diet time? Also any advise on best preparing myself for this surgery. I'm doing the sleeve.

Try a variety of shakes, waters & powders pre-op, but don't buy more than a weeks worth before going in for surgery. Some people's taste buds change with the surgery. You don't want a bunch of stuff you can't drink.

Thanks for the heads up. What's your view of powder for protein verses shakes for protein?

Jennifer, I'm sorry you are having trouble eating. I don't have any suggestions except like everyone else, just keep trying. Just wanted to thank you for posting this though. So many good suggestions from everyone will probably make it easier for those of us who haven't had our surgeries yet. Prayers for an easier time.

@@Jennifer Rogers, have you spoken to your NUT Or surgeons office about this yet?

Yes, I spoke with them both and they both told me that I was early out and this would get better, and to trust the process. I mean, I guess I have no choice. LOL! I've been permanently altered by surgery, so I'm going to have to learn to live with the outcome, good or bad. It's too early to regret it, and I don't, just need to figure out how this all works.

@@Jennifer Rogers, great mindset. I didn't eat or drink very much my first two weeks, except water.

@@Jennifer Rogers. In my adult life I was never a milk drinker. Just didn't do it. After surgery I COULD NOT STOMACH the shake I used during my two week pre op diet. But I was worried about getting in my protein. I decided to try lactaid skim milk with a scoop on unflavored protein powder. Just tasted like the milk should. So now I do 12 ounces milk (12 gms protein) with a scoop of powder (21 grams) so 33 grams of protein. I drink it over 45 mins. Now that the weather is getting cold, I add cacao powder with a little splender and make yummy hot chocolate!! Without this I would never make my protein requirements

for the day. Best.

Thanks for the heads up. What's your view of powder for protein verses shakes for protein?

I'm not for or against any of them. Powders can be mixed with yogurt and oatmeal. Premade shakes are great for on the go nutrition. Prior to my surgery I used to drink a vegan protein powder every morning because I take water aerobics and it's not good to workout on an empty stomach. So I was used to protein powders. Since my surgery I use a variety of premade, powder and liquid because it gets boring eating the same thing over and over.

Edited November 10, 201411 yr by Blerdgirl

Yes, I spoke with them both and they both told me that I was early out and this would get better, and to trust the process. I mean, I guess I have no choice. LOL! I've been permanently altered by surgery, so I'm going to have to learn to live with the outcome, good or bad. It's too early to regret it, and I don't, just need to figure out how this all works.

if your medical team isn't overly concerned then let yourself off the hook a bit. Relax and just keep trying. You'll be fine.

So, I realize that we all are having, or have had this surgery to lose weight, amd completely change our relationship with food..but have you considered trying either a regular old milkshake (a small one) with protein in it, or maybe of cold is an issue, hot chocolate with protein? Just to get your protein in. Sometimes, you have to ingest what you will tolerate, especially if you are starting to feel down. I have done so much reading about the post op, that I am sure what you are experiencing will get better, in the meantime, find something you can tolerate, and go with it. Your mental health is important too. Keep your chin up.