Getting in protein

Hello everyone! I am 1 week postop lap RNY. I am only getting about 30-40 gms of protein in per day and no water. I am primarily drinking isopure mixed with a little SF crystal lite. I am not allowed to have milk yet and have tried 2 different unflavored protein powders that were NASTY! Any suggestions? Thanks, Kelly H

water water water!!!!! You MUST have it, and in MY opinion, you need it more then protein right now!!!! Dehdration can set in soooo darn fast and so can low potassium levels and THAT is not good!! The ispore drinks are fine but you've GOT to get some water in you. Carry a bottle of water and sip it, all day long!!!!! I'm not flaming you, I've just been there and it's not fun! Trust me, sip tha****er, sip tha****er!! As the weeks go by it will get easier to get it all in. I'm almost 16 mths out now and I can drink a 20 oz water in about 20 minutes. You will get there eventualy, you just have to take one sip at a time. Laurie

Hi Kelly, I was the total opposite from the last post. I could (and still do) only drink stuff that was really really cold. I just got a variety of crystal light and tried to drink all day. I did end up in the ER for dehydration about 3 weeks after surgery, and it was horrible sitting there waiting for the IV to go in. I don't recommend it at all. When can you drink milk? I was allowed skim milk right away, and I seemed to do ok with that, too. I made a lot of "slushies" from the crystal light and ice cubes in the blender. It made it easier for me to get the liquids in without tha****er logged feeling. Good Luck to you, and when you get the water resolved, then work on the protein issue. Brenda

Hi Kelly, I had surgery on the same day as you....but RNY. It can be frustrating to try to get everything in, but I've noticed that if I don't get in the water I'm more sluggish than with just protein or crystal Light alone. Yes, do get in the protein, but you're going on another week and you can start to possibly get some protein in other ways that may make you more thirsty. I've started eating some sf peanut butter on a spoon and it helps me work up a desire for water. Once you start to get it in, your body will crave it and you will find it easier to drink. Make sure you check with your Dr. and your nut for the best alternatives for protein through some foods that you can take in right now. I'm sure it will help. I saw my Dr. today and he really helped me with some other alternatives to add with my protein shake intake. But, don't worry too much...stress isn't good either. You'll do fine, it just takes time to adjust. Take Care. Kori

Thanks to everyone that replied. I will start drinking water. The main reason I haven't is because I was told to get in at least 50 gms of protein and if I drink water it fills me up. I go to my doctor on Friday and will then advance my diet so that my options are better. Currently I can have broth, sf jello, sf popsicles, and protein drinks. Not much of a selection. I am just worried about losing my hair....I would much rather lose my butt!!

Hey Kelly, I not only lost my hair but I lost my butt!!! What helps is DOCUMENT what you put in your mouth. List PROTEIN, WATER, VITAMINS.....to make sure you are getting in your daily quota!!! That helped me immensely to make sure I got in my 70 gms protein per day, all my vites and the water I needed. Once you see with your eyes what you are doing it helps schedule your lifestyle more easily and then it becomes habit like wearing glasses! Stacey W TT@ 10/27/06 Started @ 310 - now @ 155lbs and lovin life!!!

I was told by my physcain that you can count the crystal lite and Isopure towards your water becasue it is liquid and it is a bonus because of the protein content. But also concentrate on drinking water to. Just follow your program guidlines and you will do just fine Good luck Tricia

Try drinking protein powder mixed with water. I use Matrix and Nectar which I like more with water than with milk. Most scoops are at least 20 grams of protein. That way you can get in more protein. Also, remember the water as well and take my advice, WALK, WALK, WALK! Good Luck