2 problems - any suggestions?

Hi guys! All has been going well with me with the exception of 2 things. The first is that I still cannot find a palatable protein shake/bar to use, and hence, my protein is sometimes low. Someone mentioned using Boost, but the Bariatric Coordinator in the program I am in says not to use the Boost and Ensure supplements because they have too much other stuff. Well, if it's the only thing I can get past the lips without , then maybe it is worth the try. Has anyone else used these? Are there SF varieties? The 2nd issue is insomnia. I have never had it before, but for the last week, I wake up about 2 hours after falling asleep and then I'm awake until it's almost morning. Then when I get up I'm totally wiped out. Is anyone else having this that typically doesn't have insomnia? Any suggestions would be appreciated. mgm lap RNY 3/16/04 330/311/288/130

Hi Marla, I use Unjury tasteless Protien it goes down great and I put it in everything and because it has no taste mixes well in everything from soup to sf puddings, I also was told by my doc that if I had trouble sleeping to use liquid benedryl, as I was using the tablets pre-op to sleep due to my diabetis, but i am happy to say I sleep all night now and I havnt had to use insuline in 15 days!!! This is wonderful, I am so happy I did this and would do it again if I had to! Hugz Mary I hope this helps a lil but please check with your doc before you try any new meds ok!

Thanks Mary, I've been using Beneprotein, which is also tasteless, but since I'm not eating SF pudding or too much liquidy stuff, there is a limit to what I can do with it. I've been using it in CIB, but the last few nights I've dumped on that - go figure! mgm

I had problems finding protein my pouch and I could both handle. I found Atkin's Low Carb Solutions works for me. It has 9 grams of protein per cup and right now I am to drink 1 cup per day but I am doing more than than. They want at least 20 grams per day.

Thanks Martha. But, 20 grams??? My orders, and everything I've seen has said a minimum of 60 grams protein per day. Or are you talking about 20 grams of protein drink to go along with an additional 40+ grams in food? mgm

Marla, I have been using protein powder that I got from Bariatriceating.com It is the Whey Fruity brand. (26 gr protein per scoop) It comes in two flavors fruit punch and lemonade. I have the fruit punch, it has no yucky after taste and is quite yummy. What I do with it: I put about 4-5 ounces of sour crystal light or lemonade sf koolaid in my little mini chopper and then add a scoop of the powder and whip it up. A blender would work fine too. I do it this way to make sure there are no lumps. I hate the lumps I use the sour liquid because the powder is very sweet. I put in the small amount of liquid because it tastes good and its not so much to get down at one time. You can actually stand to eat the powder all by itself, it tastes that good. You can order samples of that powder from their site as well. I think they were $1.50 a packet. This was the 5th powder I had tried and it is the best, I can actually say this one is good. I drink two of these small concoxsions a day and three if I feel short on protein. I must admit I dont dread having to drink them like I did some of the other stuff. By the way, the carb countdown stuff is VERY good. A little costly but very good and they have a good source of protein, yogurt has about 12 g per container and they also have a yogurt drink that is good. The fat free milk tastes exactly like milk to me. I paid 2.68 a half gallon for the fat free milk. And it comes in chocolate that I heard at support group was excellent and addictive. I was told boost and ensure have too much sugar for us. So be careful. I havent had insomnia but I have required less sleep to feel rested. I think when you come off narcotics its hard for your body to adjust. You have taken medicine that makes you tired and once you arent your body knows it and reacts accordingly. this too shall pass.......I hope soon for you. Make it a great day, Janelle

Thanks Janelle - I just put in an order for some samples. They don't have the one you mentioned in their sample list, but I'm trying some of the others. mgm

I ordered a sample pack of protein shakes from wlssuccess.com and have liked most of them so far. They have about 26 grams of protein per 8 oz serving. I mixed the mocha and chocolate one day. Another day I mixed the strawberry and banana. They also have what they call Nectars that aren't too bad, even though I'm not a fan of artificial fruit flavors. I drink one of the shakes every morning for breakfast and since I've been doing that, my plateau has broken and I've been losing at least a pound a day. Don't know that it was the increased protein for sure, but it didn't hurt. Connie

Hi: I'm like you I can't drink these supposedly tasteless pro. supplemets. I've tried so many. I finally can take one that Dina mentioned. It's in the supermarket - Carb Countdown Dairy Beverage - processed by Hood. I put it in a blender w/1splenda and 1/3 of a banana that has been sliced and frozen. It has 22 pro. grams per cup. Re: Protien I did a search and found that some studies indicate a pro. value based upon ideal weight. For me that is 53g per day. I am satisfied with getting 38 per day at this point post op. Re: Insomnia - it may just be due to all the changes. But it is also a sign of depression and even good change like our wls can cause it. So be sure to talk to your doctor about it. Hope this was helpful to you. Louise 231/209/143

Protidiet tropical punch is the hands down best way for me to get my protein in. Took it to my support group last night and they all loved it as well. It's gelatin based protein so it doesn't taste funky. In fact, if you ever drank hot jello for a treat when you were a kid, it's much like that only icy cold and YUMMY. I don't care for the orange flavor as it's like Orange Kool Aide to me (Yuck), and I've been told the grape isn't very good either, but the tropical punch is fantastic. I kill 2 birds with one stone with this stuff as I get my protein and water in. You can pour it over ice and sip with a straw and it feels like you are drinking a soda or yummy juicy drink. As for the insomnia, I've had it for years, but that's mainly because I'm a night owl. The one thing is when you get the sugar and calories out of your system, your energy level increases so you will likely need less sleep. I go from 10 hrs a night to 5 or 6 a night when I'm following Atkins, and the same thing has happened with this. When I go to bed too early, my body takes it as a nap and I get into that negative cycle. The best answer I have for that is to get up early when you're tired and try not to nap the rest of the day. I have to be properly sleep deprived when I go to bed the next night or I won't sleep through. Hopefully you can get it resolved soon. I have the same problem sleeping at night, but it's not as big of a deal for me as I'll be going back on graveyard in a month anyway. Dina