Why so many protein shakes???

I don't do protein shakes (gave them up about 2 weeks post op).

Some people drink them for convenience -- some people have their bands at a tightness that does not allow them to eat enough breakfast to satisfy their hunger/protein needs, so they drink a shake.

There may even be people who like them --- I am not one of them!!

I can eat and I do eat --- liquids do not satisfy my hunger, so protein shakes are wasted calories for me.

I never have protein shakes.

Once you learn to live with your band, you can adjust what you eat to suit yourself. The dietary rules which do not affect your safety are there for you to decide for yourself.  Some go low carb, some go low fat, some go....whatever you want.

If protein shakes fit in with someone's lifestyle - that's their choice!

Using them as meal replacements is a bit counterproductive - why get banded to take in liquid calories which just go straight through? But if that is what works for a person - that's fine.

Learn how your band works for you;  and then experiment a bit (carefully!). 

Other than following post-op and post-fill instructions, how you eat depends on you. Your plan might seem wrong to me, mine might seem wrong to you. Doesn't matter at all!

Kate

Kate

I drink protien drinks on a day that I haven't had enough protien and am limited in time.  I all so eat protien bars when I'm out and it's time to eat.  The protien bar is more satisfying and fills my hunger longer.

Tracy

i want to thank everyone for their input....i appreciate it alot!!!!!!  i am having surgery next thursday!

 Hi there, and congrats on your upcoming surgery!  A couple of years ago, any discussion of protein shakes around here was sure to cause a major battle!  Some people felt very strongly that using protein drinks past the pre-op stage (except for after fills) totally defeats the purpose of the band.  

Personally, I didn't use them during my weight loss phase *even* pre- and post-op!  I didn't have nearly as long in the liquid stage as many people do, though.

But, now I sometimes use them for convenience or preference.  I do recommend that you carefully compare the portion sizes/calories/carbs to the amount of protein.  Some are just off the charts for how many calories you are taking in for the amount of protein.  You might as well add a scoop to protein powder to a milkshake!  

On the flip side, those with more protein and less carbs sometimes taste nasty.  They are really loaded with artificial ingredients.  I prefer to make a smoothie with 1/2 c. 2% cottage cheese, 1/2 c. frozen mixed berries, 1/2 tsp. Crystal Light powder, a scoop of vanilla EAS Pure Protein powder, a Tbsp ground flax seeds (for essential fats and fiber**** and 1 to 1-1/2 water.  It's 287 calories, 18g carbs, 7g fat, a whopping 41g protein, and 9g fiber.  It makes a LOT, so I freeze some in bowl for a snack later.  

Tami