Question:
On-Pureed Stage Is It Too Soon for protein bars...

if chewed up really well. Can't tolerate milk so have not had any protein shakes and scared I'm not getting enough protein. Still drinking broth and eating low-fat refried beans w/salmon? Will the protein bars be okay???    — TotallyTori (posted on March 25, 2003)

March 25, 2003
The pureed stage is meant to give you stomach time to heal. I would stay away from protein bars. Many people are lactose intolerant after surgery (can't tolerate dairy products.) Try using Lactaid milk if you can find it at your store. For protein sources, how about pureed chicken, turkey, etc.? Add some seasonings and make it palatable. Don't sweat the protein at this stage. You do need it to heal, but you will be able to take in more down the road. Don't rush it. Try to get a variety of foods in.
   — koogy

March 25, 2003
I was on pureed foods for 8 weeks. Protein bars were allowed after 4 weeks-- but only ocasionally. You should check with your nutritionist or doctor to see what their rules are. <br> If you haven't tried it, you might want to try the Optimum Whey double rich chocolate. It is the best protein drink I've tasted. My 7 year old will drink it, even though she doesn't have to. My very picky 14 year old says it tastes like cold hot chocolate. (This from a child who can taste milk souring 2 days before the rest of us.) My husband and I also like the Vanilla Ice Cream flavor. By the way, we are in no way affiliated with Optimum whey.
   — Beth S.

March 25, 2003
I am in the puree stage now and my nutritionist recommends that we do not eat those protein bars until later in the healing stage. These first 8 weeks are critical and our stomachs are healing. Take it easy and try other softer protein sources first. I do Unjury protein powder, salmon, chicken, refried beans, chili all pureed. I do add seasonings so it's like I'm eating regular food anyway.
   — Judy S.

March 25, 2003
Go to VitaLady.com and order some samples. The whey protein doesn't contain lactose, and shouldn't cause you any problems. This is the easiest, best, and cheapest way to get protein in you - then you can eat what you want (within reason - more veggies?)
   — RWH G.