Help Please! Protein and RLS

 I am almost 2 weeks out post-op. Let me start by saying that my weight loss is going great. I am lower than I've been in the last two years, so I am very happy with that. But, that being said, the way I feel physically is ruining it for me. So question number one:
1. I am only required to get in 60 grams of protein each day, but I can't even seem to get that in! Each day, I am miserable trying to get in my protein because all of the shakes and drinks I have tried have been completely awful! (I tried nectar today, and I couldn't get the chunks to mix up, and it smelled so bad!) The only one I like is Carnation Instant Breakfast, but I am beginning to think I am lactose intolerant because my stomach cramps painfully each time I drink it. (My stomach actually hurts most all day long regardless). So here are my questions:

Do other people have problems getting their protein in (I remember seeing posts about this a lot, but I can't seem to find the answer looking back through)?

And how important is it to get in the protein?

Can I just get most of my protein through my foods at this time and not worry about the shakes much?

And problem number 2, I seemed to have developed RLS (Restless leg syndrome) since I have gotten surgery. During the day if I'm sitting, my body tingles and feels incredibly uncomfortable, and during the night when I'm sleeping, it will wake me up, and I have to move around my house for 10 minutes before I can get it to go away!

Has anyone else experienced this? 

Any help would be really REALLY appreciated. I am so miserable right now with how my body feels!!

Steph

 I am almost four months out and I still have the hardest time getting my protein in. I know I'm not doing as well as I should. I am getting a little better. I am able to drink a 20 gram shake a day and eat all foods with protein throughout the day but I know I am not getting nearly enough. I feel like at least improvements are something. So I know I'm probably not the best person to listen to but if you can work your way up it is a good start.

Protein is extremely important. 

If we don’t consume protein, we start to break down our muscles for the amino acids we need.  It’s kinda like we eat our own muscles.  And our heart is a muscle.  And, well, eating your own heart is not a good thing.

How many different shakes have you tried?  Have you tried mixing them different ways?  Like in water, in milk, in the blender with ice?  In hot drinks or soup?

Try drinking from a cup with a lid so you can't smell it.

I don't know about you, but I sure could not get 60 grams of protein at two weeks out without shakes.  But look at what foods you're supposed to be eating now and see if you can get enough.

It took some trial and error with the protein to find one that I could tolorate.  I really like click, but it does have caffine.  I tried to get as many samples that I could, and bought a bunch of single serve packets to try.  I am 4 months out and I get most of my protein from food, but I do suppliment it with shakes and protein bars. 

As for the RLS, I am in the same boat.  I have bad RLS at night.  I find laying on my side seems to help with it.  I am not sure what is causing it and I keep forgetting to ask the Dr about it.

Hang in there....It does get better
Vicki

It is hard - but I was able to get most of my proteins on most days.
How? treat that as medicine.. pinch your nose, alter the taste, do whatever takes,
I used mostly clear Isopure. Mixed it with decaf ice tea, with ice, even with some ho****er. Or pinched my nose, took 2-4 oz ... then rinsed my mouth with clear water, breathe... Repeat as often as needed.

Then it become much easier.

As for RLS - if you did not have before WLS - then you need to contact the doc and ask him to check your iron - ferritin and iron saturation %.
Some people who's ferritin get s low (below 50 ) develop RLS symptoms that are due to low iron.
Also - the muscle twitching may be a sign of minerals - protein deficiencies, and or dehydration. (potassium, magnesium, salts, calcium, etc). 

I mix my protein with Blue diamond unsweetened Almond milk.  No sugar, 40 cals, and few carbs. Have you tried BSN desserts protein? I just finished a banana cream pudding protein shake. Yummo! You can order samples on Vitalady. Personally, I fink the Nectar to be gross, but that's just me.