Not enough

[KiKi13]

I'm 4 weeks out from my GS and I'm still having a problem with gettting all the protein and water in. I've tried the shakes, powder mixes and all that. The best protein shake I've found is the Ensure Enlive but even now that is making me ill. I can get more water in if I use a crystal light mix. I'm eating some regular food but not much. To complicate matters, I have a clot in my groin and abdomen making it hard to walk. I have zero appetite. And I'm gaining weight. I have to take a diuretic everyday bc of another medical condition and I'm trying to balance so I don't become dehydrated. My question is, I am so FULL after 3 bites of anything.... how to I train my stomach to accept more food without stretching it all out? I usually take a bite about every 5 minutes and I don't drink with food. I see people on here who eat 1200 cals a day.... on a good day, I get 450. Lol
Any suggestions??

[Leslieann]

Hi KiKi~ I'll be a month out on FEB5. I've also had a time getting in all my protein. I follow the rule nothing to drink 1/2 hr and 1/2 after you eat.

The only protein shake I can drink is the Premium and when I drink that I seem to get a stomach ache. So, I try to eat my required protein as hard as it is.
Last night I had some refried beans and some shredded pork that was in this Mexican soup. Surprisingly, it was somewhat spicy and it didn't bother my stomach.

Usually after dinner I have to take Gas-X, which helps.

I guess we just keep on doing what we have to do and I know we can gradually increase our intake.

[KiKi13]

Congratulations on the weight loss. Mine has stopped but I was also this weight for a long time so it maybe just a memory thing with my body. Since I have the blood clot I can't exercise.... I can barely walk. I have to use a wheelchair or Walker when we go somewhere. It's really hard. My water intake has gotten better. Just trying to find ways to get the protein in. Thank you for the reply. And spicy foods haven't seem to bother me much. I do take Rolaid's every night to control the acid while I'm sleeping. If I don't, I wake up feeling like I'm starving. Lol

[Pam G]

Don't worry about all that right now. At this point, you do your best and that's all you can do. Trust us when we say it'll all change in a few short months. 1200 cals a day is for people 8 months and more post op, usually, sometimes even longer.

[Christie13]

Yes I can remember 4 weeks vividly. First off, you may be on a stall and that is completely normal around weeks 3-5. It varies from person to person. Also, it can last a few days or a few weeks. I had a hard time getting in my protein and water at that phase as well. I still can't eat a lot and I am 12 weeks out. I don't track my calories but I just focus on getting my protein and water goals. And I make sure I am taking all my vitamins and supplements. For me the only shake that I could stand is the EAS Advant Edge. My nutritionist said that is a good one for bariatric patients. I only like the chocolate flavors. It has less protein than the Premier that a lot of people seem to like but that one always makes me feel queasy. So I would rather have 2 of the EAS and take my time. I can tell you on the days that I got closer to my protein goals are the times when my weight would drop. On my page I have some info on protein amounts in foods. It's in the pictures. It helped me tremendously to find alternatives to eating meats. For example, pumpkin seeds are high in protein and easy to nibble on. I also use the Atkins lift protein bars. I like the peanut butter chocolate ones. They are pretty tasty and low carb. So I keep those in my purse at all times. I keep one in a Ziploc baggie. I can take small nibbles throughout the day to help with my protein intake. I was told by my nutritionist that it is perfectly fine to consume my water using Crystal Light. I personally don't like it so I don't. But I have found that warm liquids were easier in the beginning. So I would make myself some berry flavored green tea with a little Splenda and sometimes lemon juice. Now I can drink water pretty easily but it seriously started like a week ago. You will get there.

[Luna354]

Don't worry about getting more in at this point. I'm 2.5 weeks out and I make sure i have a protein shake daily (premier, 30g protein). It takes me about an hour to have one. i'm on soft foods now and was told to have 3 "meals" a day and one snack (only if needed). One of those meals should be a shake. Tonight I had lentil soup. I had maybe 5 spoonfuls over 30 minutes. I carry my water with me constantly and sip all day long (except around meal time). Be patient and don't try to force more in. I was also told no eating between meals even at this stage. That's how things creep back down the line.

[ghost_ryder]

Kiki, that is not unusual. I had a very hard time getting in my protein for quite awhile. Just keep trying an find other methods. You can drink protein waters in place of waters. They work very well and also find some unflavored protein powder that you can add to food-like Unjury or BiPro. A month out for me and I think I was eating about 500-600 calories and most came from shakes and protein additives. It gets better, your stomach probably still has a fair amount of swelling. When you go for your one month follow up talk honestly to the doctor and nutritionist to make sure you are all on the same page.

[KiKi13]

Thanks for all the great advice!! Some of it I am already doing and some is new for me to try!!