All protein from protein drinks. That ok?

I've been having some difficulty eating meats so almost all if not all of my protein is coming from Adkins or PureProtein shakes and WheyFruitti drinks. Is getting all one's protein this way (molecularly designed) okay? Will there be any long term affects doing it this way? Basically I'm asking if there is any difference from this protein and protein from "real" foods: milk, cheese, meat, etc? It makes it so much easier to drink a shake or two then a drink or two and be done with it. Curiously, becky (396) 330/278/175

Becky: I do not have an answer for you. I have a feeling I will be living on protein drinks/bars post op. I don't like beans or red meat. I like chicken enough but I have read alot of people have a hard time with it. I am still pre op and live mostly on carbs. (bad I know) I have cut out most of the carbs these days in prep. of surgery. I am a really picky eater and have a feeling I will be even worse post op. It sounds like the shakes are working for you. Keep up the great work. I wish you all the sucess in the world. Chryssie

Hi Becky, I don't know if there are any long term effects from the protein drinks. I do know however that Whey Protein is better for us especially us women than Soy protein. Then there is a difference in the protein's processing......concentrated, blended etc. You might want to talk to a nutritionist or someone who knows about these things. I don't think there is anything wrong with using the drinks and bars to supplement but you want to make sure you are using the right ones. I noticed you didn't mention fish. Do you not like it or can't tolerate it? Great protein source as is cottage cheese. Are you eating other things besides the protein drinks and bars? The reason I ask that is for the calorie count. Talk to your doctor and nutritionist. You are right to question. Linda

Hey there Becky, I'd like to give you my humble opinion on this. First, let me say that you should definately speak to your surgeon about this, because each surgeon had different protocol and opinions about the supplementation of protein and how much/often is acceptable. Here's my opinion, for what it's worth. Technically, molecularly speaking, there is little to no difference between solid protein sources and liquid. However, the molecular difference is not what you need to worry about. The PHYSICAL and PSYCHOLOGICAL difference is what is important. You must do everything you possible can to work up to getting all of your protein from solid food sources as soon as possible after surgery. Many reasons for this...but some of them are: 1. You've got to begin developing a new healthy relationship with food. Sipping shakes for food is not a healthy choice for eating the rest of your life. It does not help you develop heatlhy eating habits. Nor does it assist you pouch in 'toughening up' and being able to tolerate more solid foods. 2. You've got to learn what 'full' feels like and eat to maximize the full feeling (meaning make it last as long as possible). This is SO important as you get further out. Hunger or the preception of hunger is a more difficult issue the further you get out from surgery. You may say now that you're not hungry, so what difference will it make. Believe me- sooner or later you'll be hungry again. When you are- you'll have the method to deal with it down pat Anyway- those are my top two reasons for why you must try to get your protein from solid foods. I do believe I could go on...but I'll leave it at that. I know it's difficult to get in the protein you need. I know that it's a hassle to count up grams and plan to eat a certain way. I've been there and I know what it's like. Hang in there and keep on pushing for the solid foods. Try cooking meats in a different fashion- like crock pots or pressure cooking or rotissere or trying things that you haven't yet...say ground turkey or ground sirloin, different fish, etc. Good luck to you. Best, lisa C Open RNY 11/18/02 306/138