any thoughts?

does anyone have any thoughts on protein: what brands have you found to be the best powder? how would you describe the taste and texture? Any opinions on Protein bars? Store bought or homemade?

I cant stand the powders. I will suck them down because I will have to. Hopefully I will get used to them. Apparently, it is wise to get samples. That is what I have done. Try as many as you can before you invest in the big tubs.

I haven't had my surgery yet but I currently eat "PowerBar", peanut butter flavor.  They're made by Nestle and to me taste kind of like "Bit-O-Honey".  They have 9g of protein per bar.  I included the nutrition info below.  You can get them at Walgreens for around $1.00.  I hope this helps.

Nutrition Facts - Serving size - 1 bar
Calories 240
Calories from fat 40
* Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Amount/Serving	% DV*
Total Fat 4g	6%
Sat Fat 1g	5%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 200mg	8%

Amount/Serving	% DV*
Potassium 105mg	3%
Total Carb 44g	15%
Dietary Fiber 1g	4%
Sugars 25g
Protein 9g	18%

http://www.powerbar.com/products/50/POWERBAR_PERFORMANCE_Pea nut_Butter.aspx

I have found two types of protein powder that I like and work very good for me.  They both have a lot of protein in them.  They are Unjury and Syntha 6.  You can google both of them and get a lot of information on these two types.  I found some protein bars at Sam's Club called Premier Nutrition PROTEIN bars.  They come packed 15 to a box and cost around $14 and each bar contains 30g of protein.  I like to have one of these bars followed up later by a glass of 1% milk, it is a nice afternoon snack packed with protein and not feeling hungry until it is time for my evening meal.

I ordered some samples it is From Syntrax  NECTER they come in  11 full size pkgs. the flavors is. Apple Ecstasy, Caribbean Cooler, Lemon Tea, Crystal sky, Road Side Lemonade, Cappuccino, Fuzzy Navel, Twisted Cherry, Vanilla Bean Torte Strawberry Kiwi, and Strawberry Daiquiri. I have only tried the Strawberry Kiwi and it was smooth just like a regular liquid. It was not grimmy and it stirs with a spoon.  These have 23g of protein. It is the best tasting powder that I have tried so far.
You  have to pay for these samples, I think it is worth it.
Regular price for 11 sample packs is 21.89 but you can get it for the total of $9.99. That consist of $4.99 for the product and $5.00 S&H.
You can call 1-866-333-7404 ext. 803 and talk to Rick Davis. They take credit cards over the phone. Or you can send a check to....  
           SI03
4711 Nash Road
Scott City, MO 63780 

They send the product threw UPS.

I just gave you all the info that i had. I hope that you like it. I know I do. It is worth the $9.99 that I paid for it.

Good luck on your surgery. Mine is June 29th.

Honestly..... this is going to sound silly.... but I am HOOKED on my boyfriend's bodybuilding protein shakes and energy bars. They are freaking DELICIOUS..... and surprisingly WAY healthier than all the other protein shakes I've tried (Atkins, Ensure, all the ones they sell in grocery stores, etc).

Here are a few of my favorites. They look expensive, but if you sign up for their little club thing (which I'm pretty sure is free), you get major discounts:

Labrada ProV 60.... Strawberry and Vanilla are both DELICIOUS:
http://labrada.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=labrada&Product_Code=PP-0209&Category_Code=mrp_shakes

I make the women-sized servings, so each shake is around 160 calories, with 30 grams of protein. The strawberry is delicious if you blend it up with some ice...... and the vanilla is good alone, OR as a base to add other flavors. They're both very light and easy to drink. They kind of remind me of those yummy blended drinks that you can buy at Starbucks.... except MUCH healthier.

I have these in strawberry:
http://labrada.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=labrada&Product_Code=MR-0160&Category_Code=mrp_shakes

Have only had two so far, but they are also really yummy. I can't wait to experiment more when I'm not on my liquid diet.... I bet they'd be awesome with some fresh fruit mixed in (drool!)

The only thing I kinda raise my eyebrows too is that you have to watch the sugars. They can make a person dump and get really sick. Especially early on...Oh wait I didn't see if you were having RNY or something else...I'm speaking from RNY anyway. Just thought I would throw that out there! Good luck in your journey!