Protein and food issues

Good morning I was under the impression that I should be getting about 65 grams of protein in a day til I read some old papers my nut gave me. It says 85 grams a day. I'm thinking HOLY COW, I NEVER get that much protein in. So that means I'm doing a horrible job with this. I never get enough protein or water in everyday. I'm greatful that I've lost the amount of weight that I have lost and gained so much confidence but I'm being a bad patient. In the past two days I have cried telling myself that I regret this surgery because I know that I struggle with water and protein. I have had a headache for the past three days and its probably from lack of water, protein or me stressing over this. Some people say to just add more food or add a snack but how is that even possible if your pouch wont hold it or if your just too full. If I add a snack after breakfast, I feel bloated and overly full for the rest of the day. I never thought I'd say this but I HATE to eat. It's so hard posting my menu everyday telling you guys what I'm eating and all I do is pick at it and never fini**** If it wasn't for my protein coffee, I'd probably only get in a few protein grams a day. Sorry I'm venting and sounding all pitiful this morning but I really THOUGHT I would do good at this... I'm NOT! Kay

Kay, I know you are not the only one feeling this way. Thats why it keeps being said "we are all different". You are not doing badly, you have to remember you just had this surgery 5 months ago! It takes a different amount of time for all of us to adjust. I have NEVER gotten anywhere near 65 gms of protien let alone 85, and I feel great and have been very successful with my weight loss. That is one thing that I do NOT agree with, counting calories, etc.. because all it does is add unneccessary stress. You do what works for you, those papers your nut gave you is a guideline, it is not meant specifically for Kay. I think you are doing awesome and need to stop beating yourself up over how much or how little protien you are getting. If you're feeling sick or your bloodwork comes back poorly, THEN worry about it. But if thats not the case, enjoy your new life and stop obsessing! Now the water thing......thats a whole other issue, but as long as you are getting between 45-65oz a day dont stress about that either. You are doing the best you can and that is good enough. Karyn

Thank you Karyn Your kind words really make me feel better. My surgeon keeps telling me to not count calories, carbs or fat because it will make me crazy but rebel me just HAD to join fitday.com! I don't feel bad and my labs are good It's just the thought of not getting the 85 grams of protein and enough water in that was making me panic. Thanks again Kay

Thanks Renee! I'm going back to my routine to 2 protein shakes or 2 protein coffee's a day. Like you said, it helped with water and protein. Kay

Kay~ You ARE doing good at this!! This is coming from someone who knows first hand what it is like to go from one extreme to the next. It is a constant battle of the mind. On one hand you know what you NEED for nutrition but on the other hand you know the calories required to make that happen. You are doing an amazing job Kay. Try not to beat yourself up too much...I have found that I feel like I am on the brink of a breakdown if I nitpick every little thing related to this surgery. Just calm down, focus on one or two important things for now and work on them. Easier said than done. Dawn

Thanks Dawn!

Kay ... I know exactly what you mean. I've been told to get 80-90 grams of protein a day and I just can't do it and it bothers me just about every day. I don't do well with the protein shakes so I haven't done them for a while. I just try to find snacks, etc. that are pretty good in protein and go from there. I JUST recently started getting in the required amount of water daily and I can tell its really been helping. I don't think anyone can say they are being the "perfect" WLS patient and we just need to do what we can that fits into our lifestyle. Keep up the good work! Debbie

Kay, My doctor and nutritionist say about 65 grams of protein and 64 oz of water BUT they also say that is avg some days you wont get that in and dont worry about it, the next day you might get it in and then it all balances out.

Kay - don't beat yourself up. Have you gained any weight? If not, as long as you are still losing at this point, even if slowly, you are doing fine. Since your doctor said don't count calories, fat, or carbs, don't. Just try to keep a count on your water and protein. Remember: water, protein, and excercise! You seem to be doing great. I have never counted anything bu****er and protein, and I am losing just as much as anyone counting calories, fat, and carbs. I do try to eat very minimal carbs. I eat 5-6 times a day, because I still can't eat very much at a time. Try soft food w/ protein at times, like SF pudding w/ protein powder in it. You can use soy chips ( I buy GenSoy at Walmart) for tuna, pimento cheese, chicken salad, and dips. W/ dips, you get protein and a treat. I can't get in much meat at a time, but these protein type salads go down better than a chunk of chicken or pork. Hang in there. . . your OKAY! Karla 337/245/150

Thanks for all the wonderful idea's. Adding protein to pudding is a great idea. I will try this. Do you have a recipie? Kay