The Great Shake Debate!

... well, maybe the tiny shake debate... either way I was answering a post about protein shakes and now I am more confused than ever.... no big surprise there eh? Anyhoo.... I got this answer to a question I asked.... The dietician says no liquids such as protein shakes, smoothies, etc. because liquids go pretty much straight thru our system and we don't get much food value from them Pretty confusing really! ... there appears to be lots and lots of people drinking protein shakes to get their daily requirement of protein in... and if it just goes right through then it is useless eh? If that's true then the only real way to get the protein we need would be to add the powder to our food... and chocolate wont go well with my eggs! So... what have y'all read or heard or been told??? Men are such simple creatures... we need to be told how to eat, drink, pee, have sex, etc... 

Good morning Marc, I am a preop, but I did attend the nutrition classes as well as been learning from this board for a long time.  What I understand about any liquid that we consume is that it goes through the tummy (pouch) very quickly.  The nutrition is still absorbed in the small intestine as it goes onward.  The protein shakes are giving you the protein you need if you cannot get it from food.  I think maybe your dietician might have stated what she meant in a confusing manner.  With liquids consumed, we get "hungry" quicker but we still get nutritional value from them, and especially the protein.  Hope this helps.

That makes sense... thanks If that's the case, then drinking a shake would be done before eating... that way the pouch is clear, and the shake is working it's way through the intestines and some absorbing is taking place... Pensacola eh! .... I am planning to teach in your area... I just finished a class in Destin and have another scheduled for April 26th.... and the company wants me to expand and start teaching in Gulf Breeze all the way over to Orange Beach Alabama... Congratulations on your surgery date!... 3 days before my birthday! ..... not that means anything,  but I was impressed that I actually remembered when my birthday way

LOL, you're a hoot!  I sure hope the weather stays nice for you while you are here.  We have had a lots of crazy weather lately.  We are in for severe thunderstorms this morning and I have to get out in it and take my mother to a doctor's appointment.  I am sure I won't melt though. Thanks for the congrats.  I am getting ready little by little.  The time is starting to fly by now.

Good Morning Marc..... My doctor and nutritionist say no shakes. They don't feel you get enough of the protein from them because they go right through. The same for soup...we aren't allowed soup unless it is thick enough to eat with a fork.....that doesn't mean to fill it up with crackers...hahahaha! I personally never use the powdered protein.....I get my protein from food. I never have a problem getting enough. At least 85% of my meals are protein the rest is veggies/fruit. I still try to stay away from Carbs. I rarely ever have a bite of potato and never eat pasta or rice. I don't even miss it. Plus...I hate the smell of the protein powder...it gross' me out!! Hope you have a good day......connie d

Hiya Connie I certainly can't argue with success.... you have done great! ... better than great! that doesn't mean to fill it up with crackers Dang! ... thought for a moment I had found a loophole! The same for soup...we aren't allowed soup unless it is thick enough to eat with a fork Hmm... that makes me wonder if those "Soups in a glass" ready to heat and drink things could be used like a snack or a liquid... not counting against the daily requirements for water, but considered a liquid... if they go right through, then you don't absorb the calories either eh?... sorta?... kinda? Anyhoo, it's fun discussing it! Have a wonderful day...

Thanks for the nice compliment Marc. I am not sure about the soup=liquid thing....maybe someone else can answer that one!! Hugs, connie d

Marc, You really need to research a little more on the liquid thing not being absorbed or having nutritional value.  If that were 100% true, we wouldn't need to avoid things that go down easy, i.e., milkshakes, creamy pies with lots of calories, etc.?  I think we do absorb much more in the intestinal tract that we are thinking we do.  That is exactly how some people regain weight.  The real culprit is that the pouch is not full long enough with these kinds of foods and we get too hungry too fast.  As for protein powder not helping, my surgeon and nut both feel that they are essential in the beginning when you are not able to eat the proper foods.  Once your pouch can handle enough food and in the variety you need, then that is the best way to go of course.  Plus food tastes better than protein powder.   Bottom line, every person is different in how their body absorbs nutrients and what their needs are.  I know people who are still using protein shakes and powders for additional protein even a year or two out.  I hope I don't have to do that.  I much prefer eating food.  LOL  No pun intended there.

No crackers to thicken the soup???? LOL! You so funny!

I USE THE ANY WHEY PROTEIN POWDER FROM GNC....IT MIXES GREAT IN YOUR FOOD AND YOU CAN EVEN BAKE WITH IT AND IT HAS NO AFTER TASTE....HTH

HUGS