So I'm 5 weeks post op and I'm finding that I am struggling to eat protein sources. Fish, shellfish, meat, cheese, peanut butter, eggs, yogurt and the dreaded protein shakes! None of them are appetizing anymore and I'm having to force myself to eat them. I made some crust less quiche which helped for awhile but one can only eat so much of the same thing. Does anyone else have this issue and any advice or recipes that might help! I'm not one for bland foods so I need flavor. Thanks!

You can always use herbs and spices to add flavor. Sauces and gravy can add moisture (especially to drier meats) as well as flavor. Pace picante sauce is one of my standard condiments. I also like different mustards.

You need protein to heal. Make yourself drink the shakes. Premiere has 39 grams. You need 60 grams a day. The soft food stage will be over before you know it. My doctor made me stay on it 30 days. Do what you have to do to get your protein & water requirements. You don't want any setbacks. Your nutritionist should've supplied sample meals all different ways. Make something different every day. Time will pass fast. I was where you are now. Now I'm 8 1/2 months post op. Total loss so far 135 lbs. Stay the course. You'll be glad you did

How about turkey chili with Beans?

http://www.cookinglight.com/food/top-rated-recipes/best-chili-recipes/turkey-bean-chili-recipes

Curry chicken salad?

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/curried-chicken-salad-with-nectarines

refried beans with salsa and cheese, lots of soups, cottage cheese

I can't wait to have beans, grains and raw vegetables! I still have at least another week on the soft food. I am craving cabbage rolls right now but alas I have to wait!

I can't wait to have Beans, grains and raw vegetables! I still have at least another week on the soft food. I am craving cabbage rolls right now but alas I have to wait!

Grains? Protein is what you should be concentrating on. I didn't have grains until I'd lost 75% of my excess weight.

Sorry to say, but suck it up, Buttercup. Food is not supposed to equal pleasure right now. Food equals healing and getting healthy. And protein is a big part of that equation.

You should be able to have your cabbage rolls soon. That would actually be an excellent source of protien (exclude the rice though).

I'm with Babb's on this one. Grains were a LOOOOOONG way off for me. I still haven't had rice and I'm 11.5 months post-op! I've had Pasta made out of red lentils, but no regular pasta. I have had bread a few times and some tortilla chips and parts of tortillas for wraps, but never more than a tiny bit.

I wasn't allowed solids until 40 days post-op and I just hung in there. I loved the Baked Ricotta recipe from this site:

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/08/pureed-foods.html

And I would make this dish with one scrambled egg, some Mexican cheese blend melted on top and a little taco sauce. That was always a nice little treat.

@Babbs. My nutritionist pushes small amounts of grains starting next week. I'm going to trust the professionals on this one. And I never said I was looking for pleasure from eating, I would like it to not be totally miserable.