Can't SHAKE the shakes!

My surgeon wants all my 80 grams of protein from food not shakes.  Has anyone else had a dietician or surgeon want this?  He is adamant about it and I just can't eat enough at one time to do it. I have to include 1 premier protein shake per day to get close. I am snacking on protein, and I can only get to about 50 grams with the portions that I am able to eat at one time but I have a lot of restriction and It's so hard to do.. I am trying to make time for pureeing meats so I can increase my qty's.  I am looking at what most of you post you are eating- you must be able to eat more at once than I can because it looks like you guys are only eating 3 times a day and some of you 4. 

thanks,

P

Well I don't know why your surgeon wants this but I know my surgeon would expect me to still have supplemented with protein drinks at this stage. Heck I am 7 years and he still thinks its fine to use them (except I hate them) but my hubby who is 5 years still starts every day with one.  

So you might ask your doctor why he believes this. 

One thing I used to do was poach a chicken breast, grind it in the food processor, and then put a couple spoons of it into chicken broth. It was a way to eat chicken comfortably and would work with other meats. 

GL.  It may be a few more months before you can drop the shakes. I would not worry.  Diane S

This is where I pick 'looser' proteins.  I can eat dark meats easier.  I will eat chicken thigh over breast (unless it is fresh rotisserie), beef (ribeye) and turkey.  Tuna is another.  I try to stay away from ground beef because it tends to be filled with gristle, so its hard to break down and digest.

What's your surgeon's logic? 

There are lots of surgeons with plans like this and lots of us who were successful doing so.  No protein shakes or bars should encourage you to eat good quality wholesome ingredients.  It's a great lifestyle and one that can be followed for the rest of your life.

My surgeon prefers I get my protein from food not shakes. However if I do use a shake he prefers a high quality shake like premier protein.

I would say the majority of programs want their patients off protein shakes within a few months of surgery. Dense protein is more satisfying than liquids, and we'll eat less in total that way.

Meat, meat, meat. That's really the simplest way to get the most protei in with the fewest calories. Pick a meat.

P, you didn't say how much you can eat at a time?  I'm 10 weeks out today, and I can only manage 1/2 cup of dense protein per meal, so I'm eating 4-5 meals a day to get in my required 60g of protein.  If I eat fish (usually seared tilapia or canned tuna), then it takes less because it's so high in protein.  Of course, if you don't like fish this isn't going to help, but I suggest it because it's the highest protein source I've found in the meat/fish/poultry realm.  A can of water packed tuna is 1/2 cup, just 120 cals and 28g of protein, and 4 oz. of tilapia is 100 cals and 21g protein.  So my advice is eat more fish!!  And good luck!

I was fully supported in using quality protein shakes. 5 years out I still use them, typically for a fast breakfast here and there or snack.

My surgeon also wants me to get the majority of my food from dense protein & not rely on the shakes or bars to get to my protein goals. It's more satisfying & I do stay fuller longer. However I still drink the shakes more out of taste & convenience rather than something to help me get to goal. The shakes are really extra, if anything. I eat more than 3 times a day, but my meals/snacks are small & eaten through out the day.  So I can get to goal without the shakes.

You'll have to change the kind of protein you eat to help you get to goal. If you have a hard time with meat, try fish, etc etc. Sometimes you have to switch it up.