I am 5 weeks post-op and am having trouble adding the extra Protein to my diet. The soft foods are going well, but I can no longer tolerate the Protein shakes. The smell and consistency make me ill. I mix mine with milk and that helps, but very little. How can I add more protein to my diet. I have had a couple of suggestions, but am unsure if I can use them now. One is a Peanut Butter protein powder(PB2) and mixing it with nectar chocolate Truffle. It sounds as those things are on the restricted list, I know they are protein powders. I called my nutritionist, but so far now call back. Any help?

Turtle friend,

I had my surgery one year ago on December fifth. Still having some trouble with protein. There are some ideas I have to help. On line go to bariatricchoice.com they have something called Pro-Stat sugar free liquid protein. The good thing is you only have to drink one ounce, and it has 18 grams of protein. Doesn't taste great, but a very small amount, so it's not that bad. Comes in cherry, grape, and lemon lime. Cherry is the best one. There are other things there, but I must warn you, cookies and meals are very heavy, don't reccomend them. But have other things you might like. Also something called protein to go. Kind of like crystal light. They have their own site. Also in some stores. Some people told me to try Isopure Unflavored, has 30 grams of protein. Sold at GNC I believe. But the best bet is the one ounce I think. I hope I helped you some. You are doing great, so keep up the good work.

Twin labs makes a powder you can sprinkle onto your food here is the link from their site:

http://www.twinlab.com/product/invisiwhey™

It's got a faint baby formula smell taste but it's good for extra Protein with only 10 calories per serving which is 2 tablespoons.

These are some of the recommendations I got from my nutritionist this week. Hope this helps to break the monotony:

1) High Protein Milk = 1c milk + 1T non-fat powdered milk = 12.5g protein (add sugar-free hot chocolate mix, sugar-free pudding mix, sugar-free coffee syrups, or sugar-free chocolate or strawberry syrup for variety; also, mix in advance and leave in the fridge overnight for better flavor and mixing of the powdered milk)

2) High Protein Egg = 1 egg + 1T milk + 1T powdered eggs = 11g protein

3) Ricotta cheese mixed with vanilla extract, cinnamon, and/or nutmeg

4) Plain Greek yogurt mixed with sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix; 1/4c = 7g protein (cannot WAIT to try this one!)

5) chicken with Ranch = 1 can chicken mixed with 1T powdered ranch + 2T plain yogurt; 1/4c = 10g

Bon appetit!