Hi,
I'm looking for some advice from those that are further out than I...
I'm 3 weeks out. Was supposed to start pureed soft foods, but I don't seem to be able to tolerate some of the higher protein foods (at this point, specifically tuna and eggs).

My program says my daily protein goal is 90-120 grams a day... I had been feeling ok with about 40-50, but yesterday I managed to get 80grams... and last night I was up with dry heaves and horrible diarrhea. Today I'm still queasy, but have managed to get in a tiny bit of protein by having mashed potatoes made with skim milk and added cheese (about 11grams total).
Later tonight I'll try a protein shake but even with that I'll only get another 25grams or so...

Did anyone else have trouble tolerating so much protein in the beginning? and if so, did the lack of protein inhibit your weight loss at all??

Thanks again for the help.... so many questions and I feel so needy!!
TraciL

Traci,
I doubt the protein was what made you feel bad. It may, however, have been the source. You will find that some things just don't set well in your pouch. Eggs were a real problem for me at first...tuna still is. You have to find what works for you. Later, the eggs & tuna may be just fine. At three weeks out I was on soft diet so thin sliced deli meats worked well. Canned chicken was good. Low fat cottage cheese still is one of my staples. Refried beans are good. The Quaker Weight Control Oatmeal is good & you can sprinkle a little protein powder on it (not while it's at its hottest) to increase your count. You may find you have to eat the same old stuff repeatedly for awhile, but that will get better. Do whatever it takes to get in your protein, water, vitamin & mineral supplements and whatever exercise you are allowed.
Best wishes. Hang in there. It does get easier!

Traci,

There a lot of difference in the instructions from one Dr. to the next, of course. Mine has me on 60-80g protein/day. Now Jean was allowed carbs. Carbs were strictly prohibited for me the first month. Carbs are easier to digest and the body, if given the choice will digest the carbs and not burn its own fat. I could have an ounce of green beans after 4th week, if I still felt hungry after eating the 3 oz. protein.

There are a couple reasons the protein is important. First, it puts your body into ketosis, so it will begin to burn its own fat. The second reason is the body doesn't store protein. If it doesn't get the amount it needs if prolonged it'll start breaking down its own muscle. Protein is also the main thing that keeps our energy up and our hunger down.

I think Jean has the best idea of using canned chicken, if you really can't handle it. Go back on liquids and call your Dr.. You might need an extra week of healing time before moving to the next level.

I think most of us have a problem with some proteins in the beginning. My surgeon wouldn't let me eat eggs until I was eight weeks out. I think this is the reason so many people rely so heavily on protein shakes. You really need to get in as much protein as you can and sipping on protein shakes is a good way to get it.

You will be able to eat most things in a few months. Just take your time introducing new proteins into your diet and rely on the proteins that you know will sit well.

I have to say that I am 14 months out and I STILL cant eat Tuna Fish or a scrambled egg. BUT I can eat poached, coddled, or over easy eggs. Weird right? I can eat canned chicken as long as I mash it up really fine first and add mayo, but can't eat a regular piece of chicken or turkey even smothered in gravy. Its all about finding out what works for you. I drink 3 protein shakes a day to make sure that I get in all of my protein. I didn't do this in the first 3 months and I lost ALOT of hair! I also have found that for me a nice piece of flounder or tilapia steamed in foil with some lemon juice and a dab of butter works well for me. And my most Favorite of all is shrimp!!! I can eat me some sauteed shrimps! Sit perfectly in my pouch. I even love them cold with some cocktail sauce. A jumbo shrimp cocktail is delish! Hope this helps.