Im sure this question is asked all the time...protein??

OK - so I attended my consult with surgeon today. I am planning on having the DS procedure. (omg Im so excited I can barely wait) Anywho.... I cannot stress enough about how often protein was mentioned - shakes in particular. So... that leads me to the question -

What is your favorite protein powder/shake? Does everyone here drink them like suggested? I have never been one for protein shakes or bars. I have no idea which ones are tastier than others. Just trying to get some ideas now so that I can be prepared..... I would hate to have to buy a ton of them before I find a few that I like... Any suggestions?? Thanks in advance!

I use to enjoy my shakes pre-op. But after surgery they made me gag! I do prefer the GNC Whey Vanilla. It doesn't leave that cardboard taste like some of the others do. 

I found a recipe on bariatriceating.com that called for regular Oreos and I tweaked it.

I do...

2 crumbled mint oreos
scoop of vanilla protein
scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt
splash of 1% milk

It's been the only way I've been able to 'stomach' the shakes. They are yum! 

I want to get these shakes started now - Ive been trying to slowly make the changes now pre-op so that it doesnt hit me so hard post-op. Hmm .. mint Oreos.. I would have never guessed.. Im going to start jotting down some recipes that I see posted here. Thanks.. sounds yummy.

I have one shake every day, faithfully.  My preference is the SlimFast Low Carb Creamy Chocolate.  I also recently won a tub of Click from OH.  It is not shabby.  I prefer it hot, over cold.

I like the GNC, plus if you don't like one they will take it back even opened packages.

I still do a shake at least 4 days a week. I have been crushing some ice in the blender, then adding some skim milk and vanilla protein and a single severe packet of crystal light (I have been using target brand it has 0 calories and is cheaper). It is a lot like a milk shake only much better.

Thanks for the info!! Anyone else have any to add??

You ask about protein powder eh?  For the last year my daily routine has been to have a protein shake for breakfast. 

I do the following:

One scoop of unflavored whey protein (GNC Pro Performance)
One banana
1/2 cup of organic whole milk vanilla yogurt (to provide sweetness)
1 cup of organic whole milk
Frozen unsweetened blueberries or mangos or strawberries (organic of course)
1 TBSP Bio-greens powder from Vitamin Shoppe

Then I blend this to a smooth and creamy texture. 

Why do I do it this way?

1.  I don't believe in artificial sweeteners.  I would rather drink my coffee with 15 extra calories then have zero calories and some chemical sweetener.  A lot of flavored protein powders are sweetened with artifical sweeteners.   
2.  I also don't believe in corn sweeteners, specifically high fructose corn syrup, which is not natural and contrary to what the corn farmers want you to think is not good for you in any quantity.
3.  Whole milk because the synthetic Vitamin D3 they fortify non-whole milk with is just plain bad for you.  Trust me if I could get raw milk in michigan I would never drink pasteurized milk again.
4.  The nutrients I get from the frozen fruit, banana, and specifically the bio-greens is substantial. 
5.  Designer Whey has 25g of protein per scoop.  This is on average 5g more than other brands.
6.  So when I consider the milk (8g), yogurt(4g), and powder (21g) I am getting a lot of protein. 

I'm sure after my surgery I will have to tweek this recipe but for now it is extremely satisfying and very nutritious. 

You'll have to find what works best for you, your schedule and budget. 

Thanks Kevin for all of that info. Wow.. it just seems like there are so many options when it comes to protein powders/shakes/bars etc... hows a girl to choose? I hate to spend a fortune trying to find what works for me.. but I really dont see any other choice. I wonder if there are samples available? I think Ill go to my local GNC and check it out tomorrow! I live in a small town and other than the regular grocery store or walmart, GNC is all we have. Im anxious to see what all they offer. I hate to buy online without first knowing if I like a product.

I agree... I spend like 60 dollars a month on just the protein powder and bio-greens alone.  This doesn't take into account the yogurt, fruit and milk.  Shakes are not a cheap thing but they are hands-down the best way to get protein. 

I find with unflavored protein I don't have to worry about how it will taste but different brands to provide different textures.  Some are thicker than others.  GNC is usually good stuff.  If you can find someone who knows the products that's even better. 

hello there,

ok, for on the go, I like World Wide Pure Protein Shakes. They come in a can, and have 25-35grams of protein. Chill it, pour it over ice, and voila, quite the tasty treat. I get mine at Trader Joe's but you can order them online and they come in a variety of flavors. Good luck!!