Diet questions (long post)

[teachermomolp]

Hello! I've been MIA for 7 months. I was 7 months out from my band to DS revision and my daughter was diagnosed with bone cancer. Haven't been to the surgeon since. I will be able to get back this summer but only after my daughter's chemo is done.

I lost about 70 pounds super fast, but since my daughter's diagnosis, I've only lost about 20 pounds. I now weigh 187 down from 277.

I've figured out this much:

1. I am now severely lactose intolerant (causes urgency and loose stools). This makes getting in protein much harder. I finally found a plant based protein- and it is the ONLY one that does not bother me.
2. I think I may be intolerant to eggs! Causes stinky gas. Anyone else have that issue?
3. Wheat also seems to give me issues, mostly gas.
4. When I take all of my supplements, my stomach is much better.
5. No matter how careful I am, I cannot always control my tummy!
6. Without milk products and eggs, I am struggling with protein intake!.

I am mostly asking today about carbs. Some days when I've had chicken for all three meals, I just want a freaking bowl of cereal (with almond milk, of course). I can eat chips and rice but almost all veggies except green beans, zucchini and mushrooms seem to bother me and fruit is an absolute no-go. Does this make sense? I basically live on meat, potatoes, and green beans with a protein shake each day.I'm not getting my 90 grams of protein in and I can't find any more protein I can tolerate.

Believe me, I feel like Miss America right now, and I look like her too! I can walk and I can do anything I want to do. Eating for me is now a chore- but learning that food is just for nutrition is a challenge for me. I still want to get SATISFACTION from eating, and I usually don't get that. I eat to live- food is fuel is my mantra.

So:

Anyone intolerant to eggs? How did you figure it out? Elimination?

Can you eat veggies? Which ones?

I know I need to eliminate more carbs to lose more. But do carbs make you have tummy issues (urgency, gas, loose stools)? Or is it just wheat?

Thanks for responding. I've been so preoccupied with my child that I'm having a hard time getting my own eating in order...

[Joanne]

May 27, 2015 17:56:13 GMT -5 teachermomolp said:

Hello! I've been MIA for 7 months. I was 7 months out from my band to DS revision and my daughter was diagnosed with bone cancer. Haven't been to the surgeon since. I will be able to get back this summer but only after my daughter's chemo is done.

I lost about 70 pounds super fast, but since my daughter's diagnosis, I've only lost about 20 pounds. I now weigh 187 down from 277.

I've figured out this much:

1. I am now severely lactose intolerant (causes urgency and loose stools). This makes getting in protein much harder. I finally found a plant based protein- and it is the ONLY one that does not bother me.
2. I think I may be intolerant to eggs! Causes stinky gas. Anyone else have that issue?
3. Wheat also seems to give me issues, mostly gas.
4. When I take all of my supplements, my stomach is much better.
5. No matter how careful I am, I cannot always control my tummy!
6. Without milk products and eggs, I am struggling with protein intake!.

I am mostly asking today about carbs. Some days when I've had chicken for all three meals, I just want a freaking bowl of cereal (with almond milk, of course). I can eat chips and rice but almost all veggies except green beans, zucchini and mushrooms seem to bother me and fruit is an absolute no-go. Does this make sense? I basically live on meat, potatoes, and green beans with a protein shake each day.I'm not getting my 90 grams of protein in and I can't find any more protein I can tolerate.

Believe me, I feel like Miss America right now, and I look like her too! I can walk and I can do anything I want to do. Eating for me is now a chore- but learning that food is just for nutrition is a challenge for me. I still want to get SATISFACTION from eating, and I usually don't get that. I eat to live- food is fuel is my mantra.

So:

Anyone intolerant to eggs? How did you figure it out? Elimination?

Can you eat veggies? Which ones?

I know I need to eliminate more carbs to lose more. But do carbs make you have tummy issues (urgency, gas, loose stools)? Or is it just wheat?

Thanks for responding. I've been so preoccupied with my child that I'm having a hard time getting my own eating in order...

Oh, I saw this and had to jump right in. First of all, I am so sorry about your daughter. My son also has cancer. I am his primary caregiver, and he's been fighting cancer (lymphoma) for two years. He had a bone marrow transplant, and is now on dialysis due to the harshness of all his chemo and infections he's gotten.

All that being said, please please - you have to take care of yourself. I think I understand the way you feel. The cancer devestates you. It not only attacks your daughter. it attacks your whole family, your whole life. I totally understand that. In the past two years I've slept hundreds of nights at the hospital in a chair. I'm currently in medical lodging, and haven't lived at home since last October. I have to survive on a mini fridge, microwave, and takeout. But I do it. And you really must, too. Think of it this way, your daughter needs you to take care of yourself so that you can take care of her. You can't change her cancer, you can't cure it for her. But you can wake up every day and make good decisions, which include caring for yourself. You just have to find a way.

You might feel like Miss America now, and look like her, too. But unless you get in more protien, that won't last. Are you taking your supplements?

[teachermomolp]

Hi Joanne! Thanks for replying. You DO understand! I am absolutely taking my supplements. It's just the protein I can't get in because I am so sensitive to milk, eggs, soy...it's infuriating. As I said, I did find a plant-based protein shake that I can tolerate. Not the best, I know, but so far it's the only one I can tolerate. I know I have to be well to take care of my daughter but I honestly don't know HOW...I can't find enough to EAT! I never thought I'd EVER say that! Oh thanks so much for chiming in- it's good to know I am not alone!!!
Lori

[Joanne]

What does a typical day of eating look like for you? If you're getting a shake in a day, I'm suprised you dont have overall more protein. Are you doing a two scoop shake? That should be 40-50grams just with that.

I think in time you will be able to tolerate more. Do eggs upset your stomach?

Why dont you post what you ate each day over the past few days, and let's see if some of us can help you tweak it.

PS - how old is your daughter? My son is 25, so not a baby - but always my baby.

[caprice]

About the eggs.... When you eat them and get stinky gas, is there ANYTHING else that you are eating at the same time, like toast or some kind of bread? Anything else that might be contributing to the gas problem? I would be up a creek if I couldn't handle eggs, they make getting in enough protein so much easier. I hope that, if it is the eggs, your body will change its tolerance of them. Don't write them off forever, please, it may be something that will improve.

[teachermomolp]

I had been living on eggs until I decided they were bothering me. Just egg-smelling gas, really. I tried some more tonight so we'll see tomorrow.

Here was my day:

4 oz steak and 1 corn tortilla (breakfast)
8 pieces sushi (rice and fish)- lunch
2 hard boiled deviled eggs with mayo (snack)
Salad (1/2 cup lettuce and 2 TB full fat dressing) (dinner)
1 (very small) chicken breast (dinner)
Protein shake with almond milk (20 g)
Handful of honey roasted peanuts
4 Twizzlers
Caramel macchiato coffee (grande with soy from Starbucks)

Please give your input. Thanks!!

Joanne- my daughter is 14, but you're right- age doesn't mean a thing!!

[newyorkbitch]

May 27, 2015 22:28:52 GMT -5 teachermomolp said:

I had been living on eggs until I decided they were bothering me. Just egg-smelling gas, really. I tried some more tonight so we'll see tomorrow.

Here was my day:

4 oz steak and 1 corn tortilla (breakfast)
8 pieces sushi (rice and fish)- lunch
2 hard boiled deviled eggs with mayo (snack)
Salad (1/2 cup lettuce and 2 TB full fat dressing) (dinner)
1 (very small) chicken breast (dinner)
Protein shake with almond milk (20 g)
Handful of honey roasted peanuts
4 Twizzlers
Caramel macchiato coffee (grande with soy from Starbucks)

Please give your input. Thanks!!

Joanne- my daughter is 14, but you're right- age doesn't mean a thing!!

Please put everything you eat into FitDay or one of those programs, for an entire week. Then post it here.

You need more protein.

Have you tried lactose free dairy products? Have you tried taking lactaid tablets when you eat dairy?

You need a little fruit, and more vegetables.

[jpcello]

May 27, 2015 22:28:52 GMT -5 teachermomolp said:

I had been living on eggs until I decided they were bothering me. Just egg-smelling gas, really. I tried some more tonight so we'll see tomorrow.

Here was my day:

4 oz steak and 1 corn tortilla (breakfast)
8 pieces sushi (rice and fish)- lunch
2 hard boiled deviled eggs with mayo (snack)
Salad (1/2 cup lettuce and 2 TB full fat dressing) (dinner)
1 (very small) chicken breast (dinner)
Protein shake with almond milk (20 g)
Handful of honey roasted peanuts
4 Twizzlers
Caramel macchiato coffee (grande with soy from Starbucks)

First, I am so sorry about your daughter but you need to listen to Joanne. It is imperative that you take care of yourself. If you're not 100% you can't care for your daughter (I was my mother's caregiver).

Just some observations about this day's worth of food:

Corn tortilla - gas and odor
Rice from the sushi - gas and odor
Lettuce - gas and odor
4 twizzlers - MAJOR gas and odor
Caramel macchiato is loaded with sugar - gas and odor

I have the same issues with veggies - I generally only eat green beans, squash, zucchini, carrots, mushrooms. Most others bother me so I avoid them.

Protein options - deli meat, tuna, cooked shrimp, chicken thighs (easier to eat than chicken breast - more fat).

I've never had issues with eggs.

Have you tried devrom for odor? I take it regularly. Still have odor but not as bad as it would be without it. It does nothing for gas - just odor.

Yes, the DS is a protein-heavy diet. Every once in a while I will have a small bowl of cereal as a snack - never use it as a substitute for a meal - not enough protein. I've eaten the same breakfast for 12 years. 

Good luck with everything - but you must take care of yourself.

[PeteA]

I would put your protein from that sample at just over 90gms (3oz for the chicken breast?). The rice would give me gas and the macchiato. Not really from the tortilla or the lettuce. Remember - protein first at all your meals then the salad or whatever.

Do eggs prepared different ways still have the same effect? Hard boiled eggs can sometimes give me gas but not scrambled or fried. It also doesn't seem to happen with egg salad which I admit is a little strange.

I was under the impression that there was very little lactose if you do 100% whey isolate as opposed to 100% whey blend. As long as you like what you found for your shake I would definitely try a double scoop.

Also, you might try to find some kind of protein type snack - beef sticks / smokies are a big go to for me.

I'm sorry your daughter is so sick but the other poster was correct you need to be healthy enough to take care of her so taking care of yourself has to be a priority too.

[teachermomolp]

Thank you everyone- I know I need to be well to care for my daughter- that's why I am here! I will be logging food for a few days and will post it here.

I had a double scoop protein shake today so that was 30 instead of 15. I also added a huge scoop of peanut butter- but that has sugar...
SUGAR- causes gas and odor in us??? How could I not know this???

Pete- I have tried literally hundreds of dollars worth of protein shakes. The ONLY kind I can tolerate is a plant based protein. I've tried everything on the market and I get terrible runs- not doable. I've tried egg protein, all kinds of whey- everything. I know the plant based (brown rice) protein is not ideal, but I literally cannot stomach anything else and I can't eat enough to get in my needed protein.

Thank you for the suggestions everyone- I did find Lactaid cottage cheese yesterday!

I'll post next week with my diet...

[newyorkbitch]

Sugar does not cause me gas and odor. As with everything else, you have to try for yourself.

Lord help me (and everyone else) if I eat spinach.

[Joanne]

May 28, 2015 17:22:50 GMT -5 newyorkbitch said:

Sugar does not cause me gas and odor. As with everything else, you have to try for yourself.

Lord help me (and everyone else) if I eat spinach.

To quote my brother, also a DS'er, "Spinach in = Spinach out". It passes right through him.

[bboop]

I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. As others have said take care of yourself...your daughter needs you.

I've recently added squash...Acorn, butternut and yellow to my diet. I have no idea why I haven't done that before, but I have a very touchy tummy and it seems to go down well and I don't have gas or odor from it. For years I lived on green beans as my veggie. I also couldn't eat eggs early out either...but now I can and I try to devil eggs and keep them in the fridge to snack on. Carrots while high in carbs can be added to your diet in small amounts...also the small English peas...I like the LeSeur brand in a can. Watermelon doesn't seem to bother me - other fruits do but that one doesn't.

It's truly trial and error. Try to get your protein up..that is not an option...you just must. I eat a lot of cheese cubes...they are great for snacks.

Take care and my very best to your daughter.

[west4thavenue]

May 28, 2015 17:22:50 GMT -5 newyorkbitch said:

Sugar does not cause me gas and odor. As with everything else, you have to try for yourself.

Lord help me (and everyone else) if I eat spinach.

I don't even want to think about it. Spinach is a killer. Never again.

[west4thavenue]

Teachermom, I have often wondered how you are doing. I am so sorry to hear about your daughter.

I seem to do well with most veggies, but not spinach (see above comment).  In my opinion, spinach, as much as I enjoyed it before surgery, is not worth trying.  I have had to add foods very slowly over the past year and often feel as you do that eating is a chore.  Some of this is coming from the lack of variety. Are you taking a probiotic?  This may help you with your overall digestion and help reduce some of the gas and discomfort.

I understand that even people with lactose intolerance are able to eat cheese. Do try the lactaid products.

Have you tried other nuts beside peanuts?  Green beans seem to be easy for most DSers and slivered almonds go beautifully with them.  Also, pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are very high in protein.

Keep us posted.  You and yours are in my prayers.

 

[jpcello]

Spinach is evil.

[mistercy]

First, so sorry to hear about the situation for your daughter, and shaking critters hoping that everything improves.

I have some lactose intolerance, and find that swiss, muenster, and mozzarella are low in lactose, and are tolerated well. Will agree with everyone else on spinach, and I am unfortunately a salad shooter (literally!), so I can't seem to do more than a leaf or two. Will agree on the Devrom - helps make the odor tolerable, but doesn't change anything else. Still worth it. I find that straight eggs, I have trouble digesting, but like Pete said, having egg salad with very heavy mayo makes it go down smoothly. You have to increase the protein to take care of yourself, but also increase the fat so that everything digests easily.

I admit I indulge in chocolates a little too much, but I have now given up any sweets that do not have a lot of fat in them such as hard candies or Twizzlers - feel they are a waste of carbs. Premium ice creams and dark chocolate seem to go down smoothly. Rice? More than a forkful knocks my stomach for a loop. Sugars and starches cause gas pain and odor, particularly flour. I can eat one corn tortilla a day, but there are severe consequences for wheat ones. I seem to tolerate pears well, and they aid in digestion. Are you doing a probiotic to help with your digestion? I have similar sensitivities, soy, lactose, and also artificial sweeteners - maybe that is why you had trouble with other protein shakes. Stevia products such as Sweet Drops seem to be okay for me, but not much else.

At 14 months out, you are still within your optimal weight losing phase. This is the time to buckle down to lose the weight while your body is still predisposed to do so. Do it not by depriving yourself, but by eating more of the right things. I didn't even play with the wraps and adding more carbs until I was within 10 pounds of my ideal weight. You might want to go extremely low carb for a while, but eat a lot more fat and protein - you will use the bathroom more, but your body will feel satisfied, which is the signal that it can release the stored fat. You can do this - your daughter will need your strength! Wishing you both the best!