New to message board

I just wanted to introduce myself as I have been lurking on the message board for some time. I had RNY on November 15 and am down 44 lbs. So my BMI is down fromm 66 to 59. I appreciate reading how people are doing as it encourages me--especially dealing with "stalls" early on. I used the message boards a lot before my surgery to help me understand what I was getting myself into and what kind of issues I would be facing. This is a real service and thanks to everyone who takes the time to post. I do have a question. I've been getting my protein from food sources rather than drinks or powders, but I read that our bodies can't really get the protein from food as well because we don't have the same digestive processes. And so we should be using the supplements. Has anyone had any experience of not using the drinks or powders and everything still being okay and healthy? Thanks, Sally

Sally, I used the protein drinks early on, but, now I rarely have one. My 6 month blood work came back in great condition. Do you know how many grams of protein you are getting in per day? My nutritionist recommends 80 to 100 grams, with a rock bottom minimum of 60 grams. It can be hard to do until you can start eating chicken and things like that that have a lot of protein. One really good source of protein is fat free cottage cheese. If you can find a brand you like, you get 26 grams of protein per cup...of course, you probably can't eat a cup yet. Lori 384/268.5/170

My doctor said about 70 grams and I am getting about 75 for an average. I have been on regular food since about two weeks post op, so I am eating chicken, fish, and ground meat as well as drinking low fat soy milk and skim milk. I get a bit of cheese in but I don't really like cheese unless it is melted in or on something. I am trying various sugar-free low-fat yogurts to find one that tastes okay. I prefer getting my proteins from real food (it's not too tough to add an egg white to something), but the article I read said that RNY patients can only absorb 25 to 50% of the nutrients they eat. Sally

greetings sally nice to meet you. over on the main board, dame tooter has been talking a bit about this topic of protein and protein sources. here's a link to a recent thread where she's asking who lost a lot of weight without using protein supplements. thought it might of interest to you. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/postdetail/1663461.html?vc=0 deb -210

Thank you for the link. I read through it and was encouraged. Sometimes I do wonder about all the different instructions various doctors give! It was the headbattles website where she has lots of information about protein drinks. It is good to hear that others are doing well in terms of both weight loss and good health. Thanks, Sally

WELCOME TO THE BOARD SALLY!!!!!!!!!!!! SANDRA A

welcome to the board, sally. glad you found us. my dr.'s policy is no supplements, only protein from stuff that has to be chewed. guess it just goes to show that every dr is different, huh. good luck and enjoy the journey. dorthe