Question:
Are protein shakes keeping me from losing weight?

My doctor told me that it's the protein shakes that are keeping me from losing weight and that I don't need them. So he wants me to stop taking it and just eat right and take my vitamins and calcium. All this time I've been advised to up my protein intake and all along it's been keeping me from losing. Is this true???    — Rebe W. (posted on August 20, 2002)

August 19, 2002
Dear Rebe: No one here is an expert, we offer advice,but the bottom line, in my humble opinion, is that you need to do what your surgeon feels is best for you. You don't say HOW you are mixing your protein drinks.. are you using a powder? Mixing with water? Or are you 'building' drinks using a blender and adding fruit, or peanut butter or using milk? Most protein drinks are designed for body builders and are not as low in calories as would be best for most of us who have had WLS, and becuase liquid will move so easily through your redesigned system, of course there is a chance that they are keeping you on a plateau. Again this is all conjecture, but I know that I do what my doctor says. There's no way for any of us to qualify if his words are 'true' as we are all different. I wish you the best of luck. God bless! ~Peace
   — Joscelin

August 20, 2002
Rebe, it's hard to respond to your question without more information about what type of protein shakes you're using and how you're mixing them up. In your case, your doctor could be right, but without more info, it's hard to say. However, I've noticed there are a lot of bariatric surgeons out there who don't like protein shakes, period, and actively discourage their patients from using them. It's interesting how they support the pouch as way of tackling weight loss and maintenance, but so many of them can't be bothered with educating themselves (and us) on less extreme measures to help us along, such as the use of protein shakes. Many docs know nothing about protein shakes except brands such as Carnation Instant Breakfast, Ensure, and Boost, none of which are impressive sources of protein (and some just jam you up with sugar and carbs out of proportion to their puny protein values). But some other protein shakes and drinks are so much better. I'd listen to your doctor if you have a full understanding of why he recommends against the shakes, but if he's one of those guys who just has a knee-jerk reaction to them, I'd post again with more info about exactly what you're using and ask a lot more questions before I'd give them up totally!
   — Suzy C.

August 20, 2002
Now I don't know that much, as I am still a pre-op, but your doctor may be like mine. My surgeon wants us on Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) for the first 6 weeks only. When we're on regular food he wants us to get our protein from the food to keep the weight coming off. Also, when I see the suggestion on these boards to "up your protein" I'm thinking the person knows to up the protein in whatever form they are getting it. If I'm supposed to be on regular food and someone says "up your protein" I'm gonna think to "up the protein" in the food I'm eating, not add protein shakes if I'm not supposed to be on them now. Just a thought. Good luck!
   — thumpiez

August 20, 2002
I stopped taking the protein drink after a few weeks because from looking at the nutritional label on the back it seemed to be a poor source of protein when you consider the calories taken in. I was using Carnation instant breakfast and I noticed that there was only 4g of protein in the mix yet about 200 calories per glass, when mixed with milk. most of the protein came from the milk, not the mix. I just felt that I didn't want to "waste" 20% of my daily calories on a drink. I hope I'm not giving you bad advice but that's what I've done and I'm doing well so far. - Mike
   — Michael N.

August 20, 2002
I agree with the other posters, make sure that you are using a protein shake the makes sense. Something like carnation instant breakfast has way too many calories in it. Like I tell everyone..my doc always says you can drink yourself fat! I use a protein shake that is VERY low in carbs and HIGH in protein (55g in 12oz serving). If your labs are coming out ok then you do not have to worry. I always say follow your surgeon and they are all different, mine however wants everyone on protein shakes for the first year. I am not a good girl and drink them all the time tho like some others do :)
   — smedley200

August 20, 2002
My surgeon is one of the ones who recommends avoiding shakes. He wants me to eat a healthy prepared protein usually in the form of baked/broiled chicken or fish. He wants me to be careful with beef and pork as they are harder to chew up well enough. I've never used any mixes or shakes. I just eat the meat first and eat 6 small meals a day where sometimes a meal is nothing but a few bites of grilled chicken. I'm feeling wonderful, the hair loss wasn't too bad and has returned. I'm at an ideal weight for 4'11"- I now weigh 117 lbs. down from 252, in just 15 months. Good luck
   — Teri D.

August 20, 2002
It seems that what your doctor considers a protein shake is not what we Protein Pervs consider one. Ours have 2-3 grams carbs per serving and 25-34 grams of protein, depending on brand. I found the Carnation WAY too high in carbs (may as well head out to McD's and get a shake there). You might contact Vitalady for more info/products. My problem with getting my protein in just with food was that I had to eat too much food - it sometimes got stuck and I through up. Shakes slide right down.
   — Marti R.

August 20, 2002
Perhaps the doctor is concerned with calories. If you are eating three meals, two snacks (or up to five meals a day) and the protein drinks are in addition to this, then perhaps he is thinking you are getting too many calories. My doctor's nutitionist also discourages protein drinks after a year and want's me to count my protein after six months and when I start consistently meeting 50+ grams, I can stop taking them. Not sure if I will or not though. I like the drinks and having the additional protein.
   — Lisa N M.