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I need the recipe for the thai chi tea please.  Nice new picture Pam.

OMG, it is to die for!!  I just made it tonight and I am hooked.  And for a cup you get 27 grams of protein!  I am definitely going to be drinking this everyday!  I'll try and send you the link to the recipe in a PM.

First off, my first month, I was told by my WLS that I didn't need protein supplements right off the bat, we slowly got me into them after about the 3-4 week.  All programs are different, as I've learned, and some, are FAR more strict than others so you need to follow your surgeon's instructions on protein for the first month.  What does he say or your dietician say about it?  Ask.

I wasted probably 400.00 on samples, protein shake mixes, bars, etc.  I was livid because I need to control the sweetness and now, post op nearly 4 years, for the past 2 years I have been successful in doing just that by using Optimum Any Whey unflavored Protein.  I also did quite extensive research to find BEST possible price, GNC wants 54.99 for 2.7lbs, Barix wants I believe around 36.00 per 2.7 lb and by the time I drive there, that's double for me.  I found Unflavored Any Whey in the 2.7lb cannister, for 29.99 at www.bodybuilding.com/store/opt/any.html  and find that you can order 1-25 containers and ONLY pay for fed ex ground at 5.95 per shipment, plus if you order 75.00 or more worth of product, they will offer you a free gift- like t shirts, bottles, gym bags and more.  You need to check out the website to see what they offer.  Fastest way to order is on the PHONE because they process it faster. I've ordered it on Weds and got it on Friday.  The earlier in the week you order, the sooner you get it.  2-5 days max.  And you can track it online via email link they send you.

They also carry a WIDE selection of proteins and some I recommend but I will stay with my Any Whey- I mix it in the morning with my coffee and mid afternoon with decaf and I'm good to go (plus eating! doy!! :P)

Check out Vitalady.com too- she has numerous flavored proteins but I couldnt tolerate that stuff.  I also hear unjury.com has unflavored protein but I didn't care for it as much as Any Whey.

It's all a matter of personal preference.  Your taste buds will change post op so as they say, "dont buy stuff now".......or, if you do, get a variety pack so you have a variety to choose from.

Best of luck

Stacey W

Hey Jani,
I am with Brenda on this one.  I treated my protein like meds.  I used the bullets, I would drink half of one in the am and the other half at night.  You can also dilute them in crystal light and kill two birds with one stone.  Afterall, this is just temporary, once you can eat more dense protein, life gets sooo much better!

You've gotten some good suggestions from everyone so far.  (Except the protein bullet one... avoid those, it's the wrong kind of protein for us - see my profile post from May 17th) 

Here are a few more suggestions:

I had to try about 4 dozen different flavors/brands of protein powder before I found 2 or 3 that worked for me.  SAMPLES is the way to go here... never buy a big tub of anything until you know for sure that you'll like it.  You can get samples online and locally... here's a list:

www.enjoyhealth.com -- I started with their 21-flavor pack
www.netrition.com -- they also have a variety pack
www.bariatriceating.com -- buy stuff ala carte
www.vitalady.com -- ala carte here too

You can also contact individual manufacturers for samples like Unjury, Nectar, Chike, etc.

Locally you can get samples at
GNC
Meijer
Health Food Stores

If you're lucky enough to have a great support group, ask friends to bring you a scoop of their favorite flavor in a baggie.  A great way to try a bunch of different flavors on the cheap.

As for recipes.  Yep, definitely do the Protein Hot Chai Tea... it's an addiction.  You can also check my profile for some other random recipes for shakes... the Protein Hot Cocoa ones are good and once you're able to add fruit, you can make fruit smoothies.  If you want more recipes than you can possibly ever try check out my Protein Book... it's packed with recipes for shakes, bars, cookies, casseroles, snacks, everything WLS friendly. 

In the first month or so it's going to be very hard to get in all your protein. 

Pam T.  You are AWESOME   Your blog and all pages involved are fantastic.  Do you work in IT?  The only trouble I had with it was the stark white print on the dark black makes it hard on the eyes for me.  I'm going to try to read it all, but not all at once!  I couldn't begin to have what you have out there.  I'm going to see if my husband can print out the book at work for me.  It would take forever to print out on my archiac printer.  I'm definately going to try the chai tea, but I'm going to cut down on the cloves because it's not my favorite flavor, but I can handle it in small doses.  Everyone seems to love it.  I'm going to find a support group hopefully close to home so I don't have to go all the way downtown Detroit, but if I have to travel, I will.

I use Bariatric Advantage - the hospital sells it for $32.95 a container.  I never drink it plain, I always add fruit or peanut butter or sugar free syrup, but my favorite is adding yogurt.  So many flavors, so many flavor combinations!  I actually like my protein drink now and look forward to it.

Elaine

Hi...I like EAS vanilla or chocolate....I like it in powder which I get at Sams club in a big bag...or the liquid which I get at Target or EAS there's enough in the liduid to make 2 nice size drinks if you add Silk...which I love, especially the extra vanilla..
EAS has 17 g of protein and 0 sugar, as i am very reactive hypoglycemic it works good for me....I am almost 7 years out and I still do protein, not as often but I do get protein other places now too..I also like the Slim Fast low carb...it works good too....
Hang on for the ride of your life and enjoy it...good luck! See you on the losing side...

I have found Isopure (20oz) 40g protein to be pretty tolerable--premade in glassbottles from GNC.  Grape and Fruit Punch are the best in my opinion. Also try the Sugar Free Carnation Instant Breakfast--mix it with milk and its not too thick and chalky.  My latest discovery is from bariatriceating.com.  They have a PommRazz Sangria that is really good!  Highly recommend.  A friend of mine likes the Nectar Fuzzy Navel mixed with orange crystal light.  The first few weeks are the hardest, dont give up it is all worth it!!!!  Good Luck!

I only like Jay Robb's Whey protein.  Very tasty.  No artificial sweeteners (they use stevia).  I like to mix the chocolate with unsweetened chocolate almond milk.  Very chocolatey!