How do you get your protien?

Some folks prefer protein drinks. Some prefer protein supplements. Some prefer to just 'eat' their protein. What's your preference and what do you consume?

When I first had my surgery through DukeWLS, I had no choice but to consume protein drinks for 3.5 weeks. UGH!!! I honestly think if I ever see another BOOST or ENSURE I just might launch it at someone. I honestly, have tried a number of 'mixes', but never found one that I much liked.

I prefer to 'eat' my protein and find that if I follow the rule of eating my protein first, I can routinely get in at least 60 milligrams of protein a day.  Shrimp and seafood as a whole have always been an easy go to for me. Poultry was a little more hit and miss at first, but now that I'm nearly two years out, I can eat any meat and/or hard boiled eggs without any problem at all. The other easy go to item was and has been beans. Beans of all sorts. A a really safe bet when I'm out and about is Wendy's chili. If I'm at dinner or lunch and I'm out, I'll often select a spinach salad with grilled shrimp or chicken.

Milk is another easy go to, as is yogurt and cheese... I just have to keep an eye on the fat content and if I'm not careful lactose intolerance can raise it's head.

Sooooo... What do you like to eat to get in your protein?

I just had the RNY on 4/13/09 so I am only on full liquids at this time.  I have quite a time trying to get protein in each day.  They are the dreaded beverages!!  I either drink Isopure (best flavors are Blue Raspberry and Orange Pineapple Banana) which is 50grams of protein but this can be almost $4.00 a bottle so I've tried to find things that aren't as costly.  I have bought a tub of Syntrax Nectar Whey Protein Isolate (Vanilla Bean Torte/Vitamin Shoppe).  It is powder and has
23grams of protein per scoop.  I add it to 2% milk which adds about 8 grams more of protein.  This is getting boring already so I am experimenting with "add-ins" now for different flavor.  I have added sugar-free vanilla flavoring, sugar-free choc syrup and some crystal lite.  I have also bought some shake samples from Chike.com you can get 6 samples for $3.00 and if you like them, you can order larger sizes.  So far, I like the Orange Creamsicle  and Banana the best but I will tell you all flavors are really good! I have bought the vials/tubes of protein but I have been unable to tolerate them as they are so sweet I can't get them down!  I am really looking forward to eating more food and getting my protein in that way.  Right now, most I have had is farina, yogurt, mashed potatoes, refried beans and low-fat cream soups. 

Not to be 'flip' or dismissive about the cost of the Isopure, but just think how much most of your 'meals' before WLS cost and you'll probably find that you are still ahead of the game. I know that the liquid part of the diet is difficult, but this too shall pass and become a dim memory.

Congratulations on your new venture.

Wishing you all the best,

 

yes you are correct when you look at like that. It is cheaper than a meal anywhere! 

Money's just a little tight in my household right now and I'm always looking for a way to save....anywhere I can.  

I'm 14 months post-op and I prefer to drink my protein - I have found several shakes that work really well for me. I enjoy them a lot, and I feel good when I drink them. I'm still having issues with food (and an ulcer), so shakes and protein supplements feel "safe" for me.

Edited to add my protein choices: Isopure Blue Rapsberry and Isopure Grape Frost.
I also LOVE 1/2 scoop IDS Vanilla Cinnamon with 1/2 scoop Champion Pure Whey Stack Chocolate mixed with 4-5 ounces of ho****er (around 150 degrees - going over 159 degrees will curdle the protein). I also like the Champion Pure Whey Stack Cocoa Mochaccino - I do this one hot too, but only about 3 ounces of ho****er. Then I like the good old Champion Pure Whey STack Chocloate - but I have to add a sugar free syrup to this, like Toasted Marshmallow - and it tastes like a yummy hot chocolate...though I have to use about 6-8 ounces for the chocolate (yes, ho****er).

Hi Annie,

I'm glad to hear that the protien drinks work for you and appreciate your recipes ... I'll have to give some of them a try... Be sure to check with your nut about working in some 'real' foods as well... It will be important in the long term.

Wishing you continued success,

I find that the shakes have always made me feel sick to my stomach.  so as soon as I got to a point where I could go it with food alone I went for it.  I do a lot of lowfat cottage cheese (14 grams of protein for 1/2 cup with a little sugar free preserves yummy yummy), lots of skim milk, and I find that I can tolerate chicken if it is cooked properly, I also do a lot of tuna fish.  So far my pouch and I get along very well and it hasn't been to finicky on me. The one and only time I have thrown up since surgery was when I tried jerky that was way too spicy and way to tough.  But I find that Wal-mart's great value brand works just fine.  I also do soy nuts which are pretty high, i think it's like 8gm of protein for 1/4 cup.  And like Barbara I do lots of low fat cheese and stuff.  So far so good.  Now I just got to start getting more veggies and fruits.  So far I've tried lettuce, applesauce, grapes, bananas, peas, and I think that's about it.
Becca

Hi Becca,

Sounds like you are doing a great job and the fruits and vegi's will come with time. As you know, pushing the protien is the most important thing right now and as the swelling goes down and you have more room, you'll be able to expand the complex carbs.

Keep up the good work.

I was banded on the 21st of April.  I just moved onto my pureed diet, and am trying to add protein wherever I can.  I'm defiently having some trouble remembering though.  I like to make my own protein shakes, but I also like to add protein powder to my yogurt, and oatmeal.  It's yummy.  kinda