My next rant - protein shakes?

Elina -

No no, you are quite right (like Gail) to call me out and urge me to be careful.  Again, this can be tough enough in a face-to-face situation, but the problem is maximally worse on an internet forum - that we cannot tease out the 'trueness' of a statement that's made.  This is true of "the protein shake" posts and also somewhat true of "I regret my sleeve" posts - some people really got the low end of the odds with their surgical experience, while others are clearly just having a tough time adapting.

I really like the approach you've taken here (when don't I like your approach) - where you first recognize and validate the issue and follow up with the needed prescription to attempt to move forward regardless - don't stop looking, stay committed.  Would this essentially be your advice to this theoretical poster?

In some ways you (and Gail) highlight the most crucial post - we want to make sure that people having the "real" issues aren't getting turned off asking for help!  One of the reasons I posted this "rant" (which is isn't really) is that when reading a protein shake post last night, I caught myself automatically doing this, without first trying to assess whether I thought it was 'true' or 'fake' tolerance.  

So I decided to engage all you vets on this subject.  If you want to accuse me of baiting the conversation somewhat - I will own up to that ;)

Ruggie, I love your rants, and you are right, this one is not a rant.  I too have fallen into the trap where I just can't separate the real issues from the "poor me" mentality.  I think you have a valid point here and it does need to made, but carefully, so as to not alienate the people that are really facing a huge struggle adjusting.  You are also right that I would counsel everyone to continue looking for the solution and not to just decide to give up and eat mashed potatoes because they go down so easily.  :)  I think the people having the issues need to be encouraged to play "scientist" and to use the process of elimination to determine what specific ingredients in the protein shakes are causing the discomfort.  Hint: it is not the protein.  You might even help them/show them how to do this.  I am always about finding a workable solution and a plan to implement it.

As I mentioned to Gail above, this is what it really tough for me and I suspect many of us - how to separate real issues from "poor me". 

Maybe it's not even really possible to do with a good degree of accuracy on a forum and I shouldn't even be trying?

My two cents?

I think some of the newest members both pre and post op are just looking for some validation.
Even if I think the question is way off base, I simply answer to the best of my ability and move on.

Just having a vet say "no, blending pizza into your protein shake is not a good plan. Try going to this website and getting some sample packs of protein instead".
Can go a long way in putting someone who has spent most of their life insecure, the last few months scared, the last few weeks healing and changing and the last few moments looking for validation into a much better frame of mind to move forward in a positive way.

Be careful what you say and do, you are now a vet, you have a power and a responsibilty to it. Whether you like it or not.

Ok, maybe that was 5 cents, but whatever.
donna

I count six cents, but let's not split hairs.

But do you think they look for validation which way?

Like "these protein shakes suck, but you'll get used to them - it's tough but hang in there" ???

or

Like "these protein shakes suck and are horrible and I quit drinking them - you quit too" ???

I don't think they are looking for us to say it's ok to do the wrong things. More to just be in the group with something. Bring something to the table. Connect with those that have gone before.
At a time when they are feeling vulnerable and/or unsure.

Those that are looking for the rubber stamp on their bad choices just fade away eventually. Those that get the healthy validation at the critical times eventually find some form of success in their journey, IMHO

What can it hurt to just give standard positive feedback and logical answers, even to dumb questions?

donna

I think it's a combo of issues along the whole spectrum.. some can't stand the taste (they seem to make this fairly clear using adjectives like gross, horrible.. etc) and some honestly get an adverse reaction to them, gagging, nausea.. Most seem to fall into group A though. Protein shakes are not the tastiest things on earth, and for some taste & smell change a bit (never had this happen myself.)

I am a very literal person many times, when reading something in the forums.. so I tend to answer in a literal way. If someone says they cannot stand the smell, can't tolerate.. etc, I try to swing them to places to order samples like Nashua Nutrition. I suggest they use a shaker cup with the top on to cut the smell wafting up that may be triggering the ick-factor, and I suggest they water the heck out of them and get more hydration at the same time.. as protein can wait, bu****er can't.

I got a boat-load of samples, and I drank every single one (save one- a protein shot that was in with a starter kit- vile, dumped.) I drank them as I would take medicine if they were nasty, I wasn't in it for the taste till later.. BUT, I was not intolerant of them, my stomach did not seize and threaten me with the drooling nausea some have.. that would truly be miserable, and I could see that leading to a minor meltdown and a serious aversion to trying it over and over and over to find one that didn't cause that feeling, so I do tread lightly with this subject. A week or so without adequate protein while the sliced & diced stomach calms will not hurt anyone.. hydration is number one, protein is always second to that- get it in as soon as you can, but some just need to baby their sensitive stomachs more than others.

Now if they are a month or more out and still saying that they cannot hit their protein requirements, yeah- time to buckle down already and figure something out. 

Ranting about protein shakes. now there's a recreational rant that I could really get into. Hated the stuff and told Dr. C they tasted like $*** when he ordered me to up them.  But after a while I found better ones and ways to fix them up. But you are right, that first month or so there is going to be nothing good about eating and ya better just accept it. A rite of passage to the new you is drinking a 55 gallon drum of awful tasting stuff.  Cheers!

diane

I was not able to tolerate any protein shakes for about 6 months post op and it really wasnt a laughing matter.

Yes I know it probably jeopardized my health/healing however the taste/smell of some of those shakes literally would make me puke or gag me every single time. If someone else chooses to gag them down, that is their choice but I'm not one of them. I really had a lot of taste/texture/smell issues post-op so it really wasnt just the protein shakes.

I finally found a powder that I absolutely LOVE and have been drinking 2 a day (approved by my nut) since about the 6 month mark. Doesnt make up for the first 6 months but whatever. I honestly think I'm addicted to them because I almost have a "panic attack" when I start running low. LOL!

I cannot tell you how many "samples" of my protein powder I have mailed to post-ops. I dont often comment on the post but I will send the offer by PM.

If I would have posted I couldnt tolerate shakes post-op and basically was told "suck it up buttercup", it would have REALLY upset me.

Wow, so that's pretty stunning that you went from gag response to love - can I ask which brand you really came to love?  Was it really different somehow, or just a little different?

During those six months, how did you feel?  Or were you able to get protein totals in through food?

Did you surgeon or nut make you feel bad about not drinking shakes?

But like Gail's story wasn't just protein shakes, it was all liquids - something I hear in your story is that it wasn't just protein shakes, you had lots of taste/texture/smell issues.

Maybe one way to differentiate a "really, this is a big problem for me in reality" post from just a "poor me, I'm not ready for change" post is looking at the posters entire intake state?  If that poster is able to ge****er and crystal light in ok, and is able to have all sorts of pured foods like applesauce and mashed potatoes and chili and whatever else, maybe it's a "poor me" post (maybe).  But if someone is saying "it's not just protein shakes, but it seems there's only two foods in the world I can tolerate right now" it's a lot more obvious that person isn't saddled with wrong expectations.

What do you think?

So if you found a poster saying "I can't tolerate protein shakes" other than this particular protein powder you found, would you have any other advice for that person?