I am so bummed! (Protein)

I cannot stand drinking protein shakes. I HATE it! I have tried so many different types I don't know where to go from here. Right after my surgery I got Whey Protein from GNC in the vanilla flavor. Yuck! It was horrible. I then ordered samples of Unjury vanilla and chocolate flavors. Hated both of them! They feel so thick and disgusting in my throat and make my stomach hurt. I have also tried sugar free carnation instant breakfast. I didn't think it tasted that bad but it made me feel horrible. Every single protein drink I have drank has given me a stomach ache and made me over all just feel "blah" like I don't feel like moving till it finally digests I guess and then I start to feel better. I finally thought I had found a solution when I saw Unjury had unflavored protein. Well I got my sample yesterday and today at 12:30 pm I put in my crystal light. Well I don't think it's unflavored. It made my crystal light so thick and gave it a wierd flavor. I hated it but forced myself to drink it b/c I know I need protein. As soon as I drank it I started feeling sick and just wanted to sleep. Now it's 3:30 and I'm finally feeling normal again. Why does protein make me feel that way? I thought it was suppossed to make me feel better and more energized? Does anyone have any suggestions on any protein I may be able to tolerate?

I have hated every protein drink also... to me they all have a weird flavor - I have been able to get down a milk & egg protein powder that I get in the health food section of my local Raley's - However - I have to blend it with a bunch of frozen berries, low-fat milk and occassionally a little extra dash of vanilla - But - the thing you wrote about being tired after having the protein... Makes me wonder if you might have a different tolerance for protein in general & maybe asking your doctor about this specifically or a nutritionist might help - There are other ways to get your protein of course... I eat a lot of cheese - mostly mozerella, beef or turkey jerky - soy nuts (these have about 37 grams of protein per oz.) I can eat beef - but not chicken - so I enjoy, hamburger patties & another favorite - is soy crisps "dipped" into cottage cheese with a little salt & pepper in it - (This was my mom's trick when we were kids to get us to eat cottage cheese - of course, we ate really high fat chips with it - but I find now that the soy chips - especially the ones with parmessan and garlic are a really nice substitute.) Anyways - Don't know if you've tried mixing the unflavored or vanilla with berries or sugar free chocolate drink mix (like nestles's) but it might help.... Much good luck & good thoughts to you.

Hi there! I'm in the same boat as you are! I don't care what they say- to me, the unflavored still tastes like vanilla and I cannot tolerate the thick shakes- I gag on them! So I finally broke down and purchased Susan Maria's gift basket (for me!) whi*****luded a huge amount of protein shake samples, her book, a shaker, sf candy and a couple of protein bars and vitamins. So far I have finally found a protein bar that I can eat and tastes excellent! Power Crunch bars- the chocolate one tastes the *******so bought the Tropical Oasis liquid calcium.. and lets just say I look FORWARD to this 'medicine' it is SO good! AND its calcium citrate which is what I was told to be taking. I haven't tried all of the protein drinks yet, but by far, the best tasting one (that doesn't get thick) is Nectar. You can order some samples of this through http://www.bariatriceating.com. Mind you, it's not OMG this is the best thing I've ever tasted, yet it's definately tolerable. I mix it with light white cranberry juice. I bought some crystal light, so I'm going to try that with it next. I haven't been brave enough to try it on its own yet! Another option is the flavored, pre-mixed Isopures. The orange one was the best of the flavors, but it is still pretty hard for me to drink it. Good luck! Jennifer N

Leighann, I can totally relate Here's a couple suggestions: Carb Countdown Chocolate Milk - 1 cup = 12 grams protein Carb Freedom Yogurt Smoothie by Blue bunny - 13 grams protein Also, try the new South Beach Diet meal replacement bars. The peanut butter tastes like p-nut butter rice kryspy bars. First bar I've found that I actually enjoy. Has 19 grams of protein. They come as individuals or by the box. If you buy the individuals make sure you only eat half - they are much larger than the ones you by in a pack. Like you, I've hated every protein drink I've tried. Good luck Dru Rny 11/10/04 254/174/145

protein shakes I did not like ANY of them after surgery. However I have since found one I love! It's less than 3 oz's, comes in fruity flavors, no bad aftertaste, not thick, in fact good. All this and 25 g's of protein! You can check it out via my www. button if you like! This is great for when I know I've not gotten my protein in from food and can sip, sip and do it at bedtime and keep my metabolism running through the night!

Thanks for the protein suggestion Vickie. I just ordered some to try Less than 3 ounces is definately a selling point Dru

Your Welcome! I hope you like it as much as I do. yeah size did matter in this case Vickie

My surgeon does not believe in protien shakes at all. He wants all the protien to come from food. He has a high success rate. Sorry All I can offer is well wishes. HUGGGs Brenda

Leighann, Have you tried Isopure from GNC? It's more like crystal lite than those other protein powders and drinks. I really dislike protein drinks too but I have found that I can tolerate the vanilla whey from GNC if I mix it in a blender with 1 cup of orange crystal lite and 1/2 cup of Light orange juice. It tastes like a cream cycle. It's really not so bad. Try both of those suggestions and see what you think. I can appreciate what you're going through. It is important to get in that protein so stick with it. You're bound to finally find something you like. Take care, Deb

Hi Leighann, I know what you mean about protein drinks and bars. I have not been able to find one that I can tolerate. What I did find though was for the times that I couldn't get it thru food was liquid protein. They sell it at GNC. You just take about 3 tablespoons of it and it comes in different flavors. There is 18g of protein in it and its not thick like the shakes. I haven't found any problems with it bothering the stomach like the others have. I hope it helps you. Heidi 267/170/147