OMG, only 4 weeks post-op and SOOOOO sick of protein shakes!!!

I don't know what to do!  I had surgery 12/10th and I am so sick of protein shakes that I could PUKE!!!!

At first I started with Oh Yeah shakes because they seemed to be the only ones I could tolerate - vanilla, chocolate, banana, strawberry, cookies and cream.  After surgery, they quickly became way too sweet.  So, I got off of them for a while.  I just recently started back drinking approximately 1/2 of a shake ( 16 grams protein).  However, when I tried to drink the 2nd half of one this morning, I just couldn't do it.  So, I was able to eat a greek yogurt instead (14 grams protein).

I'm not hungry.  I'm scared to eat or try anything different for fear of sickness.  I have a fear of swallowing because it feels like my throat is smaller.  My gag reflex is so sensitive that it is hard to get pills down.  I know I am not getting enough fluids but I'm trying.  I have G2 gatorade every now then to stave off dehydration and that dreaded trip to the ER.

I'm not discouraged but I am tired of feeling sick all the time!!  Hubby and I went to the gym last night and I sat in the sauna for about 10 minutes.  That did wonders for me because it rid of some of the odors Ive been smelling as well as the horrible taste in my mouth.  My boss consistently comes to work sick so now I feel like I am catching a cold.  The mucus running down the back of my throat makes this sick feeling even worse.

Sorry for ranting on and on.  Any suggestions on how to get more protein in without gagging on protein shakes at this point?

 

Thank you

Sorry you are having a bad time. Try individual bottles of protein shakes. I use pure protein and love them! I have had no issues with them before and after surgery. Vitamin shoppe has them marked and sold individually so u can try them and also offers an exchange if u don't like them. So I personally would go on a mission to see what ones u can tolerate.

FYI: I start morning with tea, then breakfast. Then as I run out door I grab protein shake. Then water till lunch, then another protein shake or Greek yogurt. Everyone is different! But would definitely try different brand.

I also tried isolate protein powder that is smoother and add it to low fat milk! Delicious and lots of protein!

I was having serious nausea at 3-4 weeks out whenever I drank the protein shakes (and that was all I was allowed till week 6) my doctor said I needed  to change the brand of shakes whenever it happens. I followed his advice and the nausea went away. I now keep a couple of brands on hand to mix it up. Unjury is my favorite. They even make chicken soup (I add milk to make cream of chicken soup). 

If you can't tolerate the shakes make sure you get enough other liquids in.

 

All the usual protein foods that your plan allows you to eat - greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, milk, cheese, ricotta, chili, beans etc.  

There are lots of us that have never drank protein shakes or eaten a protein bar and are perfectly healthy.

Drinking is a non-negotiable, however sick you feel - ending up in the ER for dehydration is unnecessary unless you have a real sickness or a stricture that prevents you from swallowing liquids!!!   Experiment with the crystal lights and other low sugar liquids.

I don't know how this might work for you, but I read a tip about heating a RTD shake in the microwave and drinking like hot chocolate.  I'm pre-op so my tolerance is higher than yours, but I found it quite delightful.  I can't stand powdered shakes.

Well, you got about the same amount of protein from the Greek yogurt as you would have gotten from the protein shake, so that's fine.  How about cottage cheese?  It's also super high in protein.

Have you tried a clear protein drink, like Isopure or Cytosport ready to drink?  You can get those at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe.  They are thinner drinks, kinda like Gatorade or something.  You might like one of them.

Have you tried putting protein powder in hot drinks, like decaf coffee or sugar free hot chooclate?  You might like that.

I had surgery the same day as you Dec 10th .  I have a very hard time tolerating protein shakes now.  I keep trying but they just make my stomach turn.  Are you cleared to eat other foods yet?  I am allowed to eat anything my stomach will tolerate at this point.  I was doing rally well with shrimp but then Thursday it make me really sick for 2 hours so now I'm afraid to try it again.

I just found a protein shake that I love at Walmart, its a Chocolate and Peanut Butter, BUT I make it with water and ice in the blender.  It is not to sweet, and not to thick.  The best part is this shake has 50 grams of Protein in 1 cup.  So if I finish two of these shakes a day I am way over my protein requirements and everything else is a bonus.  I could never stomach any of the protein shakes made with milk, have always done it with water and ice. Hope this helps.

 

Dina

 

What is the name of protein?

It is called Body Fortress - Super Advanced Whey Protein.  Flavor is Chocolate Peanut Butter.  2 scoops is 52 Grams of protein (I use 2 scoops and its not gritty or gross...I mix it real good in a blender with water and ice).  Its on sale right now at Walmart for $15.99 for a 2 pound container.  I like it very much and it doesn't smell at all.