Protein Powder

Been doing a lot of reading while I wait for my call for surgery and it seems like people on the forums rely heavily on protein powders which I'm fine with (and have used a GNC brand in the past). My question is: do any of you use them? If so, what kinds?

Read lots on the forums about the yummy sounding flavours from Syntrax Matrix (mint chocolate!) and Unjury (unflavoured to put into other foods) but I'm having a hard time finding a place to get samples or smaller sizes to try in NB. Just wondering if anyone has found these locally or a site that doesn't charge crazy amounts for shipping?

At the meeting I had in Bathurst the other day, I asked about protein powder and the dietician told me that she is against these. She believes that you get all your nutrition through the food plan that is provided. The only thing that you would do instead of protein powder is to add skim milk powder to your regular milk. The undiluted skim milk powder is a protein unless it is diluted with water.

The dietician also stated that the goal is to learn how to eat healthy and according to Canada's Food Guide. After surgery and when you are able to eat solids the food plan is based on 1200 calories. She gave me the food plan etc at my consult.

Another thing that I am suppose to start doing is to not drink anything with meals. I have to have liquids either 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after a meal. Due to the size of the pouch, if you drink to close or during your meal, the pouch fills up too fast and you will miss out eating your meal which then would cause you to miss the important nutrients.

 

I had asked about them at my Dr's office and the nutritionist wasn't against them but suggested using them in smoothies. I know I'll be using protein powder/drinks for at least breakfast because the only foods I can really eat in the morning are carb based with little protein (cereal/toast) so I've taken to making smoothies in the morning and was just wanting to up the protein content in them. 

I use protein supplements. They can tell you about a food plan before your surgery, but let met tell you, it might be different from the reality you will face after surgery. I have trouble eating in the mornings now. I rely a lot on protein shakes whenever i have to go to work as i don't have time to wait 2 hours after i am up to get some nutrition into me. I try to only use it in emergencies or when i don't have a choice for work. I use Unjury, ordered online and i use Premier nutrition (premixed) purchased at Costco. I have purchased other protein powders at Walmart and such but i find Unjury easiest to tolerate and good tasting as well as the Premier premixed ones.

i had the lapband on feb 14/ 13 im still on pureed foods  i have eaten a lot of stuff pureed and nothing bothers me ive lost 40 lbs already just feel super wish i coulda got it done 10 yrs ago

I had my surgery in Ottawa and they are huge on using unless you can manage to get your daily protein from food. When I travel I make sure I have my protein powder with me to make it easier to get my daily in. However, I am not a huge fan of them but I only really like the brand "opurity" which I order online thru the state's and their vitamins are made for gastric patients. Not sure what your daily is but mine is 26grams daily which isn't easy

It seems that Ontario and the U.S. use protein powders and bars quite a bit. That is why I asked specifically about protein supplements and that was the answer I got. I am not sure if the norm is to not promote protein supplement use in NB or if this is just local to Dr. Savoie's clinic?

 

In Ottawa they are against the bars because of the amount of sugar, choc and other additives in them. Best of luck, and go with what works bestfor you and your health!

I also agree with Unjury has been the best for me so far. I love the unflavored as i add some to my coffee daily.

The Classic and Splendor Chocolate is also very tasty and great to drink alone (not chalky at all like some protein shakes) or i use it also in my decaf coffee and find it gives the extra chocolaty taste to my coffee.

The strawberry one is good too when making a smoothie. 

The only thing with Unjury, you pay a $18 shipping fee, doesn't matter how many you order, so the more the better as you would not want to pay $18 on a 1 container delivery all the time. The bad thing is, you might get dinged with extra duty fees when picking up.  I was lucky the first 2-3 times, they didn't charge me anything and then poof the next time, it was like $30 something extra for duty fees....... just keep that in mind