Question:
Hi. I'm 3 weeks post-op and only getting in 50 g protein daily-should I worry?
I can only seem to get one protein drink down a day--and can't stomach any of the shakes, so am drinking Designer Whey. I feel like I'm working all the time to get water and protein drink in and I think I'm getting no more than about 30 oz water and 1 40 g protein drink. The other grms of protein I'm just starting to get from food such as tofu or pea soup. Should I worry more about protein or calories? Your feedback is much appreciated. — Annette M. (posted on February 26, 2003)
February 25, 2003
Have you tried one of the clear protein drinks that comes pre-bottled? I'm
12 days post-op and am enjoying ISOPURE that comes in a bottle. I like the
Grape Frost flavor. Tastes like one of the gatorade-type sports drinks to
me. I mix it half and half with water and put it over ice. 40Gm protein
in each bottle. I found mine at GNC but it's also available online from
many sources.
— Diane M.
February 25, 2003
I think you are doing fine for being only 3 weeks out. Just increase as
best you can as tolerated by your body. Try soft forms of protein - dairy,
soft ground meats, nuts, (I like liverwurst, high in fat, but okay early on
when you are just trying to get your protein in any way you can.)
— Kristy J.
February 25, 2003
You're doing well for 3 weeks. You will increase your protein and water
over time as you can tolerate. I know that I'm at 7 weeks and suddenly at
6 weeks I was able to get in 60 grams or more of protein and more water
(I'm still not where I want to be on the water, but it's getting better).
Prior to that I was hovering at 30 grams of protein and about half my
water. Keep your goals in mind (how much protein, how much water) and
shoot for it but it might be a while before you can reach it comfortably.
As you add more foods to your diet and learn which ones sit right with you,
you'll be able to add protein more easily.
Designer Whey Natural is great because you can add things to it and come up
with your own versions of shakes that suit your tastes. I use the natural
with Splenda and frozen fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and
peaches) and really like the light, fruity taste. Last week I was
tolerating citrus better and just added splenda, lemon juice and lots of
ice and had a lemonade freeze. It was very good. Continue to experiment
with shakes and bars and you might find more to your liking. Also, as you
get into an exercise routine, they are easier to get right down when you
come home from a long walk or a morning at the gym. You're doing well.
Hang in there!!!
— susanje
February 26, 2003
There is a protein/calcium powder, I believe its called Procel?
www.vitalady.com has it, and you can mix it into things like your pea soup
which will help boost your protein intake until you can eat more or
tolerate the supplements better. At 3 weeks post-op, I think you're doing
much better than most as far as protein intake.
— Cindy R.
February 26, 2003
50grams a day at 3 weeks is incredible!! Just like Cindy said, I think you
get more than most of us did at that time. I was concerned early post-op,
and my surgeon said that the first couple months I need to focus on getting
atleast 64oz of fluids a day, then on getting as much protein as I can. I
now only get like 70grams a day and am 9 mnths post-op. I'm also drinking
ISOPURE, I can't stomach the shakes either. And although it's not the best
tasting, the ocnsistency is like water or kool-aid, so it just goes down
really smooth. It works for me! You sound like you are doing great! Also,
my RN and surgeon said not to focus on calories or fat and stuff like that
now. I didn't start counting calories until 6 months post-op. The only
thing I can recommend is getting in more water each day. I get atleast 70oz
a day, usually about 80 or 90. It's so impt. for us to stay hydrated. But
you're doing great- congrats! :)
— Lezlie Y.
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