Poll: Protein Supplements

You want to know what their prealbumin and albumin is....not just protein, the albumin is the storehouse for the protein.... Darlene

Thanks again!!! I amended my question so that I get meaningful answers. I'm past due for my one-year labwork, but when I get it done I'll look for these in particular. I love the Grads board. ---- Leslie P.S. You're the longest-term postie who's responded so far. Do you mind telling me what your protein, prealbumin, and albumin levels are like? You can send it to me in a private email if you prefer. And I won't be upset if you'd rather not share that info.

young lady, get those labs done! ( I know I'm not your mom , but you can't maintain your health with out all the info, including your labs!)

Yes, Ma'am.

...and by the way, you came across as very nice! I actually didn't get a sense of your email being not nice until you said you're actually a nice person "believe it or not." Made me smile because I didn't take anything in your reply before that as anything other than a nice and honest response to my poll as I had requested. Funny how email sometimes takes the emotions out of communicating. I'm sorry that you felt mean by telling me what you really think. I'm not a silly newbie who asks questions and then gets mad when the answer is not what I want. I only ask questions when I really don't know the answer, and then I am grateful for the responses I get. I intend to weigh all the responses I get from this poll and use them to help me reach a decision. Thanks again for sharing your experiences and opinions regarding protein supplements. I do appreciate you and others taking the time to respond. ---- Leslie

? Do you use protein shakes? Yes, every day. ? If yes, what kind and how many per day? One every morning. I don't like to eat in the morning, so the shake (with some fruit, usually canteloupe) is perfect for me. I use Proto Whey, cappuccino and raspberry (from smarthealthstore.com), and Unjury chocolate and vanilla (unjury.com). Sometimes I have nectar flavors for a change. All of the supplements are whey. ? On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being lousy and 10 being perfect), how would you rate your ability to lose or maintain? 8---I'm currently in maintenance, have stayed within 5-8# of lowest weight. ? Do you attribute your success or lack of success in any way to protein supplementation? Why or why not? I believe it has helped me be successful. I'm assured of getting enough good-quality protein every day. ? Anything else you'd like to add about your experiences with protein supplementation? It's just something I make myself do---like taking vitamins, calcium, iron, etc. I do it because I need it. Connie -147# @ goal

Hi Leslie, I know you asked for long term grads....I'm only 2 years and I find myself in slight distress and major concern. I am experiencing excruciating leg cramps at night and carb addiction to the max, which I have so far been able to control...but my point is this: I stopped "doing" protein drinks at about one year. I really wanted to try to get my protein from food, which is what my surgeon also recommended. But as this last year has slipped by I find myself with less and less energy and less muscle tone. My last labs....in March/April were perfect, and according to the PCP could not look better....though there was no albumin taken. The next experience has been a very difficult time eating ENOUGH protein. It is just too dense and I find I feel desperate to drink after eating, just to make the pain go away. It seems no matter how small the bites, how long I chew the little tiny sucker, or what the density of the protein is, I cannot keep it down. It just wants to come right back up if I don't drink a little with it. So, not to be a big baby and just complain about it......I am going to return to the protein drinks NOW today. I am roughly 20 pounds below my surgeon's goal, which I thought was just too high. We argued about it but since I was starting at 380 he felt it was just unrealistic to put me at 135 so he said if I got to 180 I would be doing well. I still want to lose another 20 pounds; I am 5. 5". I will follow this thread and the follow up question carefully. I have been listening to Darlene for over a year now and am taking the supplements she recommended to me as well. Isn't it great to have a board dedicated to just these issues regarding those of us that have somewhat different concerns and issues? xoxo Jeannie

Hi Jeannie, For myself that is why I continue with the protein drinks if I only eat food for protein the carb cravings come, for the bad evil carbs like chips crackers and breads. FOr some reason if I drink shakes I still crave carbs but it is fruit, and vegtables. Could be all in my head but I go with it. Hugs Teresa

I have never done a protein shake and am glad my doctor doesn't recommend them. I can't find one that tastes good enough to drink and I've tried quite a few. Also, the caloric content is so high in some that I'm better off eating a protein forward meal than drinking that many calories to get the same amount of protein. My surgeon said you would have to drink a protein shake so slowly to get the absorbtion of the whole amount that it would be time for another meal by the time you got done. The pouch holds an ounce or two and the intestine below it another couple ounces. For every four ounces you drink you'ld have to wait for that to be absorbed before adding more. Absorbtion takes quite a while. I would rather have my meal in 30 minutes and get my protein that way. We only absorb 25-30 gms of protein in a serving anyway and most meals aren't over that - so I don't see the benefit of liquid over food for getting in my protein and I do like my food still. Now it's protein forward meals so I get full just like I would on a drink. I've lost all my weight to goal (and a couple pounds more) and have maintained for over 3 years. My ability to lose and maintian is in eating protein forward meals and not feeling deprived because I'm eating - I get my meat, fish, seafood or whatever and feel good because I'm full after a meal, I've had food that is visually appealing and I've gotten my protein in. I've also chewed which is something those on a liquid diet say they miss more than anything. It works for me - others may have different things they like.

Leslie, My suegeon does not believe in protein drinks because of the same reason. I have used them at times. ? Do you use protein shakes? When I am having a difficult time with eating or feeling hungry all the time ? If yes, what kind and how many per day? Some sort of Nectar, apple, Ice tea ? On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being lousy and 10 being perfect), how would you rate your ability to lose or maintain? My ability to lose is at an 8, If I bukcle down I lose. ? Do you attribute your success or lack of success in any way to protein supplementation? Why or why not? No, because I do not use it enough, but it has helped me when I want to graze...Maybe this should have been a yes ? Anything else you'd like to add about your experiences with protein supplementation? I am no to crazy for the vanilla chocolate types, but if it stops you from having a snack of say, potato chips, chocolate etc go for it... Good Luck MaryLyn -176 on good days.