Overwhelmed by protein supplements--who likes what????

Hello, I'm having surgery on Feb.14th and I just went to my first pre-op education class. So, I get that I'm going to have to use protein supplements, but I went to the store and .....................wow!!! So, I'm taking a poll, 1) What protein supplements did you like, and not like. Also, do you know if any of the companies will send you samples. I hate to spend hundreds of dollars on something and then not like it. Any help would be appreciated. I like some of the bars, but I understand the bars won't be possible for 5-7 weeks. HELP!!!!! Tania Miles

Tania, Many of us started off on a protein concoction that St. Vincent's recommend (anyone have that recipe handy???). You may want to start off with that...but buy in small quantities. The products you find at the grocery store has way too many sugars & calories for the protein you get. If you can't handle the St. v's mix, then go to GNC and try out a few of theirs. Isopure is one that is recommended by dieticians. Again, buy small. You may not like it. Most of us have to shop around to find a protein drink that works for us. BariatricEating.com has some good choices. It's going to be awhile before you can handle protein bars..and again, when you do get the ok for hem, buy small and buy ones that will give you the most protein for the least calories & sugar. Remember, all protein supplements are not created equal! Sherri

I'm not really good with mixes so I buy the pre-mixed protein shakes. There is two that I get from GNC, "Grand Slam 50" and "Body Extreme" which also contains 50 grams of protein.

I am NOT reccomending my way but letting you know you can survive... I could not stand ANY of the protien suppliments even ST Vs tasted nasty to me.. so I survived on 5 glasses of milk a day and 4 cheese sticks.. and my vitamins and calcium.. I did like the GNC liquid vitamins.. I took for the first several months.. cranberry based and very easy to get down.. Like Sherri said.. try it but just a little at a time until you know what you want.. If you let us know if your coming to Darrahs baby shower those of us coming could bring you a sample of what we used.. I even have some here that we pass out from the loosers group for people to try.. Linda

I would agree to buy small to start with. I have never had an intollerance to dairy, but unfortunately that seems to have happened since my surgery. Any protein source I have tried that is milk-derrived makes me nauseated and bloated, even when I use Lactaid. So just because you like the taste of something or just because it worked in your system before the surgery, doesn't mean it is going to work after unfortunately. I ordered a case of Profect yesterday to try. It is 3 oz, sugar free, and has 25 carbs. Someone on here recommended it a month or so ago, so I thought I would try it. Good luck! Belle

Thank you so much everyone! At least I have some starts on some good ideas. Someone on another list also sent me a list of additions to add for a different variety. I am going to plan on coming to Darrah's baby shower, however, I won't know for sure until later in the week. My ex-husband is supposed to have the kids this weekend, but a lot of times he ends up having to work. So, I will keep you posted. Any samples to try would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and I know you guys will remember me when you see me again. I met Linda, Deb, Angie, and Darrah at the dinner last year. I even had a picture taken with Ed!!! Love and best wishes for a successful week!!! Tania