Poll re: protein shakes
I know different doctors and dieticians have different recommendations regarding the use of protein shakes, from recommended patients never use them, not even in the first few weeks after surgery when they are supposed to be on all liquids and have no other way to get any protein, to recommending that patients use them regularly for life, even if they are able to get all their protein from food (neither of which makes sense to me, but there you have it).
So here is what I'm wondering.
Do you use protein shakes regularly? That doesn't have to mean every day, but fairly often.
Is that what your surgeon and dietician recommended or did you decide to do something different?
Why do you use protein shakes, if you use them?
Are you satisfied with the results of your WLS? Were you able to reach your goal and maintain your desired weight using protein shakes (or not using them, as the case may be)?
Have you had any problems from not getting enough protein, particularly if you don't use protein shakes?
So here is what I'm wondering.
Do you use protein shakes regularly? That doesn't have to mean every day, but fairly often.
Is that what your surgeon and dietician recommended or did you decide to do something different?
Why do you use protein shakes, if you use them?
Are you satisfied with the results of your WLS? Were you able to reach your goal and maintain your desired weight using protein shakes (or not using them, as the case may be)?
Have you had any problems from not getting enough protein, particularly if you don't use protein shakes?
Kelly
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
Yes, I use protein shakes almost every day.
My surgeon told me I should always use them, but I don't understand why if I am able to get enough protein from food and if I prefer to get my protein that way.
I use the shakes because I actually like them, because it's a quick and easy way to get my protein, and because sometimes I don't feel very hungry and it's easier to get a shake down than food at those times.
I am satisfied with the results of my surgery. I was actually below goal for a while but then I regained a bit. I'm happy with where I am now, though.
I had some problems the first few months after surgery from not getting enough protein. I had a hard time finding a protein shake I liked so I didn't drink them very often and I suffered due to that. I was tired and weak and felt sick all the time. I lost a ton of hair. I had pneumonia and it took a really long time to recover.
My surgeon told me I should always use them, but I don't understand why if I am able to get enough protein from food and if I prefer to get my protein that way.
I use the shakes because I actually like them, because it's a quick and easy way to get my protein, and because sometimes I don't feel very hungry and it's easier to get a shake down than food at those times.
I am satisfied with the results of my surgery. I was actually below goal for a while but then I regained a bit. I'm happy with where I am now, though.
I had some problems the first few months after surgery from not getting enough protein. I had a hard time finding a protein shake I liked so I didn't drink them very often and I suffered due to that. I was tired and weak and felt sick all the time. I lost a ton of hair. I had pneumonia and it took a really long time to recover.
Kelly
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
Do you use protein shakes regularly? That doesn't have to mean every day, but fairly often. Yup I use them. Several times a week. I also add protein to a variety of foods I eat.
Is that what your surgeon and dietician recommended or did you decide to do something different? Recommended a protein gram goal and said to hit that daily. The how was mostly up to me.
Why do you use protein shakes, if you use them? I use them as a meal replacement on days I don't want to eat, or cook, or have to run out the door fast. If I'm lacking in my protein gram goal I also will use them (or protein added to something) to bump up my dailies.
Are you satisfied with the results of your WLS? Were you able to reach your goal and maintain your desired weight using protein shakes (or not using them, as the case may be)? Yup and yup.
Have you had any problems from not getting enough protein, particularly if you don't use protein shakes? I eat very well no issues with any proteins so I could probably do without them but I love mine and I like to diversify the sources of protein I consume.
~Michelle "Shelly"
Is that what your surgeon and dietician recommended or did you decide to do something different? Recommended a protein gram goal and said to hit that daily. The how was mostly up to me.
Why do you use protein shakes, if you use them? I use them as a meal replacement on days I don't want to eat, or cook, or have to run out the door fast. If I'm lacking in my protein gram goal I also will use them (or protein added to something) to bump up my dailies.
Are you satisfied with the results of your WLS? Were you able to reach your goal and maintain your desired weight using protein shakes (or not using them, as the case may be)? Yup and yup.
Have you had any problems from not getting enough protein, particularly if you don't use protein shakes? I eat very well no issues with any proteins so I could probably do without them but I love mine and I like to diversify the sources of protein I consume.
~Michelle "Shelly"
Do you use protein shakes regularly? Every day for breakfast.
Is that what your surgeon and dietician recommended or did you decide to do something different? In the beginning they did. I went into RNY knowing I would glean from the suggestions given and determine how I would apply the information.
Why do you use protein shakes, if you use them? The ones I’ve created are awesome and fit into my lifestyle. I have one every day for breakfast.
Are you satisfied with the results of your WLS? Definetely!!! Were you able to reach your goal and maintain your desired weight using protein shakes (or not using them, as the case may be)? I was able to reach and maintain my goal weight using protein shakes even though I do not need to have them.
Have you had any problems from not getting enough protein, particularly if you don't use protein shakes? Even though I use protein shakes daily, I could still get enough protein without them from other sources if I desired.
Age at RNY: 55, Height: 5'4", Consultation Weight: 331 lbs-12/1/2009, RNY Surgery Weight: 281 lbs-3/22/2010, Goal Weight Reached: 141 lbs-6/23/2011, Lowest Weight: 126 lbs-12/11/2011,
Current Age: 61, Current Weight: 161 lbs-5/20/2016, Total Weight Loss Maintained: 170 lbs 
Do you use protein shakes regularly?
Yes, I sure do. I have one every day for breakfast,and probably 5 out of 7 days, I'll have another one in the afternoon. I drink the GNC Total Lean Shakes, the RTD ones.
Is that what your surgeon and dietician recommended or did you decide to do something different?
My surgeon & dietician both say I need a minimum of 80g protein a day, and know that I aim for 120g or more because I feel better with more protein. Shakes were a recommendation early out, and left up to us as we get further out.
Why do you use protein shakes, if you use them?
In almost 22 weeks, I have not felt hunger. If it weren't for the shakes, I'd never reach my protein requirements, it's hard enough to get the additional 70g that is left after the shakes. Lots of Greek yogurt & cheese.
Are you satisfied with the results of your WLS? Were you able to reach your goal and maintain your desired weight using protein shakes (or not using them, as the case may be)?
I'm far from goal still, but in 21 weeks, I lost 87 lbs, so yes, I'm very happy with the results. Again, if it weren't for the shakes, I'm thinking it wouldn't be as good, because I wouldn't have the energy to be at the gym 5 days a week.
Have you had any problems from not getting enough protein, particularly if you don't use protein shakes?
I tried to go to 1 shake a day, to save money, since I can eat almost anything at this point (chicken is still an issue sometimes). After 3 days of trying, i wasn't even reaching 100g a day, and I felt miserable. After a day with 2 shakes, I was back to feeling great.
Gina :~)
Yes, I sure do. I have one every day for breakfast,and probably 5 out of 7 days, I'll have another one in the afternoon. I drink the GNC Total Lean Shakes, the RTD ones.
Is that what your surgeon and dietician recommended or did you decide to do something different?
My surgeon & dietician both say I need a minimum of 80g protein a day, and know that I aim for 120g or more because I feel better with more protein. Shakes were a recommendation early out, and left up to us as we get further out.
Why do you use protein shakes, if you use them?
In almost 22 weeks, I have not felt hunger. If it weren't for the shakes, I'd never reach my protein requirements, it's hard enough to get the additional 70g that is left after the shakes. Lots of Greek yogurt & cheese.
Are you satisfied with the results of your WLS? Were you able to reach your goal and maintain your desired weight using protein shakes (or not using them, as the case may be)?
I'm far from goal still, but in 21 weeks, I lost 87 lbs, so yes, I'm very happy with the results. Again, if it weren't for the shakes, I'm thinking it wouldn't be as good, because I wouldn't have the energy to be at the gym 5 days a week.
Have you had any problems from not getting enough protein, particularly if you don't use protein shakes?
I tried to go to 1 shake a day, to save money, since I can eat almost anything at this point (chicken is still an issue sometimes). After 3 days of trying, i wasn't even reaching 100g a day, and I felt miserable. After a day with 2 shakes, I was back to feeling great.
Gina :~)
Do you use protein shakes regularly? That doesn't have to mean every day, but fairly often.
I have them several times a week, some days more often than others (truly depends on how busy I've been). More than protein shakes, I keepy my protein intake between 80-100 grams a day.
Is that what your surgeon and dietician recommended or did you decide to do something different?
Part of post-op recommendations to maintain protein intake.
Why do you use protein shakes, if you use them?
Primarily used as meal replacement and sometimes in evening to ensure protein intake.
Are you satisfied with the results of your WLS? Were you able to reach your goal and maintain your desired weight using protein shakes (or not using them, as the case may be)?
Not at my weight loss goal yet (10 months post op), but rapidly getting there with a BMI of 28. My surgeon tells me 10 more pounds!
Have you had any problems from not getting enough protein, particularly if you don't use protein shakes?
Not since about 3 months post op, once able to take in enough fluids. In fact there are days I consciously have to watch and make sure I don't take too much in.
I have them several times a week, some days more often than others (truly depends on how busy I've been). More than protein shakes, I keepy my protein intake between 80-100 grams a day.
Is that what your surgeon and dietician recommended or did you decide to do something different?
Part of post-op recommendations to maintain protein intake.
Why do you use protein shakes, if you use them?
Primarily used as meal replacement and sometimes in evening to ensure protein intake.
Are you satisfied with the results of your WLS? Were you able to reach your goal and maintain your desired weight using protein shakes (or not using them, as the case may be)?
Not at my weight loss goal yet (10 months post op), but rapidly getting there with a BMI of 28. My surgeon tells me 10 more pounds!
Have you had any problems from not getting enough protein, particularly if you don't use protein shakes?
Not since about 3 months post op, once able to take in enough fluids. In fact there are days I consciously have to watch and make sure I don't take too much in.
Carolyn
Do you use protein shakes regularly? That doesn't have to mean every day, but fairly often - I do use them almost daily. It would be impossible for me to get enough protein just from food alone.
Is that what your surgeon and dietician recommended or did you decide to do something different? - It is a little of both. I do what works for me.
Why do you use protein shakes, if you use them? - It would be impossible for me to get enough protein just from food alone. Plus, now that I discovered after all this time that it's the SURCALOSE from most protein powders that bothers me, not the whey, it forced me to seek out other powders that are stevia sweetened. I found two I totally love and I view them as a treat, not a punishment.
Are you satisfied with the results of your WLS? Were you able to reach your goal and maintain your desired weight using protein shakes (or not using them, as the case may be)? - I am thrilled with my results (second time around's the charm!), and yes, having a daily shake or two has helped I think.
Have you had any problems from not getting enough protein, particularly if you don't use protein shakes? - I would totally not get enough protein from food alone. I randomly measure out my food every so often, and I can still only eat 1 - 1.5 oz of chicken at a time, and close to 2 oz of things like chili. I do eat every couple of hours. I still get full some days from a lone cheese stick. So yeah, I pretty much need at least a shake a day.
I actually just finished the most delish shake - it was a scoop of About Time Vanilla with two scoops of Gosh That's Good white chocolate SF powder and a handful of freeze-dried blueberries, along with a teeny bit of blueberry LorAnn flavor oil - just sooooo goooood! It was like a milkshake! I used mostly water and about 1/4 cup of 1% organic milk.
Do you use protein shakes regularly? That doesn't have to mean every day, but fairly often.
Yes, I drink 2 a day.
Is that what your surgeon and dietician recommended or did you decide to do something different?
My surgeon recommended 2 a day with a minimum of 80 grams of protein. It is strongly suggested we get more. He also suggested 2 brands to use. I use this suggestion for one protein shake a day. The second one is half click and half his brand. I understand his reasoning, but I have compared the nutritional information and don't find it inferior. I also like the taste of other brands better.
Why do you use protein shakes, if you use them?
I am not willing to deal with the consequences of not using them.
Are you satisfied with the results of your WLS? Were you able to reach your goal and maintain your desired weight using protein shakes (or not using them, as the case may be)?
I am 10 months out and still losing weight. I have lost 130 pounds and need to lose 10 more pounds to be a normal weight/BMI. My weight loss has been painfully slow the last few months. In answer to your question, yes I am satisfied with my results so far. Ask me in 5 years when I have been able to maintain my weight. We all know that is the really hard part.
Have you had any problems from not getting enough protein, particularly if you don't use protein shakes?
My protein levels were starting to fall but were still in an acceptable range the last time I had labs done. The first few months I did not drink protein shakes and I think that is the reason.
Yes, I drink 2 a day.
Is that what your surgeon and dietician recommended or did you decide to do something different?
My surgeon recommended 2 a day with a minimum of 80 grams of protein. It is strongly suggested we get more. He also suggested 2 brands to use. I use this suggestion for one protein shake a day. The second one is half click and half his brand. I understand his reasoning, but I have compared the nutritional information and don't find it inferior. I also like the taste of other brands better.
Why do you use protein shakes, if you use them?
I am not willing to deal with the consequences of not using them.
Are you satisfied with the results of your WLS? Were you able to reach your goal and maintain your desired weight using protein shakes (or not using them, as the case may be)?
I am 10 months out and still losing weight. I have lost 130 pounds and need to lose 10 more pounds to be a normal weight/BMI. My weight loss has been painfully slow the last few months. In answer to your question, yes I am satisfied with my results so far. Ask me in 5 years when I have been able to maintain my weight. We all know that is the really hard part.
Have you had any problems from not getting enough protein, particularly if you don't use protein shakes?
My protein levels were starting to fall but were still in an acceptable range the last time I had labs done. The first few months I did not drink protein shakes and I think that is the reason.
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