Question:
Protein and Vitamins... HELP!!!
I am 1 month post op RNY. I work full time and I got to college full time. I was doing really well getting all my protein in and watching what I eat. Now, that my life is back to normal I cant seem to get my protein in. I dont know what to do, Ive tried protein shakes and buying Boost and everything I just dont seem to either have the time to make things, the fridge for cool things, or a microwave to heat things in with my busy schedule. Im terrified of losing my hair as it is already fine and I have been told as long as I get my protein I shouldnt. Also I keep forgetting to take my vitamins, Im taking flintstones and a chewable pepcid right now, I cant for the life of me remember. Any one know of how I can get my protein in? Also, any other vitamins out there preferably ones that contain Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Biotin, Iron, and the normal vitamins found in a flintstones so I can just take 1 pill twice a day verses say 5?? Im only 21 and Im so alone on this, I need help!! — LauraMarie (posted on November 21, 2008)
November 21, 2008
Get in the habit of carrying water with you and in that water put one of
those super whey protein bullets. They can be bought at WalMart. they
have 26 gm protein and usually I have one of those a day during work when
things get hectic. It is fruit flavor and just makes the water easier to
do. I try not to do more than one of those a day. Next week I will be
starting soft foods. My surgery was 11/3/08. Good luck to you.
— DeniseHolstege
November 21, 2008
Are you doing a protein drink in the morning? If you use a protein powder
that is 10 g of protein per scoop, plus use 8-12 oz of non fat milk with it
(8 g of protein per 8 oz.), and add 1/4 c powdered non-fat milk to that
(another 8 g of protein) - that is 26 grams of protein if you only use one
scoop of protein powder - I use two - so that gives me 36 grams of protein
for breakfast alone. Then I sometimes use Isopure or Protein Bullets - I
put which ever one in a 32-oz bottle and then add water until it is full -
that way I get 32 oz of water in, plus the 40 grams of protein from the
Isopure or Protein Bullets - since it is clear liquids, you can count it
towards your fluid intake as well.
— Wendy M.
November 21, 2008
I don't know if this will help you, but I bought a memo pad and keep track
of my oz, my grams, the food I consumed, the time and the calories. I have
a pill case for the daily pills and write everything down. As far as the
protein goes..I mix a scoop of unflavored unjury into a 17 oz bottle of
nestles flavored water and pour back into bottle and take with me. Make a
couple for the day and take with you. If you live in the north...it should
be cold enough in your car...to stay cool. hope this helps and good luck!!
hugs, Kim btw..congrats!!
— gpcmist
November 21, 2008
Forgetting your vitamins is perfectly normal, I STILL do it sometimes but
now I take an extra container with my vitamins in it just in case I forget
and running out of the house to get to work or school in the morning it can
happen. For the protien, I'm not too keen on doing the protien thing,
because it makes me kind of gag. So I do what I call a protien shot where
I will take my 2 scoops of protien and mix it in 6 oz of COLD water and
just drink it really quick. I take the whey protien by Isopure.
— redlilies
November 21, 2008
As far as forgetting the vitamins, go to Walmart and get yourself a cheap
watch that has multiple alarms in it or use your cellphone calendar if you
have one to remind you to take them. They're really important. As far as
the protein, it should be in everything you eat, and every time make it
what you eat first no matter what. Protein shakes are great and don't
require too much prep. Boost has a lot of sugar in it, btw. You make the
time for your classes and your schoolwork, you have to make the time for
this. It's too important. Not just for hair loss, but if you don't get
enough protein, your body could start burning muscle as well as fat and you
could end up seriously sick. Just happened to a woman I know, and for the
same reasons you're citing. Too busy, life too crazy. She was in the
hospital for quite a while and now understands the importance of getting
your protein. I know you can do this, it's just a matter of setting it up.
Protein shakes don't take much more than a shaker and some water for the
basic kind when you're rushed. Good Luck!
— Shirley D.
November 22, 2008
If you need to use some "helpers" then do so to make sure you
eat, take protein, and TAKE YOUR SUPPLEMENTS. One month post op--these are
very important. Failure to take you vitamins, calcium citrate, get in
enough protein, etc., will lead to vitamin deficiencies and MORE health
issues. "Having the time" should not be an excuse. It's part of
your post op health success plan, and that's the reason you had surgery to
begin with. Hair loss happens to many post ops, and I would not dwell on
that. Most likely you'll suffer some hair loss, but this is a consideration
you should have fully comprehended prior to surgery. Lack of vitamins may
only compound your "hair issue". There are "medical
timers" available on the Internet or at health stores. Many diabetics
use these to remind themselves of medications or times to test their blood
sugar. These are in watches, keychains, timer devices you carry with you,
programming your cell phone for alsarms, etc. Protein shakes are a
necessary component of your life as a post op for the first year. I've
tried Baricare, that comes in indivdual packets, mixed with water. This
type of pre-measured protein may be handy for your schedule--noted on my
blogs and profile story. I know you say you have a busy schedule, but I'd
MAKE TIME to attend support group meetings. You'll be able to speak to
other post ops to get a perspective on their new post op tribulations too.
I use liquid vitamins, as I find them very convenient for my vitamin
intake. You might "take a peek" at my profile story. It might
help you on your journey. DAVE
— Dave Chambers
November 22, 2008
I use the 42g Whey proteing bullett. It is only 3 oz of liquid and it fits
in my purse. I also work full time and go to school plus take care of my
family. You should try to eat other things, but if you can take 2 bulletts
per day throw them in your purse before you leave your house in the am you
will get your protein in. Purchase a extra bottle of vitamins and take
them to work that way they are always with you. You have to get your
protien in or you will not heal corretly.
— phyllismmay
November 22, 2008
Centrum is the best multi vitamin in my book. I am required to take the
following twice daily:
Centrum Silver (I am over 55)
1000 IU vitamin D
High Potency Calcium 600 mg
Ester-C 1000 mg
Glucosamine HCI 1500 mg plus MSM 1500 mg
vitamin E 800 IU
I have made time for my daily exercise and taking my vitamins/supplements.
You have to find the time for your good health. If that means carrying
your pills in a pill box, do that. I have done that. I carry a backpack
everywhere with all my neccessaries so that I have no excuses for not
taking good care of myself. All of us most likely would say we have hectic
schedules. My commute is two hours each way, 5 days a week. I don't
always get my 7 or 8 hours of sleep in like I should but I do everything
else. Hair loss is the least of your worries. If you don't get your
protien levels up you could start losing muscle and bone and even organs
could diminish. That last one is rare but still a possibility. That is
why protein intake is so very important.
Good luck, and what a great thing you have done for yourself already! Wish
I had had the chance to do it at 21! What a different life I could have
had!
— cydthekid50
November 22, 2008
Had the same problem with protein drinks and they made me deathly ill to my
stomach. I lived off of cottage cheese and Egg Drop Soup, what a lifesaver!
Also I take Building Blocks and I have not had one problem. Has B-12
vitamin in it and Biotin. They also have calcium supplements and Iron
supplements that we need everyday. I can remember I craved oranges after
surgery and constantly ate oranges. Do not know why? Body was probrably
lacking Vitamin C. I got my pharmacy to finally carry Building Blocks
vitamins. They are made just for Bariatric patients such as ourselves. I
have not had one problem with my blood test every year. I am 3 and half
years out and have lost a total of 130 pounds. My date was 7/18/2005.
— trishhooper
November 22, 2008
This is harsh, but you need to adjust your busy schedule so you have time
to take care of yourself. This surgery was a gift. If you don't take the
time to utilize your gift it will not work for you. And yes, there is a
group of people this surgery doesn't work for, don't make yourself fall
into that group.
— SharonZ
November 22, 2008
You sound like your in a good spot. I would say those New Whey Shots
should help ease into your diet might be easier. Before Surgery, I was
just downing them. Now just recently out of surgery, it's a little harder
to take. i understand what you mean about getting in the protein.
Everything seems just a bit harder.
— Corina C
November 22, 2008
You have to make time.
Cook enough on the weekend to last you for a week. Buy an insulated lunch
bag and some ice packs. Buy a thermos. You can keep your hot foods hot
and your cold foods cold.
Buy a 7 day med box (or 4 and do it for a month) and put all your vitamins
in it. Leave it on your nightstand / next to your toothbrush / next to
something you do every day and make it a habit.
No excuses. :) Good luck.
— mrsidknee
November 22, 2008
Centrum has a chewable that is for adults instead of the children vitamin
thing. I found it at Wal Mart, and it is like 9.00 per bottle, for like
100 pills. It isn't as sweet as children's vitamins, and it only takes 1
instead of lots!
Just my 2 cents...
— cassi75474
November 22, 2008
So, I too have been in your shoes, but the only difference is, I had not
had RNY while working full time and schooling full time. Just add some new
steps to your busy schedule. First start with your morning
routine...everyone has one of these. Put your vitamins in the bathroom
next to the toothbrush...take them either before or after you brush your
teeth, this way you will do it as part of your morning routine and never
forget it (it will become second nature). Next, I know you have to eat
breakfast, if not, get protein shakes (Atkins makes some good ready to gos
or Sugar Free Carnation Instant Breakfast). Pack some protein bars in your
book bag and always carry a bottle of water whereever you go. I hope this
helps...just remember when eating on the go, forget the bread and eat your
meat!!!
— Stephanie H.
November 24, 2008
I had a hard time remembering my vitamins. Now I set them in a clear
medicine cup on my desk in the morning. By the end of the day I have taken
them.
— trible
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