Protein Powders

I was just wondering what types of protein powders everyone used. I am looking for an unflavored one that I can put into the soups and drinks post op. The dietician reccommended one, BeneProtein and it has six grams of protein per serving. I was looking around on the internet and GNC has one that is 21 grams per serving. Does anyone have experience with either of these brands? Also has anyone tried GNC's 50 Gram Slam? It looks like a ready to drink protein drink that has 50 grams of protein! Is it okay to take in that much protein in one meal? Is it best to spread it out? TIA

Hi Eileen, I heard from Post-op people said Nectar is the best because no lump while mixed up. 1 scoop for 6-8 oz of water is 23 protein grams. I am not sure about wheyprotein power but our tastes will be different after surgery. Good question and I am anxious to hear other post-op people said too since I am also pre-op person too. Kathy K

The Three Protein Powder Replacements that I recommend: Nitro-Tech by Muscle-tech. 110 Calories per Serving 20 grams of Protein. Pro-Lab: 124 Calories per serving 24 grams of Protein per serving. Optimum Whey: 110 Calories per ser serving 24 grams of Protein. If you are looking for a flavorless protein look into Isopure brand. All can be bought at GNC, but I strongly recommend buying them at bodybuilding.com. (You will save a significant amount of money!!) I also strongly recommend using Hood Brand Carb Countdown products which have high amounts of whey protein in them. Hood Carb Countdown chocolate milk 1 cup is 100 calories and 12 grams of protein, regular milk is 70 Calories with 12 grams of protein. There yogurts also have 12 grams of protein per serving with 80 calories. Don't forget you can also use Protein replacement bars occasionally, especially if you have a sweet tooth. I recommend Clif Bars Builder Bars which have 20 grams of Protein, Nitro-Tech Bars 35 grams of protein, Met-Rx High Protein 32 grams of protein, and EAS line which have low-carb line which run about 29 grams of protein. (One caveat with the protein bars is they average about 200-300 calories, but you can eat half at one time, the other later in the day--you should be spliting you caloric intake into 6-7 meals a day anyways for a speedy metobolism and to thwart any chance of eating something you should not be!)

I would NOT recommend taking in 50 grams of protein in one sitting. (Professional bodybuilders who need to take in 400 grams of protein a day DO NOT because your body simply cannot efficiently utilize that in one sitting. You also may give yourself gastrointestinal upset with that much.

Eileen: I have hear a lot of people use Any Whey tasteless protein powder. I have not tried it yet. I know it is sold on Susan Maria's website but not sure where else. Chryssie

Unfortunately, you can't absorb 50 grams of protein in one meal. So, you would have to split it over two meals Unjury makes a good flavorless protein powder that can be added to food items. I believe it's carried at GNC. That could be the one you're talking about. It's not so bad. Remember to look at the sugar and fat content of these shakes too. It can be a big...it can induce dumping. (yuck!) Try to remember that alot of these protein supplements are focused on the body builder market, and they don't worry too much about sugar and fat. I try to keep the sugar at les than 10 grams per serving and the fat at 5 grams or less. You will have to decide what your individual tolerance is. Having said that, I have yet to find a drink that I can tolerate for any length of time. I just HATE the tastes of them all. So, I usually will have a protein bar if I need to supplement. Bars also tend to keep you fuller longer, since they are more solid protein. Perhaps when you're allowed, you can try a bar too. Take care! Lisa C

Hi Eileen, This is the age old debate and it boils down to what tastes good to you. There are a few flavorless whey protein's out there which are going to give you more protein per serving than the Beneprotein you described. Personally I never used the one that I ordered (have since passed it on to a friend). I really liked the Propelete Gold protein powder's from Bariatriceating.com. I love the pineapple and the banana. You mix them with water (my preference, I don't like the milky drinks) 6oz if I remember correctly and get something like 120 calories and 22 grams of protein and really yummy. I also like the Atkins Cafe au Lait for a premixed drink. As far as the bars go be careful as alot of them have tons of carbs and sugars. I have tried a wide variety and have now settled on the All in One or the Strive or Atkin's Breakfast bars. Not bad calorie wise and taste wise. I get alot of protein in the foods that I eat so I am not so worried about the protein grams anymore. I average 80-90 grams of protein a day with out the supplements. Good luck in your quest and remember that your tastes could change greatly after surgery so don't stock up yet!! Linda

I wanted to thank everyone for all their answers! You guys are the best!