What kind of protien do I need?

Greetings friends, I have already been shopping for the things I need for the surgery. But I have a slight problem What kind of protien shake do I need? Which ones taste good and which are not too costly. I live on a fix income so I am really on the look out for deals. So I ask you do you know of any good ones that you can pick up in a regular store and that taste good and are affordable? Really looking for a good protien shake. Your friend, Tina

Tina honey, don't shop for that before surgery, what you may like now, most likely you will not like after surgery. Your taste buds will change a lot. So it's best to wait on that. I bought some unflavored Protein powder at Rite-Aid for $10.99, one scoop is 22 grams, great for adding to your soup broth, things like that, but after I bought it and tried it just after surgery, I couldn't stand the way my soup tasted, like grit. So wait until after surgery. There are several on the internet to choose from, including sample packets. There's Bariatriceating.com, Vitalady.com, and plus your Dr. may carry his own that he wants his patients on. Save your money on that until after your surgery. Then you aren't wasting it by buying it before surgery. Take the time to just check out what is available out there like at Walmarts, grocery stores, pharmacy's, and see what your surgeon recommends. I know mine does Unjury, and I hated it. Love ya, Kathy

Hey Tina, Check and see what your surgeon wants you on post-op. I know my surgeon had me on SF Carnation Instant Breakfast. That's pretty much all I had the first three weeks post-op. At 18 mos out I actually still use it for breakfast, I usually add a scoop of protein powder to get even more out of it. Some people sware by soy protein, some by whey protein. I use a milk & egg protein powder that I get at Kroger, it is not flavored but it does alter the flavor of foods slightly. Also, you will be in ketosis post-op and that has a tendency to alter the way everything tastes so like Kathy said, what you like now may taste terrible to you post-op. So it can be a real trial and error process after that. I know that GNC has a guarentee that you can bring back any item that you don't like, just be sure to keep your receipt. Kroger has some good proteins in their health food section. Walmart is starting to carry several proteins also. Good luck. Toni

I agree about waiting until after surgery to purchase protein powders. However, at the sites Kathy listed you can purchase samples to have on hand for post-op. That way you can try a single serving to see if you like something before you plunk down your money for a jug of it. I ordered a jug of the Vanilla Very Berry because so many people raved about it. I can't stand it!!! I've got almost a whole jug of it left and I can't even stand the smell of it. I did try a new unflavored whey protein this week that I really like. It is Any Whey and I got it at GNC. I've used it in my morning cappuccino, oatmeal & soup so far and it didn't change the taste or consistency at all. It also dissolves well in warm/hot liquids unlike most protein powders. The most important thing is to find a protein supplement that you like. If you don't like your supplement, you won't use it and you will have problems getting in the amount of protein you need. Good luck! Susan