Best Protein Drink I've Found

I ordered several dozen samples, but the best protein drink I've found so far is Syntrax Nectar. They mix easily with a spoon - which is good because I don't like the "shake" style - tastes like a bunch of fluffy air. I really liked the Caribbean Cooler (pina colada flavored), Fuzzy Navel (nice peachy orange flavor), and Strawberry Kiwi. I've also had the Lemonade and Lemon Tea (but that was a couple of weeks ago and I don't remember a strong dislike). You get about 30 grams of protein for 1 scoop. Directions say to mix with 8-9 oz. of water. I read on one webpage that you can eat the mix like candy (kind of like pixy stiks I guess). The best price I found for the 2 lb. cannisters was on www.smartbodynutrition.com. Shipping is always a killer for me because I'm in Alaska. I got the samples from www.enjoyhealth.com but you can get samples from many other websites. Maria, 9 days and counting

Wow, your 9 days will whiz by, and before you know it, it will all be over. I will have mine July 27th. Long time yet. What part of Alaska are you in? I took a cruise up there about 5 or 6 years ago, and I thought it was breath taking. I went to Juno (spelled wrong I know), Kaskatawan (again with the spelling) and so many others that I know I won't even attempt to spell. I loved it. God be with you and keep you through your surgery and recovery, Rita 325/278/ RNYon 7/27/05

Hello Rita, I live in the Fairbanks area - way up North - only 60 miles from the Arctic Circle. We've stopped in Juneau and Ketchican as well. You may have also visited Wrangell, Petersberg, Haines, Skagway, Sitka.....It is a very beautiful state. My husband is active duty Air Force and I'm a civilian working for the Air Force. When our time is up here in 2008, I'm sure we'll be ready to go. This is our second time up here; so when we leave, we'll have lived here for almost 7 years. Good luck with your surgery as well.

Maria- Hey, I like those too. My MIL (who had WLS over a year ago) gave me some of hers. I like the Strawberry Kiwi the best. There is also a cherry one..but I thought it had this weird strong wang to it. Didn't like it. I still mix mine in a blender. When I was on the preop diet I mixed the Strawberry one with fresh strawberries or bannans and added ice. Tasted like an exotic tropic drink. Loved it. (even in a blender didn't have that weird whipped air in feeling like the others) Unfortunately my pre-op diet won't allow fruit. So that is out for now. However, they taste good without too. Also, My Dr. office gave me some samples. I found this one called Lean Mass Matrix by Prolab. It is also made to not have to use a blender. (they call in "INstantized" which is fancy name for mixes without blender) I didn't expect too but I liked the cinnamon Oatmeal flavor. Linda

Dear Linda, Would you mind posting or e-mailing me your pre-op diet? My doctor doesn't require one, but I am doing one anyway to help fine-time my insulin pump regime. Thanks! Pam M

Pam- Here is the diet I am on: Eat 3 meals and 2 snacks No fruit, fruit juice, bread, pasta, grains, starchy vegetables (corn, peas etc) or regular milk Eat no sweets (candy, cakes, pies, cookies, ice cream) Limit FATS such as butter, margarine, salad dressings and fried food Choose low fat cheeses (2% milk cheese or mozzarella) May supplement a protein shake instead of a meal. Acceptable Foods: All fish including tuna, salmon, sole, trout, and flounder All fowl including chicken, turgery, duck goose, cornish hen and quail. All shelffish including oysters, mussels, lobster, clams, shrimp, and crabmeat All meat including beef, pork, lamb, veal, ham, venison, Canadian bacon (exclude bacon, hotdogs, and canned meat) All eggs including scramble, poached, boiled and omlets (Use Egg beaters when possible) All vegetables excluding peas, corn potatoes and beans CXheese including low fat cottage cheese, cream cheese, cheddar, swiss, goat and mozzarella. Low carbohydrate mile. (Carb countdown by Hood for example) The reason for the diet is given as it shrinks the liver for surgery- which reduces the likelihood of bleeding or other complications and improves visibility during surgery. And also, they feel it get's your head in the right mindset for your priorities after surgery. I can kind of see this now. I have never been so protein focused in my life (This is my first atkins like diet). I hope that helps! Linda

Pam- I forgot to add that they stressed taking a multi vitamin with iron during this time too. (build up your iron stores) Also just wanted to say that my MIL is insulin free from the DAY AFTER SURGERY! (She is about 15 or so months out and no insulin since- and she looks so much healthier!!!!) I hope the same for you!!!!!!!! Linda

Linda, Thanks for the tip on the Lean Mass Matrix. The biggest problem for me is finding them up here in Alaska. The next biggest problem is swallowing the shipping charges when I have to break down and order them - I ordered 5 bottles of the Nectar and shipping alone was over $30. I'm hoping that I like the one my doctor carries - we'll see....Cinnamon Oatmeal sounds good.... Maria