Question:
Protein problems??? HELP!!

I am now 3 1/2 weeks out and still on full liquid diet. I tried introducing skim milk and found I have a HUGE lactose intolerance! Since that time (5 days ago) I can't seem to take down any significant amount of protein. I have tried what seems like 50 different proteins (soy, etc) including clear (Isopure) and I can't seem to stomach them! I think I have a dedicated line at my dr's office because I have been on the phone with them all week! They say I will get back to my regular protein eventually, but in the meantime I am completely stressed about it! I don't want my hair falling out and my weight loss has completely stopped.I am freaking out here, and am just wondering if anyone else has had this experience? I just need to know there is light at the end of the tunnel.....Help!    — jennw2ns (posted on January 11, 2008)


January 11, 2008
Do you also have a problem with Cottage Cheese? I was not able to handle Skim Milk either, but I tired everything before surgery and knew going in that I had a problem. I take Unjury Chocolate www.unjury.com and it is the only protein that I can handle. It has a good flavor. They have many others, but I stick with just this one. Also try taking some baked chicken and some chicken broth and run in your blender with some seasoning.
   — William (Bill) wmil

January 11, 2008
Have you tried soft dairy products? I regularly use low fat cottage cheese, soft cheese, yogurt, and fat free ricotta (I mixed this with sugar free pudding and 1 cup of nonfat milk). If you HAVE already tried these, sorry... contacting your doctore is the best bet. I know other people have said something about protein "bullets" you can get at the healthfood stores. They can be consumed in one or two swallows. Good luck :)
   — KatFord

January 11, 2008
I've been 14 yrs without milk (I do other dairy). Any of these are what I use: 1.) Champion ProScore 100 choco + 8 oz water + ice, blended (hand blender or Magic Bullet). 2.) Champion Pure Whey Stack choco + 6-8 oz water, shaken. 3.) IDS vanilla-cinnamon + "glop" of DaVinci sugar free caramel sauce + 8 oz water + ice, blended. 4.) the PWS chco + the van-cin (50/50) in about 10 oz hot water, stirred or hand blender. Lately I've been adding a shake of cinnamon to my hot ones since cinnamon fights belly fat. I always put 1 scoop of UpCal D powder in (500mg calcium citrate, 250 IU of vit D3).
   — vitalady

January 11, 2008
Body fortress protein powder (found in almost every supermarket and Walmart) and Anywhey tasteless protein powder found online (but has shipping and handling) and at GNC, and Designer whey found at GNC can be mixed with water. I couldn't tolerate protein powders added to milk (although I could still drink milk by itself), and this happens to a lot of us. Granted the first 2 protein powders added to water still are not appealing to me, but I do drink it because I know I have to if I don't gete all my protein from my food. The designer whey I just tried the other day at GNC. OMG the pomegranit is GOOD! However it only has 10 grams of protein in it. There are 2 other flavors of that I think-- Orange mango or something like that and some other flavor I can't remember. Just some different options that have worked for me. Hang in there it DOES get easier/better I promise! Good luck, God bless and welcome to the losing side!
   — crystalsno

January 11, 2008
I'm 3 mos out and still on liquids and mush. I believe my stoma is too small, but aside from a restrictive diet, my life is going well. I'm down 65 pounds. I take chewable vitamins and IDS New Whey Liquid Protein in the 3 oz tubes. It has the consistency of motor oil but because it's such a small amount, I tolerate it well. Besides, it coats my stomach which brings immediate relief. [email protected]
   — Tom Y.

January 11, 2008
I also have found that I tolerate the liquid whey protein that comes in a tube like thing and has 42 g of protein. Since one can only absorb about 21 g of protein at a time, I use half a container with 10-12 oz of water and a Crystal Light packet. I add ice and it is a really enjoyable treat. I like the fruit punch flavor even tho' I am not a regular fan of fruit punch - mixed with the lemonade it is delicious! I could tolerate the powered stuff after 2-3 weeks. God bless. Caroline
   — Caroline Garber

January 11, 2008
I drink the glucerna shakes and I have not had a problem with them. They may work for you also.
   — ednamjr

January 11, 2008
I like a product called Nectar. The best flavor is Fuzzy Navel or Strawberry Kiwi. I mix it with water and a Crystal light lemonade packet. It is good. It dissolves right away. I got it on the internet. Pat
   — pjennjr

January 11, 2008
For protein powder, I use Unjury. I have found it to be the most best tasting (for me). Also, have you tried Lactaid? I had a horrible lactose intolerance post op and it worked well for me.
   — itsjust4me

January 11, 2008
If you do have a lactose intolerance that may be why you cannot get your protein down. Whey protein does have some lactose and some people cannot tolerate it. You can try a soy protein suppliment instead and see it does.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 12, 2008
When I need extra protein, I fix some boullion (chicken or beef, have even tried the chicken with garlic and herbs), then added two small jars of baby food meat to it. Step2 baby food meat is about 9 grams protein per jar and I add in two jars. This makes for a thin soup with protein. I also do pintos from Taco Bell, Taco Bueno. Take half serving of the pintos with some bouillion and at least one jar of baby food meat, preferably ham with these beans. It is better than all these protein drinks, and I can season it. I am 5 months out, (7/20/07 BMI 40.1) have lost right at 60 lbs with BMI at 29.5. Have my LB fill at just under 7 cc. First fill was 8 weeks after surgery (3.5cc) , second (additional 4.0 cc) was 6 weeks after that and just this week had just over .5 cc removed. I messed up over the holidays and got on a upchucking binge. Including unsufferable indigestion and reflux. Backed back down to these protein drinks for 4-5 days and graduating up from that slowly and got rid these issues. Had to do something, could not get back to the dr for 10 days due to his schedule and out of town stuff. So I had to do something. Everything is okay now. The unfill makes it just right and I do these protein drinks from time to time to just get extra protein and it is filling. Have also taken some mashed potatoes, added some chicken boullion and baby meat. Does not take much on the potatoes to provide some flavor. Also added some cooked squash or some cooked sweet potatoes occasionally. Have to watch the glycemic index on foods too, so have to be careful. Overall, I am doing okay and prefer to do protein my way and not those damn shakes. I do have some of the protein bullets, Profect, but the only flavor I can handle is the Fresh Berry. And they are too expensive for me. Good wishes your way.
   — MzCruse

January 12, 2008
Just an fyi on "one can only absorb 21 grams of protein at a time" that is UNTRUE! Whatever protein we take in, as long as it's WHEY protein we take it ALL in. Thanx
   — crystalsno

January 13, 2008
The nutritionist at my surgeon's office recently figured out I'm also lactose intolerant. The only proteins they recommend are Unjury (which can be bought online, and they have samples you can try), and Glucose Control Boost. They may be worth trying?
   — obeseforever

January 13, 2008
Just so you know, your hair will fall start falling out 4-6 months after surgery whether you eat protein or not. I could NEVER get all my protein in not even close. I had some hair loss, but now I have a normal head of hair. My husband was a protein freak and he also had hair loss. So don't beat yourself up about that because you can not stop it no matter what. I take extra BIOTIN which is supposed to help.
   — GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS

January 22, 2008
Try Liquacel from Colonial Medical. I order it over the net. one medicine cup (1 oz) is equal to 16 grams of protein. I used it because I got sick of cottage cheese and was worried as you are. An ER nurse recommended it to me and it tastes like concord grape. It is the best that I have found. Believe me I have tried many protein sources and this seems to be the best that i have found. I was losing hair and my nutritionist recommended that I take 1 oz in the morning and 1 oz int the evening totaling 32 grams. This way in the beginning you are half way there as you need 60-80 grams of protein a day and in the beginning it is very difficult. I think you will not regret it. I order it on the net. It is a 32 oz bottle and cost about $35.00 plus shipping. It lasted me 3 months. I think it is worth it and sure would take alot of stress out of your life.
   — maiden12




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