Am I the only one eating regular foods and no protein shakes?

[Tuliptwy]

Hi everyone. I'm finally on regular foods, albeit in small amounts, but I'm wondering how many of you have stopped drinking protein shakes (or never started them) and are getting enough protein in now? I just have not and cannot get protein shakes down, but will do a smoothie in the morning with 12-20g of protein. I've noticed my hair is letting loose a little more, but figure that's probably from the first 4 weeks with very limited protein. Just wondering if I'm the only one who is relying on high protein normal foods now? Thanks for your help.

[nycbiscuit]

I had my surgery on the 12th, so we're close in terms of where we are. I still drink protein shakes, but then again, I don't have a problem with them. Frankly I don't know how I could eat enough to get the protein in otherwise or without adding powder to sauces and oatmeal, etc. About the only thing I'm not eating now is crunchy fruits or stuff with skin (like tomatoes or grapes). Well, actually, I'm not eating enough veggies, but then again, I never did. And bread/baked goods I've tried but they make me feel so bloated -- like a lead brick in my stomach.

Yes, the idea, though, is to not use protein shakes or powders and rely on real, whole food for all your protein needs. If you can do it, great for you!

[brendadenton64]

your body needs protein, no protein and you feel like crap, I am not a fan of them either but I am adjusting my taste buds

[SBS]

Hi,
No... you are not the only one eating regular food - I also eat everything but in really small portions.
I would get crazy if I could not eat normal food.
as far as proteins, you can get them in normal food.
In Europe we do not use protein shakes as you do in the States - you can have a protein shake with banana and milk - a lot more pleasant :-)
In 18 months I've lost 50 Kg eating like this... having fun anf finding new flavours I didn't like in the past... like jam :-)
Why doing this huge change in our lives without having fun and enjoying food..... in very small portions... but that's the way we now can :-)

[SBS]

Hi,
No... you are not the only one eating regular food - I also eat everything but in really small portions.
I would get crazy if I could not eat normal food.
as far as proteins, you can get them in normal food.
In Europe we do not use protein shakes as you do in the States - you can have a protein shake with banana and milk - a lot more pleasant :-)
In 18 months I've lost 50 Kg eating like this... having fun anf finding new flavours I didn't like in the past... like jam :-)
Why doing this huge change in our lives without having fun and enjoying food..... in very small portions... but that's the way we now can :-)

[splendaaa]

I hate shakes too. I have a smoothie a day, some almonds, sometimes halibut fish or tuna or canned ckicken. I'm doing the best I can and finding other ways besides the shakes.

[MISS_B]

Hello,

Protien is sooo IMPORTANT! It helps the heeling process from within with the healing of your new stomach. My doctor said that I wouold not be completely heald until 6 months from now. Your body needs the protien if you don't take it your hair is going to start falling off. It's like those people that suffer from anorexia and you see that their hair is really thin..well that is due to malnutricion and lack of protein. I am taking Boitin 5000mcg for the hair loss I hope it works. I am currently drinking ISOPURE 40gms of protein and Premier Nutrition 30gms.

[lynnden]

I am only 2 1/2 weeks out so no food for me yet. I think it will be possible to get the protein in eventually but not at first. My only thought is to make sure you are counting your protein grams and getting enough in each day. Protein will help to keep you from losing muscle. It will also keep your weight loss on track. Good luck.

[SkinnyOLady]

Im eatn regular food..... Small amts.... Losen hair takin 2/biotin@5000 Mg but dnt notice it helpn so im drikn shakes for extra protein hopin it gets better.

[Msvetrn]

I'm having at least one shake and then I throw pro powder in anything I think it won't alter the taste. But, then I am eating like cottage cheese, refried beans and eggs that have nice protein amts in them. We just have to do the best we can with the protein!

[Angela Schmangela]

I'm not doing shakes either, and sometimes I don't quite get enough protein in but a lot of times I do. I've rediscovered beef jerky thanks to my friend who surgery with me--one serving is 15 grams of protein. Today I also bought a package of pumpkin seeds, which is something like 9 grams of protein and only 5 grams of carbs. They're a little harder to get down, though. SOOO much chewing. The beef jerky is much easier.

For snacks I try to have lunch meat of a piece of cheese. That helps too.

[BusyGirl]

I feel like a black sheep at times, but no, I never started the protein shakes. I had the best intentions, and I actually bought them when I was stocking my kitchen to prepare for surgery. But - one sip and it was over. I just can't handle the taste and texture. I get my protein the natural way mostly - meat, beans, cheese, yogurt, and nuts. In the event that I think my protein is lagging, I supplement with a protein bar. I use http://www.pureprotein.net/category/BARS/ and I've found that they taste the least fake and soy-y of all the bars I've tried. Most of the time I just eat half a bar in a day. Depending on which flavor I'm munching, half a bar boosts me 10-15 grams.

P.S. For my 6 week check-up, the doc said based on my blood work, my protein levels were just fine.

P.S.S. Protein may assist in keeping the hair loss at a minimum, but it's not the only thing. When I did Atkins a few years ago, which is totally high protein, my hair still fell out big time. (Hairloss aside, protein is still waaaaay important for so many other functions of the body.)

Good luck!

[TrailNurse]

Protein is important for internal healing. Proteins are a vital component of collagen synthesis and insufficient protein can affect the rate and quality of wound healing. It is well known that surgery increases the demand for protein. Wound healing requires 1.5 to 3 g per kilogram (of body weight) per day of protein. So, don't think of protein for hair loss.....think "wound healing."

[Tuliptwy]

Thanks everyone for your help. I have to say I love these forums and how they enable me to know I'm not alone.

[slim&proud]

I've not used protein drinks, i did try one a few weeks ago but it made me wanna vom, i've managed to find some peanut protein bars to keep in my bag in case i'm out and miss a meal but apart from that i only eat real food. I don't count how much protein i eat, if i eat it, i eat it, if i don't, i don't panic. I feel fine, my hair's fine and a burn i got when cooking last week has healed so my body's repairing itself just fine.
Some protein is better than none so i wouldn't stress over not getting the right amount. After all who says what the right amount is? Here an adult female (not a sleeved one) is recommended to have 45g's a day but you guys have to have 90g's right? I think i get about 20g's on a good day but sometimes, before i had my sleeve, i wouldn't get any protein atall and my hair has never fallen out and i'm disgustingly healthy and always have been.

I recommend not stressing out over it and just doing what feels right for you, after all stress makes hair fall out too.