Protein shake question

So I've been mixing up shakes for a week or so.  Using vanilla as a base and trying all kinds of syrups for differnt flavors etc..  I've found some great combinations and realize I'll be having a fun time (please note sarcasm) on my liquid phase.  My question is... based on your own personal experience did you try moving to shakes prior to surgery to get used to it or waited until the day of surgery?  I see pro's and con's to both but would like some personal experiences. 


Thanks

Protein shakes were mandatory on my pre op diet so we would get our protein.

i did it pre surgery for about a month... I started just for breakfast... and then when I was a week from PAT I did them for breakfast and lunch because I wasn't loosing anything (I had really bad PCOS at the time)... by doing that I lost 5 pounds before PAT... I used unflavored protein powder because people told me my taste buds would change after surgery...  and it did...

sorry.. what is PAT?

Pre Admission Testing

I had my tonsils out three weeks prior to WLS so I was doing soy protein shakes for a couple of weeks before surgery.  I only used one brand and saved all my samples of various protein shakes for after surgery because I was afraid my tastes would change. 

Before the end of the second week post-op I was as tired of liquids as I could be - including shakes.  I started my puree foods a bit early (couple days) but I still have one shake per day to get my protein in.

As a side note, the shake I used pre WLS had WAY too much sugar and I can't drink it now. 

I didn't have any protein shakes until after my surgery because my surgeon doesn't require a liquid diet like some do pre-surg.  The first I ever tasted them was at PATS, when the nutritionist brought in a tray of samples.  She assured me that my tastes would change post-surg (and they did) and that the samples mixed with water were nothing like what i would do with them in making smoothies and such using the reciped in my barix bible after surg.  Again, she was right.

I like them enough that I still use them to start my day each morning after I exercise.  It's a great boost to my energy to get a high-protein, low fat start like that. 

I should also mention that i do NOT use any syrups.  I mostly use Matrix Chocolate as my base (also Nectar Wild Cherry and Orange Creamsicle are ones that I like).  I mix it with nonfat milk, toss in frozen strawberries (or other fruit), maybe half a banana, a tablespoon of benefiber and a couple of ice cubes.  My Magic Bullet blender turns that into a delicious "milkshake."  (no sarcasm)

I also mix low-sugar peanut butter (simpy jif)  or dehydrated peanut butter (PB2 - it's REALLY good) into choc matrix with a bunch of ice cubes and make a choc PB shake.

Post-surg, especially, you can be very creative with shakes - add fruit and ice cubes, some decaf coffee, etc. to get great combos.  There are a bunch of recipe ideas at www.bariatriceating.com for the different stages, which might give you some ideas.

And remember - not all protein is alike!  The various brands differ HUGELY in taste and texture, so keep experimenting until you find the one(s) you like.  

Karen

I didn't have protein shakes before hand...just some sample sizes and one once in awhile just to have one.

Thing is...tastes change after surgery, something you liked pre op you might absolutely HATE post op so that's the only HUGE con I see in finding stuff you like now....might not be so much later on down the road!

I'd still be experimenting so you have some sort of starting point post op, though.  Just don't buy a whole lot of anything