I'm in the process of getting everything ready for insurance submission while I also am trying to change some of my habits so the transition will be a little easier. My question is about protein. I've really never been big on protein - like chicken, for example, is usually so bland and dry. I love red meat and seafood so that's one area I'll focus on to increase protein but I was hoping to get some ideas from all of you in terms of how you increase your protein intake. I know I will need to supplement with protein shakes but I'd love to have a solid list of ideas of proteins (and ways to eat them) going into surgery. I don't dislike chicken, I just find it bland. I'm open to new things and trying anything. I'd love to hear your ideas! THANKS!

I am not sure what type of surgery you will undergo. I had RNY and my taste buds changed dramatically after surgery. I use to love crab legs and lobster but after surgery, it was tasteless. Steaks were really rough to get down. So be prepared to experiment. I found softer foods such as chili and Soups went down much easier after surgery and I prepared my own that maximized the amount of Protein they contained.

I'm going to be getting the sleeve. I keep hearing how tastes change after surgery so I'm hoping that I may find that I enjoy more Proteins ... like tuna, for example. I wish I liked it and could enjoy it.

Thanks for note and I'll definitely plan to experiment!

I'm in the process of getting everything ready for insurance submission while I also am trying to change some of my habits so the transition will be a little easier. My question is about Protein. I've really never been big on protein - like chicken, for example, is usually so bland and dry. I love red meat and seafood so that's one area I'll focus on to increase protein but I was hoping to get some ideas from all of you in terms of how you increase your protein intake. I know I will need to supplement with Protein shakes but I'd love to have a solid list of ideas of Proteins (and ways to eat them) going into surgery. I don't dislike chicken, I just find it bland. I'm open to new things and trying anything. I'd love to hear your ideas! THANKS!

One thing I wish I had known was how important protein is for health and weight loss. I might have never needed WLS.

There are many sources of protein:

supplements

Meat (beef, poultry, fish, pork, lamb/mutton, goat, frog, shellfish, etc., etc,)

Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)

Nuts, Beans, and legumes (nuts, nut butters, beans, hummus, etc)

Vegetables

In my program guide there is a whole list of protein sources. Have you met with a nutritionist or had any nutrition education, yet?

You mention a couple of times how you don't like chicken. There is no law that says you have to eat chicken. You don't have to eat chicken, it just happens to be easy to find, especially at restaurants.

You don't have to eat bland food. You can use herbs and spices to flavor your food.

I'm going to be getting the sleeve. I keep hearing how tastes change after surgery so I'm hoping that I may find that I enjoy more Proteins ... like tuna, for example. I wish I liked it and could enjoy it.

Thanks for note and I'll definitely plan to experiment!

I had my sleeve surgery 6/21 and I haven't been able to eat canned tuna yet...the smell is horrid to me, and I was a tuna lover before

Initially, you won't be able to get your Protein from food alone, so be prepared with a few alternatives. I liked the Premier Protein ready-to-drink that you can get at costco, chocolate was my go-to once I was on full liquids. I also used the clear Isopure drinks for a couple of weeks...I found the lemonade flavor to be most palatable. I also liked powdered Isopure proteins initially, now I can't tolerate the flavored ones, only the unflavored. My new find is GENEPRO powdered protein...it's flavorless, odorless and can be mixed with anything, hot or cold. 30g protein per scoop makes it a great supplement for me. Also, Syntrax nectars have been a nice option, they come in fruit flavors and mix with Water. They've helped with both my protein AND water goals.

Now that I'm eating real food, I'm only using the Premier Protein RTDs as coffee creamer, mixed with a scoop of Genepro. Refried Beans are a great source of protein, thin them with water initially, now I mix with Genepro. I love fresh mexican cheese, so I put a few tablespoons of refried beans in a ramekin, top with queso casera and microwave to warm them up. I really like Pacific mushroom Soup, I chop up a little chicken and add it, the soup moistens the chicken and makes it easier to chew and swallow. A little mashed potato is another yummy option, top with some shredded cheese. And grilled salmon has been the easiest 'real' food I've eaten yet...it's soft and not too fishy, so it's going down easy.

I've mostly concentrated on getting 90g protein and drinking 64 oz of Fluid daily...I'm down 25 lbs and feeling really great. Good luck to you!!

Thanks so much for your responses! I'm definitely feeling reassured that I'll be able to figure it out. My NUT appointment is in 2 weeks so I'm sure she'll be able to help me at that point as well. Lots of great ideas here! Thank you!