enough protein?

hey guys, let me introduce myself, i'm new around these parts. glad to find ya'all here.  i'm fresh outta rny surgery (monday) and have a question.  i am eating the little bit that i can from my list of liquids but on the top of the list it says "try to get at least 50 grams of protein pre day." there is no way that can be possible, is there, in drinking a quarter cup of protein drink three times a day? how do i do it? or should i not worry about that right now. i'm more worried about getting all my water intake, actually.

thanks for any help.

jim (from dallas)

I was told to get in at least 70-80 grams of protein.  The way I do that is with protein shakes, protein shots, protein jello, and adding protein to my coffee.  (Now that I can eat most anything, I also eat lots of chicken, turkey, eggs, beef jerky, etc. - all high in protein content.)

It usually gets somewhat easier the further out you get from surgery. One thing I would encourage you to do is to keep a daily journal of both your nutrition intake and exercise.  It is an excellent tool to help you see what you are getting in, where you need to imporve, etc.

Hang in there and Good Luck!

thanks. that takes the pressure off. i know that when i get to "harder foods" i'll be able to do it but for now, i just wasn't sure how it was possible. trying to do it right.

gonna start the journal, for sure.

jim

 Jim,

Relax. Nobody can do get the recommended amount of protein right away. I think the docs tell us to try so we'll develop a habit of focusing on protein. Right now you've got great stores of energy to metabolize and a newly structured body. Eventually, you'll be able to increase your protein intake. For now, try not to stress and drink lots of water and walk. You'll be fine.

Congratulations first of all, Welcome to the Lighter Side of Life. I think the keyword is try. If you are just sippi sip sip then if you put unflavored protein in puddings jello and soup you can almost do it.

Welcome aboard you've found a great bunch of guys any questions fair game and someone will have a answer. Also remember at this stage your liquid protein also counts as your liquid intake. You can buy the Protein Bullets (GNC, any type store) they look like large plastic test tubes and come in 26-43 grams of protein and add to water. Good Luck. C'ya Rocky Top

My little trick...since you are sipping away.  I would put 2-3 oz of milk or cottage cheese on my nightstand.  When I went to pee in the middle of the night, I would have what was on the nightstand.  We don't think of 2am as the time for protein...but...  Brian

My Doc had me on clear liquids for the first week post op.  So for me it was jello, broth, crystal lite, water, herbal tea, SF popsicles.  After my 1 week I was advanced to full liquids, puddings etc. Then I was advanced to pureed foods, which is when protein supplementation was added in.  I still have a protein shake each morning for breakfast, which is 26 grams of protein.  At this point if you have 3 shakes a day, you will be easily over 50 grams of protein a day, as long as you are not restricted to clear liquids.

Does the information that you surgeon gave you have protein sources, if not give them a call and see what is appropriate for your stage.

Good Luck. 

Jim

i am on liquids for the most part, protein drinks, yogurt, broth, etc. the problem is the amount is so small, a quarter cup of one of them. i can get some protein but didn't see how i could get enough with the limited amount. i figure that the first week or so doesn't matter as much until i can incorporate eggs and meat into the diet and i'm going to add protein powder to jello and whatever to help with it.

thanks to all for the help.

jim

Jim, it real is important all through the journey even at the beginning to try, I know at the end of the day it seems like Dam all I've done is drink all day, but we just don't want you to end up in the Hospital, Stall, loose your Hair or any other problems from lack of protein. Good Luck Rocky Top