This phase started out as problematic. It calls for a high protein intake, with 90% of the recommended foods being dairy and beans, both for which I have a high intolerance. My race, ethnicity and age came into play.
“Lactose intolerance is most common in people of African, Asian, Hispanic and American Indian descent.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lactose-intolerance/symptoms-causes/syc-20374232
“Approximately 75 percent of the African-American population is lactose intolerant..” https://blackdoctor.org/african-americans-lactose-intolerance/
I am at the top of that 75%.
I don’t have the statistics for older people and intolerance for beans, but I have stories going way back to my childhood to present, where seniors describe flatulence and bloating caused by the intake of beans. It is also my story. There are many ways to remove the gas from beans, however, for me, I have a higher than usual intolerance, even when these methods are used.
My protein shake is lactose-free, however, used in combination (not together, but during the day) with other dairy products, yogurt, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, was too much. I think I am not just lactose intolerant, I am dairy intolerant. I didn’t dare add beans.
Thursday through Saturday, I had my worst days yet, suffering through the discomfort of bloating, heaviness, gas pain, low energy and a general feeling of malaise. Friday evening through Saturday, I decided to stop the dairy and cleanse my system by going back to fluids. By Saturday evening, I received relief and enjoyed my best day since surgery, even going to a reggae concert and standing and rocking to the music.
I decided to take things into my own hands. I puréed fish and chicken separately with broth and while the taste was good, the look was insipid and the smell too strong that they made me nauseous. I eat with my senses, so this option does not work for me.
I have introduced avocado. I rationalized that the reason given was that avocado was too heavy, I could make it lighter than the yogurt on the list. I also brought back the lactose-free protein drink as the only dairy I will have. (The only non dairy milk on my approved food list is soy. For someone bean intolerant, soy milk does not work). The avocado and protein drink make a delicious combination (2 ounces protein drink and 1/4 avocado give the 3 ounces I am allowed per meal).
I have eight more days to go on puréed foods and know that I cannot be sustained by avocado alone, so today, I am going to cook and crush salmon down to pate-like and try that. I am researching other foods to give me the 60 grams of protein I need daily. Next up for me will be a booklet/insert on what to include in foods for the lactose, dairy and bean intolerant and/or The Black Guide to Bariatric Surgery and The Old Fart Guide to Bariatric Surgery, which will have one entry, "No Beans."
This experience was not supposed to be a walk in the park. I stubbed my toe, fell on this walk, got up and kept moving…
With no regrets.
I have been looking at the belly and butt as measurements, but I have to remember that I am bloated. I look wider because of the closeness of the after photos. The butt has fallen, and the bump in the middle that contributed to my lower back pain is gone. The weight loss is showing more in the profile. Notice the arms and face.
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