Getting in enough protein is HARD!

When I first learned about how much protein  we will need after WLS, I was like okay no biggie, it won't be too hard because I like things like eggs and cheese, etc. I mean, pre WLS, I usually got in a good amount of protein. However, I didn't consider how difficult it would be to get all that in when we can only eat so little at a time! I mean, eggs have a lot of protein, but with the small amount I can eat it is not a HUGE amount. Yes, I know that a lot of people add unflavored powder to food, and I am working on finding one. If anyone has any suggestions, feel free, I'm all ears. I feel like the only way possible to do it is to have at least 1 protein shake a day, usually more. Does it get easier once I advance to more solid foods? (I am on soft food now)

Rant over.

It takes time to figure out what you like, what you can tolerate, how that factors out in relation to calories, portion, and protein...

For instance I was stuck on the idea that breakfast should consist of egg...it has good protein and I like it...well, then I realized that Dannon Lite and Fit Greek Yogurt has way more protein for about the same caloric intake.  Of course, it has some sugars in it but a great deal of protein and since I eat it for a breakfast item...I feel comfortable getting some carbs in for the energy in the morning because I don't do caffeine.  Plus it has fruit and that is where the sugar is mostly coming from so....I'm good with this.

Also, at least two months after surgery I was doing 2 protein shakes a day.  I had thin hair to begin with and I knew to keep as much as I could that getting protein was PRIORITY (not including the need my muscles and body had for the protein).  I also ate a lot of tuna and chicken salads and LOTS of PB2.  It would take me forever to eat even just a little of these things and just found it way easier to do the shakes.

Good luck!

I drank a shake (minimum of 30 grams protein) for breakfast every day.  Even at 4 months out, I still do.  My sleeve tends to be super tight first thing in the morning and shakes work best.

 I also mix a scoop of Syntrax Nectar protein powder or GNC AMP protein powder into plain Greek yogurt.  I like to put it in the freezer for a bit.  Kind of my own FROYO.  Gives me a ton of protein and I can eat on it throughout the day.  Yum!  

Good idea about the Greek yogurt, might have to give that a try. I saw that you said that in another thread too and it sounds yummy. If I got a vanilla Greek yogurt I bet I could mix some of the syntrax nectar chocolate.

I have been starting my dat with a protein drink too. I don't have a lot of time in the morning so it is nice that I can just make the shake and take it in a to go cup, plus it starts the day off right.

I was just reviewing my plan as I'm set to start soft foods tomorrow and it says that I can have a 6-8 oz protein drink to supplement until I can reach my protein goals without it.  I really don't like putting unflavored protein powder in my food. Maybe it's in my head but I feel like it changes the flavor.  

This early out it is very hard to get your protein in via food. Shakes or protein drinks are pretty essential this early out for most people to hit their protein goal.

Honestly, once you advance to solid foods it is only easier because you able to eat more dense protein, but this also fills you up faster. I have noticed very recently that my capacity has increased a little bit, and my doctor upped my calorie goal a tiny bit, so most days I actually am able to get it all in through food. I still need shakes or drinks sometimes, though, to hit my goal.

It gets easier as you go along and can eat a little more

 when you can eat 4 oz of protein ,King Cheese - Spirella Minis (Sliced Mozzarella and Prosciutto, 4 Prosciutto mini Spirella)  from Costco is great , 28 gm protein , but it has 240cal but it fits in on my plan  of 500-800 cal and 80 gm protein

 I sometimes eat a 2 egg omelet with smoked salmon it is around 25 gm of protein 

 2 % cottage cheese is 14 gm protein

Eat things that had a mother for best protein results.  I recommend fish which has about 2-3 times the protein bang vs. the same amount of eggs.  Although, continue to use eggs for breakfast.

i had a gbp but i have the same problem.  adding protein powder to low fat yoghurt or curd, is a good way to increase your intake without increasing fat and carbs.  i too do not want flavouring or sweetening. i like to add a squeezed orange, or some berries or a little cocoa powder (stirred with some water before adding) or a very good brand instant espresso.  better taste and more variety. i take whey protein after excercising and miscellar casein before going to bed, because it slowly gives off protein.

there are several options, like nutrimax.  you will surely find what you want on the internet.

good luck!

Hey there, So the first 5 weeks or so I refused to drink milk based protein drinks b/c i had such a BAD experience with Unjury. So, I defaulted to using Ispoure Zero Carb Clear protein drinks. You can buy them at GNC. They are a little sweet in my opinion, but I take whatever flavor I have and combine that with Powerade zero of the same flavor. You sip on it all day long. If you finish, you know you are getting at least 40oz of liquid plus 40g of protein for the day. It was only after 5 weeks or so I started drinking isopure zero carb unflavored protein powder mixed with soy milk (has less protein than skim plus, but the soy also has less sugar). I take a little bit of the diet carnation instant breakfast (chocolate flavor) like tsp and mix that in as well. I gobble that down for breakfast and that gives me about 34g of protein for breakfast. So, without even eating anything all day, im up about 74g of protein. And then b/t lunch and breakfast, I get in the remaining 15-30g i need. Tunafish is a HUGE source of protein. I was buying at target the individual 2oz packages which yields about 18g protein per package. I started off week 3 eating that to get some extra in. I could only get an ounce in then, but now i can get 2oz in over an hour by eating slow.

I was never one to enjoy drinking a meal over eating. But, you get used to it. Im not a huge breakfast eater, so replacing my pre-surgery breakfast of a bagel or cereal with a protein shake was not a big deal. And, I do actually feel fuller for longer.

To answer your original question :) - when just on soft foods I could not get all that protein in either. It's a goal that you get too, just not right away. Your focus right now is to NOT get dehydrated and get as much fluid and liquid protein in. The eating is more to get used to eating again, slowly, and get your insides used to food and to see how you tolerate it. Week 4+ your focus kind of switches (if it can), to incorporating more food protein vs liquid protein, but you may just not be ready either. I am sure when you meet with your surgeon at month 1, he/she will help determine where you should be.

Hope this helps!