General
Protein Intake
Hey everyone, just wanted to get some input on how you all make sure you get enough protein? How do you navigate the changes in intake needs? For example, on dialysis, then during the various stages after transplant.
I would say I had the most difficult time while on dialysis because I did not have a good appetite and everything had a metallic taste. I would have the protein shakes, but I got pretty tired of having to drink one every single day. On top of that having a salt restriction makes it even harder when you can't even add salt to your eggs or chicken, haha!
Right after transplant was the easiest because I had an appetite and it was easy to include protein in all my meals and snacks. Now I am 9 years out and I recently learned that I have not been taking in enough protein. I go through ups and downs. Some weeks I am great with my diet and other weeks I forget to eat and end up having 1-2 small meals a day.
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I would ask for a referral to the nutritionist. They can guide you. It’s important to note that the current guidelines are not based on science but pseudo science and a properly trained, registered dietitian should be consulted.
My transplant team got me hooked up with a transplant team nutritionist. It was amazing! She suggested isopure powder for me. Of course talk to a nutritionist. It really helped me. I forget to eat. My husband feeds me! Lol
Transplant Patient
@TiaBean my husband also feeds me, otherwise I'm pretty sure I would starve.
I find it really easy to hit my protein goals, but maybe that's because I've always had to eat a higher protein diet? I naturally gravitate towards higher protein foods. I also do things like making collagen lattes, and I love sipping on some bone broth so that definitely helps too.
My biggest issue has always been getting enough calories. Which feels backwards to me 😅
Hi Dominika, I never had problems. Even during dialysis, I would eat some home made chicken salad before each session, so that I feel better. My intake was good, but after transplant the medical team told that more protein is good and I never had a problem with that, thank God.
Yes absolutely, already asked for a referral. I was just looking to see who else might have run into difficulties with "keeping up" with their protein intake or any general ideas that people have that might be a good tip for everyone. I totally agree, the best thing to do it to get a professional opinion especially from someone who can work in tandem with my team.
Haha, I am glad you have your husband reminding you to eat! I never thought I would be someone who forgets to eat especially because I very much enjoy eating!!! That's good to know and be aware of the name! I will keep in in mind depending on what my team/dietitian say! Thank you :)
@AliEm14 Hahah!! I hear you on that! This is honestly a new thing for me because I love meat! Especially steak lol. Bone broth is new to me as is the collagen latte so I will do some googling before bed tonight! Thanks for that!
@jdanishevsky Mhmm, love a good chicken salad! Reading some of the food ideas might be just what I need to remind me to eat, haha! The chicken salad seems like a great solution to get something in your stomach before treatment and make sure you are getting protein! Did you ever find that your blood pressure would drop if you ate during dialysis? I have some patients who were unable to eat during their treatment due to their blood pressure dropping. I know that's not the case for everyone