Protein Bar as an alternative to shakes ...

As an alternative to the Premier Protein Shakes (because lets face it, at 2 1/2 Tbs. of protein per meal 6 x's a day I have to have something to meet the minimum of 60g of protein per day) is there a brand or flavor or ?? ... of protein bar that is recommended? I am trying to get in with a new NUT and I don't know what carb to protein ratio I need to be looking for. Any help would be appreciated! 

I think it's good that you are trying to get in to see a new nutritionist. I have found the fitjoy bars to work well for me in a pinch. I used to like/do ok with Quest bars but they changed their recipe and that lead to some tummy issues for me. Good Luck.

Hi there, 

My personal opinion... NO PROTEIN BARS!!!!!!!!!

I am just shy of 3 years post op.  I have lost all my weight and maintained my loss for all 2 yrs & 10 months.  I only recently in the last 2-3 months starting eating protein bars.  One of the Vets on her said that protein bars are glorified candy bars, I had a problem pre surgery with candy bars so I didn't want to start eating protein bars and like then so much that I stopped my weight loss, so I never tried them until I was 2 1/2 years post op.   Now I will only eat them as a last resort if I am travelling in the car and need a quick protein fix. So I warn you that at only one month post op I implore you to stay away from protein bars for as long as you possible can. 

There are a ton of other variety's of protein shakes out there and you don't have to stick to Premier Protein.  A wonderful website for all kinds of food for WLS post op patients is "The World according to Eggface", do check it out.  When you are cleared for soft food, maybe you are now, this website has a ton of ideas for all the stages of post op life, RNY or VSG.

My experience is take what the NUTS say with caution. None of them have had WLS and they truly have no clue what its REALLY like on this side of the WLS fence.  

At a month post op, 60 grams of protein is great, I would go pretty much no carb or as low as possible, under 10 for sure.  At 3 years post op I keep my daily numbers at 100 grams of protein, 35-45 max carbs and calories at 850-950 daily.

Join us on the "What's on the menu today RNYers" I know you had VSG but we welcome all post op's that want to post a menu and meet some great people and get good menu feedback.

Best of luck, stick around, we are all here to help!

Daisy

1 month post op I would not be trying protein bars. I just started eating them in situations where I need them - like today I was stuck on the highway for 2 hours and wouldn't be able to make dinner and I was thankful I had one in my purse. I also throw them in my suitcase when I travel just in case. But this is a very recent development in the last 2 months since I found 100 calorie ones.

I still drink a protein shake a day though. But that's working really well for me.

I do agree with the previous poster that said the bars are essentially candy bars.

12 years out and never had a protein bar (or shake for that matter)  Eating your protein from real food with its origins in a kitchen and not something concocted in a lab takes more planning and effort but is absolutely doable and more healthful in the long run.  I can't believe how many people eat these every day.  

 I wonder how many vets (5 years +) eat these regularly?

I used to eat them.. dealt  with RH (due to them) and weight gain... never connected the 2 .. until one day I measured my BS shortly after eating a bar... wow.. Once I ditched them - I lost 7 lbs in a couple of weeks..

I am over 8 years post op - I eat meat based protein bars (epic, paleo etc) only when I am stuck somewhere and can't get real food, .. or when my scale drops too low and I need the extra calories...   

i.e. when I travel - and I am scared to eat airport food - I eat a "Meat bar" and some nuts instead of my meal. 

I really like Quest bars and I think the stats on them are solid.  That said, when I was in the midst of my binge eating disorder, before I'd gotten diagnosed, I was eating 2-3 a day.  They're delicious!  Just like a candy bar.  Yum.  

Now I keep one in my backpack when I go to school (I have in person classes 4 days a week) and if my body tells me "OMG YOU MUST EAT," I'll eat my emergency bar.  Otherwise, no way.  It's entirely too easy to loose control with them for me.  

Most protein bars are crap, so if you are going to use them make sure to pay lots of attention to the nutritional information.  I think they're fine as an emergency measure but not so awesome as a regular part of your way of eating.  

I like tuna pouches in non-emergency situations.  Super easy, don't require refrigeration.  Yum.