protein shakes/bars question

I have seen people talk about ditching the shakes/bars...is that an important goal at some point? Why try to avoid them once you are off the soft diet, I guess is my question. 

Some doctors and surgery patients believe you should be able to get your protein in with food....at some point.

I cannot.  I do not like the shakes, I add unflavoured protein to my food (oatmeal, yogurt, etc.) Some days I just need a little boost, so I add hemp seeds to yogurt.

Hey stranger!

Grim!

How I missed your wit and honesty!

:-)

Some people see protein bars as a "trigger food," since they're sort of like candy bars. It's also hard to find ones with the appropriate numbers (10g protein per 100 cal) so it's possible to have ones that aren't the best and overdo it on carbs.

Generally it's best to get your protein from actual food, usually once you're all healed up. But there are plenty of people who still use them. I keep a few protein bars in my desk for days when I forget to pack a lunch, and I'll bring them when I go cycling as well. Lots of folks who're quite a bit out from surgery like shakes as an easy breakfast.

I am at the stage now (5 months out) that my surgeons office advises to phase out the protein shakes and try to get the protein in using food only, but I am having a hard time with that.  I would have to eat all meat for every meal and that just sounds awful.  I still drink one protein shake most days.

There's a hierarchy. Life is a tradeoff. A piece of chicken or turkey is at yhe top. Lean beef is right below that. At the bottom is cake or a candy bar. A quarter pounder is a better. A protein bar falls in the middle of the spectrum somewhere. Much better than a candy bar, not nearly as good as chicken.

We do the best we can. Life is about choices. I used to pick the Little Debbie. Now a Quest Bar is a lot better.

Firstly they're not real food, they're more of a laboratory thing rather than a kitchen thing.

Secondly, if they're a meal replacement, they're ok, but there will come a time when your body will hang on to every calorie.  Dense protein will be your friend at this point.  

I'm 7+ years post RNY.  I've suffered with nausea even before my RNY.  I eat solid protein when I can - but I have days of nausea or vomiting the solid protein - SO, I need to have good whey isolate protein available - ready to drink and powered to be able to get in 80-100 grams of protein a day.

Each journey is individual and you do what you have to do to keep the weight off and get the nutrition in.

I'm happy for those that can eats solid protein at every meal or snack - but I can't always do that.

Penny