Conundrum Re: Protein hellllp!

I had my 3+ week follow up with my surgeon yesterday. All went well and he is really happy with the progress EXCEPT for the fact that I am not getting the required protein down. In all honesty- I was barely getting ANY protein down which I have been feeling really guilty about. I shared this with the surgeon and told him I make 2-3 shakes a day or open a can/bottle but take maybe 5-6 sips and stop.

He gave me the advice/approval to "mix it up" by adding yogurt and fruit/ milk - "whatever it takes" to get the protein in. He then said "you are smart girl, you can do this". Geez! That made me feel even worse! But- it was the dose of reality I needed. So this morning i made a shake using vanilla unjury protein powder, a splash of milk, water, ice and 1/2 banana- which he advised I try.
The issue I am having is I am SO SCARED that this is too high calorie between all those ingredients and that it will stall my weight loss. At the same time I know that not getting my protein in will also stall my weight loss plus i really do want to get it in. The regular shakes make me gag a little and have too "artificial" of a taste between the sweeteners. I have tried the nectars, click, etc etc. The shake I made today is MOST delicious and I would love to make them more often, but is this going to stall me?  I feel like I am sipping a ice cream shake!

at the beginning, I wasn't required to count calories or carbs. The big thing is to get the protein in until you can do the solid protein. If you are that worried, how about using less banana, maybe 1/4 instead of 1/2.

Thank you! I think I will cut it down to 1/4 and just freeze the rest. That's a good idea.

My plan is similar, he told me not to count just to focus on protein shakes and excersize. He also said that although I can "eat" mushy food to not focus on food, and if I don't want it don't eat it because that will all come later and I should take advantage of the lack of appetite to just focus on the goal. I really liked that advice and haven't been eating much at all- mostly soup, but need a plan to get more protein. BUT that old calorie counting weigh****cher in me is like "aaah! What if this is going to backfire!" 

My surgery is in November and I tried quit a few protein shakes on the market and didn't like them.  I used to sell Herbalife and they have the best shakes and protein drinks I've ever tried so I started selling it again just to get the discount for myself.  You should check out their website, if you think you wanna try it I can order it for you and have it sent to your house or work.  The protein soup mix and wild berry drink mix are awesome and it's 15 or 16 grams of protein. 

If you like soups and are not having problems getting that down, why not add 1/2 to 1 scoop of an unflavored protein powder to your soup to give you a bit more protein.  I have been doing that and I am feeling like I have more energy.  If you are staying under 1000 calories, even with drinking this wonderful smoothie you made this morning.....if you stall it won't be because of the increased  calories....it is just because it is time for a stall.  Plateau's are common.  Don't fret.  But if you are having less than 1000 calories a day, you will continue to lose!  I know we are to target 600-800 calories a day....but just do the math, calories in, calories out.....If less than 1000, you will still lose. 

Protein and fluids----most important. Then carbs and calories when you have that under control, IMHO.  It's almost impossible to get all your protein from food at this point. So if you find a shake that you like or can tolerate, you're a step ahead. Calculate the calories (even if you're not counting) and post so you know what you're dealing with. You're still less than a month out---sounds like you're doing great.

A suggestion---since you seem to like the "ice cream" type shake---stop by GNC or a Vitamin Shoppe and try Lean Body RTD Shake by Labrada----try the banana and see if it's close to yours. Just try one---you might not like it. But I do a banana, choco or vanilla daily (260 cals, 40 yes 40 protein and either 8 or 9 carbs depending on flavor).

 Greek Yogurt and Cottage Cheese are my super foods. How many mini-meals do you eat? My plan calls for 4-5. I usually get in 4 and no more, but I try to get in a minimum of 15-20 grams at each mini-meal. That does it for me. The brand of cottage cheese I use has 16 grams in a serving. The greek yogurt I use has 18 or 20 grams depending on the fat content. I also use my protein powder in sugar free pudding. I find it goes down better for me that way. I also used tofu during my mushy stage. I am a fan of tofu, but I know not everyone is. I made it with a PB2 Thai Satay Sauce. I still have it usually at least once a week. 

Once you are on solids, it should get easier. But for every meal remember protein first. So before I allow myself anything else, I eat protein rich foods. 

You asked for this, you said I should feel free to cyber smack you if I thought you were doing something wrong.  Smack.   :)   OK, really, I am not that violent, but I REALLY think you need to step away from the banana.  1/2 a banana has 15 carbs. add to that the carbs in your protein powder and you are going to go over 40 g. a day way to easily.  (remember to add the carbs in vitamins and all other supplements into this).  You MUST get your protein shakes in.  I know they are nasty.  I hated them too and never found one that I liked even a little bit.  It doesn't matter.  This is your medicine.  You need it to help your body heal from surgery, to have energy, to lose weight, to keep some of your hair.....  Do I really need to go on?  DRINK YOUR SHAKES!   This is not forever, just until you can get at least 60 g. of protein in from eating.  That day is coming soon. 

OK, if you need to add something, you can add frozen blueberries.  They have fewer carbs and are high in fiber. 

See that wasn't' so bad was it?  Now that you took your medicine, how about a hug.  This really is the hardest part.  It gets much easier later.

Maybe she isn't on a low carb diet - not everyone is. It's hardly essential to our weight loss.

Go with that, and as far as the OP is concerned, she could choose to disregard my advice, even though she asked for it on another thread.  We are all free to choose our sources of information and inspiration.