Overwhelmed by protein choices

When I go into the stores and look at all of the protein sources (powders, bars & drinks) I'm absolutely overwhelmed. How do you decide which ones to try (without going broke)?  Plus were you worried about your post-op tastes not being the same as pre-op? - Iris

Yes it can be overwhelming, I would not run out and buy a ton of powder or bars until you find the ones that YOU like!!! I bought my powder from bariatriceating.com and the flavors are great, but now my favorite is GNC Whey protein powder in carmel chocolate

I suggest trying whatever shake samples they sell - narrow out the really nasty ones and buy another sample of what you did like to try again post-op. The samples should run around $2 so its not that bad to try them. As for protein drinks, I preferred the powder over the ready-made - it was much cheaper to make the shake myself. I did think the isopure drinks were ok - they arnt a shake, but a drink and run $3 a bottle at GNC - they do have 40g of protein in them - good for when you are getting off shakes but still need additional protein - I would drink 1/2 a bottle at a time until I could get everything from food. As for bars - you want to stick to the most protein for the least calories, fat, carbs and sugar - that should limit the brands - most 'protein bars' are more like candy bars, or they are a meal replacement bar - if you do a meal replacement bar you only want to eat 1/2, its too much for us - typically the 'snack' bars are what you want. Detour is good, they also now make a low sugar, South Beach high protein *cereal* bar (they have meal replacement), Think! brand protein bars and luna bars I liked - places like Target sell them individually so you only spend around $2 to try.