Am I doing this right?

HI Everyone.  I am 6wks out.. I had my my surgery on May12th.. Pretty uneventful.. Not too much pain. May 18th I ended up back in the hospital for a hernia/bowel obstruction surgery.  Was out the next day.  In total, I have lost 34 pounds.  I feel that is an accomplishment, but I just feel like im not doing as well as I could be.  Im trying to get in all my protein per day.  I use MYFitness Pal to log it, but it seems like Im not getting enough.  My NUT told me that I should eat 3 meals per day, no snacking.  So, Im assuming most of my protein should come from shakes??.. I also have been slacking on the exercise due to not having energy. My surgeon said that after two major surgeries back to back, I would probably be "back to normal" around this time(6wk mark).  Also, Im having a stomach pain, I went to the dr last friday and the surgeon said it's possibly an ulcer.  He told me to get some Prilosec and try that.  Well, that's well and good, but this is  hindering me from eating because it hurts when I eat or drink something.  I know that these are just speed bumps in the road to losing weight and getting to my goal, but Im just feeling as though it's not working for me and Im not being successful.  Right now, Im at a stall in the weight loss, which is also a bummer..So, any advise, comments, suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated... thanks.

First of all, congratulations on making it through both those surgeries in fine form!   Second, who told you that losing 34 lbs. in 6 weeks wasn't "good enough"??  That's just plain crazy talk as that's an awesome number for 6 weeks!  

Third, the NUT telling you to eat 3 meals a day with no snacking at 6 weeks is also rather "nutty" - because there's NO WAY I could have hit my protein goals with only 3 meals a day at 6 weeks out - no way!  I couldn't eat enough at one time (as you are finding out).  I could maybe get in 1-2 oz. back then.  Now if you are eating 3 meals and then supplementing in between with protein shakes I can see you making it.  

The acidy stuff going on in your stomach can be a problem so if the Prilosec isn't helping make sure to get back to your doc and have him give you something else.  Sometimes it takes going through 2-3 different meds before you hit on one that helps.  But don't let this go!  An ulcer is nothing to mess around with, especially in your tiny new tummy.  

And to end on a positive note - this IS working for you and you ARE successful.  Give yourself a break 

Thank you Tracy... I thought the same thing(NUT)... I havent been supplementing my meals with the shakes, so I think that is something that I need to start doing.  It's just kinda hard keeping track of eating, what you've eaten, not drinking anything 30 mins prior or after you've eaten.  But I can say that it's gotten a little easier. 

Yes!!!  I see about the acidy stuff.. I already have a call in to the surgeon's nurse to see about something else for my stomach.

I will give myself a break!!!.. I just want this to work so badly.. I guess being only 6wks out, Im just "antsy" to be further along than a really am.  Once again, THANK YOU TRACY.  I needed to hear those words and whenever I read any of your postings, you are always so positive and have such great advise...Makes this journey all the more worth it...  

Well said Tracy. I agree totally. I'm only 2 weeks out and it can be discouraging. I hope all the luck to you 

Thank you Charlie.. And good luck to you as well...

How much weight did you expect to have lost at this point?  You're averaging 5 2/3 pounds a week which is amazing weight loss.  

At 6 weeks out I was eating 3 meals of 2-4 ounces dense protein plus one protein shake a day, and that was letting me reach my protein goals.  How much protein are you getting?  

Exercise is actually a great way to feel more energized, so keep working at it.  

Some people take longer to feel "back to normal" than others.  Be kind to yourself, get your water and protein, and you'll be fine.  

I guess there wasnt really an amount that i expected to lose at this point.  Yes.. Since you put it like that, that is amazing..  I think Im only getting about 30-40 grams of protein, leaning closer to the 30.  When you speak of dense protein, what types of foods are the dense proteins??....

Im getting better with the exercise.. It does make you feel better once you've done it...

thanks.. I will....

Dense protein is stuff that's solid - firm fish, cow, chicken, pig.  Food that make you feel full.  You should be getting 60-80 grams of protein a day, so adding a shake with 30 grams will put you in a much better place.  Protein will help you heal and give you energy as well.  

Okay... I eat those things, but I guess not enough of them.. I have to try to figure out a way to get more of those in..

Or you could add a shake.  

There's no way I could make my protein goals right now without still having a shake a day.