Protein Shakes

Just doing more research and wondering why you chose the protein shake that you did? did you even  have a choice or was that the one and only advised by your physician? Ive noticed that the Premier shakes have 30 g of protein whereas Optifast etc have 14..someone please explain to me why you wouldnt use the higher protein shake..wouldnt the higher amount of protein also keep you fuller while you are trying to lose before surgery? Thanks so much to all.

We don't have a choice here.   The nutritionist orders the Optifast at our first meeting with her.  The Optifast is actually pretty tasty when prepared to your liking and are very filling.    As for the Premier shakes, although high in protien, they are low on carbs and they aren't recommended in the first few phases after surgery either.   According to Laura the NUT, too many patients were finding themselves extremely tired post-op, so drinks with more carbs like Boost and Ensure are on the post-op list. 

Hi Madelaine 

I could use any type of protein shake I chose. (Had surgery in Mexico at OCC.)  I had also obtained the preop diet from WLF (surgery through their company is also done in Mexico) and they recommended very high protein (I believe at least 25 g) and very low carb (under 3 g) protein shakes. That was what I stuck with.  

I started 4 months preop with two shakes a day and regular food in the evening sort of as a test for myself to see if I could do the preop and just stuck with it.  However, there is a disclaimer on all the protein powder containers that they are not intended for weight loss, but I think we're sort of in a different category.  The shakes had to be 250 cal or less.  During my two week preop I also could still have all the green vegetables I wanted, plus Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice or Weigh****chers.meal or chicken or fish for supper, up until two days before surgery, then only liquids.  It really wasn't difficult to stick to for two weeks. They also allowed weight loss shakes (like Slim Fast) or OptiFast. The choice was up to me. 

I've discovered every facility seems to have differrent rules on preop and postop diets.

Following surgery, I can't stomach any of the protein shakes I have.  I'm going to try ones from Popeyes that are fruit-flavoured.  I'm quite sure I can't be getting enough protein with the tiny amounts I am able to eat.

Good idea going to Popeye's Dianne!  They will take back any opened protein powders if you don't like it.  They will give you a credit to another one.  And, they will give you a taste test before you buy as well.

Tell them you need a whey isolate powder and you are using it for weight loss.  They will probably point you to the Syntrax Nectar series....mango tango, fuzzy navel, roadside lemonade, etc.  There are also other brands.. Myofusion (banana) is a favourite to me as well.  It is not a chemically banana and has dried egg in it which will keep you fuller longer as well.  I mix it with Silk Chocolate Soy Milk and water and ice cubes.  Shake, Shake, sip, sip!

The Nectar series are usualy 100 cal per serving, around 25 proteins, 0 fat, 0 sugars.

You don't really want to be eating 'white bad carbs' - potatoes, rice, bread, crackers, etc., and so really you don't need it in your protein powders; processed carbs convert to sugar and you crave more.  You get enough carbs from good veggies and not as much fruit in your diet (sugar there!)

I keep several containers of protein powder in the house for variety.  Currently I have a vailla chai (pea powder), Muscle Milk Blueberry (not a favourite; but can't be bothered to return it; I mix it with quinoa flakes for breakfast and have 'Cream of Quinoa, blueberry flavoured" .  I also have Syntrax Mango on hand for a light fruity drink.  Sometimes, for a change in flavour, I toss in a bit of Crystal Lite - maybe 1/3 of a straw so I have something different flavoured to drink.

Mmmmmm....those sound yummy.  Haven't made it to Popeyes yet, thanks to our car breaking down yesterday (all fixed now).  The banana flavour doesn't appeal at all, but those other fruit ones sound very good. 

Thank you Lori and Dianne for all the valuable information!!! Im pretty sure I will be going to Mexico for my surgery and although its faster than waiting eons here in Manitoba, I wont be getting all the teaching that they are providing here...I will just have to ask, ask and ask some more to learn all I can. Im so worried about not being able to survive on the shakes..pre-op

 i was able to get a sytrax nectar sample pack from either netriotion.com or nashuanutrition on line. im saving them for post op. not sure what i will think of them but the do sound yummy, and i hear they are popular. a brand of shake im hoping ill still enjoy after surg are the "about time" shakes, the reason they appeal to me is cuz they are made with stevia, and no artificial sweeteners. yay!
 
madeline2000-the best thing you can do for yourself is read all kinds of wls books, and post your questions here, i know there are a couple of dietitians in wpg that are familiar with bariatric needs, i know you have to pay for it, but if you find you need guidance post op, this might be a good idea for you. i have a dozen books on wls so if you need the name of some good ones i might be able to recomend one to you. feel free to pm me or post and i will do my best to answer.

wishing all of you wonderful ladies well,

niki