Weighing in on protein

 I am sure this has been discussed over and over and over, but I don't have a ton of time to research right now.

I was just at the store and saw multiple types of protein powders, shakes, and shooters.  All of the nutritional labels were overwhelming!  I saw primarily whet protein, though I DID also see whey & soy protein.  Everything seemed ok in carbs, ranging from 2 to 8 grams (is that ok??  I don't even know what's "acceptable").

So, my bariatric buddies - what should a WLS person look for on the label of a protein supplement?

First ...you want good bioavailablility (protein already broken down to more easily absorb and utilize it). so the Whey Isolates are a good choice, stay in the lowest carb content possible. People are probably tired of hearing me say this, but I really like Unjury brand (unjury.com) It is a medical grade very bioavailable and tastes good to most. Not tooo expensive, but a very good choice. They sell sample packets from the website if you want to try before you buy too much.

I recently read an article on the protein bullets which are very popular among wls patients, that they are nearly useless for us. They are not easily absorbable, it is not broken down for our special needs, so we get nearly no protein from those.
One thing to also keep in mind is that: as it is we only absorb about half of our protein we take in, so it is important that our sources are easily absorbed by our pouches. And that we focus strongly on the protein portion of our meals. 2:1 ratio is a good rule of thumb when you are able to eat a bit more. (2 bites protein to 1 bite of side dish). Early on make protein the primary focus, but still include other foods.

Hope this helped you and didn't further confuse you!
Hugs!

I am trying to get most of my protein in from real foods.  Taste better than some of the proteins that I have tried.  It is possible, creative uses for powdered milk powder, occassional use of protein powders to supplement lower protein foods. 

I did see a recipe on the unjury site today that sounds good, using the chicken soup flavor protein into instant potatoes.  On my list of things to try.

I also have gotten used to getting in greek yogurt most days, high protein, low carb yogurt.  Looks ans tastes a lot like sour cream when plain.  The plain kind is easily flavored with jello powder(sugarfree of course), sugarfree jelly, fresh fruit, refried beans, squash.  The possibilities are endless.

For the protein supplements, go for the lowest carb content possible.  Order several sample size servings to try after surgery for the taste test, then order a larger tub or two of your favorites.

Hugs, Kathy

Thank you both for your input.  I have sent for samples from a couple of companies (my Chike arrived today), I'll check out the Unjury site as well.

Kathy - I guess I have a fear of using primarily food as a protein source because I'm afraid of slowing weight loss.  (Surgery is still about 4 months away, but trying to learn all I can now!)  Have you noticed if relying less on protein supplements affects your weight loss efforts?

It should not affect the loss at all, as long as you get in enough.  Food is the best source, but the supplements are nice to get in any extra protein you may need. Early out, you will not be able to get enough protein from food alone. As your intake increases, it will get easier to do so. Keep the food sources nice and lean.
Did you guys know mushrroms have protein in them>?  Learn something new everyday

I am just past the initial phase of all protein shakes and no food!  Here's what I learned:  skip all the fancy (and more expensive) protein shakes from GNC and other places and just go get the 15-can pack of SlimFast Low Carb shakes (20 grams of protein per can, 2 grams of carb).  I get mine at Sam's Club. They taste fine, are less expensive, and takes the worry out of trying to decide which one!  The dietician at my surgery center said SlimFast is just as nutritious as the other products out there. And, it urns out, you're past the stage of needing 3 shakes/day before you know it.  I have two huge jugs of a protein powder I bought, thinking I would be on protein shakes forever.  Not.  Once you are able to comsume an adequate amount of protein from real food during your three meals, you won't need the protein shakes anymore...maybe one /day in addition to food.  Anyway, just my expereince with the protein shake phase.  Good luck, and congratulations on a success surgery.  Cindy H.