Hi Ruth,
I sometimes replace some meals with a glass of milk... I was on a week of semi skimmed milk pre op and still find it helps on occasion...
Not sure if thats helps, just an idea....

Hope you find a solution.

BUZZ

I am still getting those meals in .. but it is hard and I stay thirsty all the time as well. My mouth gets so dry. I hope that will change up for us. And yes advice here would help me too because that 30 minutes before and after is a killer.

I am 14 months out at this time and still have to get on myself about not drinking too soon before meals and not with meals and not immediately after meals. It gets easier but it never really goes away. I also used milk to snack on to get my protein and also satisfy the thirst. Hang in there, the benefits far outweigh the parts that are a pain in the ass!

It does get easier...but you might need to start getting some protein in as fluid. Milk, protein shakes, etc.

You only just had surgery (if the date on your profile is correct). You are not expected to be up to speed on liquids and food for a bit. At this stage staying hydrated is way more important than getting food down. This is when liquid sources of protien, including soups really save the day. I was sooooo grateful for split pea soup (the real kind, not that crappy Campbells or Progresso stuff)!

I'm not supposed to drink protein drinks. The surgeon said absolutely none. He would rather me eat my protein that drink it. I'm not quite sure how to fit milk into my diet. I have an appt with my nutritionist on the 5th and will definitely have all my questions ready.

caruTH today i actually put the protein powder in my pudding. It was sort of like eating brownie mix.. though sweet, I tolerated it with no problem.

If he doesn't want you doing protein shakes .. how are you getting enough protein? What are you allowed to eat right now?

I can eat eggs and beans and soft ground meat and yogurt. I never though about putting protein powder in my food.

The unflavored unjury isn't bad to add to foods. Not sure about any other unflavored brands, but it seems to be working for me. If I could just "quinch" my thirst.. life would be good. I can't wait to eat eggs, beans, and soft ground meat. Maybe next week after my appointment. I'm looking forward to beans!

by the way. The first week it was clear liquids(broth, sugarfee popicylies)

week 2 & 3 Creamed pototoes, cream soups,puddings.
week 4 - 6 eggs, blended meats and veggies.

I got in carnation instant breakfast.
Check out the bariatric diets.
You can only get around 30 or so gms of protein in the first few weeks.
I know it is very hard. Just hang in there, it gets better. Take care of yourself.
I am 6 mos post-op and 73 pounds lighter.

I so agree with you - I can't get enough water or any liquid. Waiting for a whole hour during food is KILLING me.

I can't beleive how different everyones diet is. I am supposed to get in 60 to 70 grams of protien everyday (I am 12 days out). I have had some other forms of food, but protien shakes seem to be the only way to get it all in.

I feel for ya!

My nutritionist barked at me too for drinking protien drinks and eating the protien bars. Now, I take her advice with a grain of salt. I stopped the drinks and bars and lost -alot- of hair.

They say they want you to get it from food, cause "animal protien" from meat is absorbed faster. People that have had the surgery and going on 3,4,5 years are still using the shakes powders and bars etc.

And it could be worse. They have changed me from 30 mins before and after a meal, to 30 mins before... and an HOUR after. The longest hour of the day!

Check out eggface's site. Lots of helpful tidbits there. Shes brilliant =)

I was told the same as Jenny, try to get your protein from your meals not shakes or bars. I am allowed ONE shake or bar per day and to have to get in at least 60 grams of protein. The hardest two things I have had to deal with is the NOT drinking 30 minutes before and after meals and chewing my food so it doesn't get stuck/clogged...